{{org_field_logo}}

{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

---

Safeguarding Children from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} is committed to protecting children and young people from abuse, neglect, and improper treatment. Safeguarding is a fundamental part of our care provision, and we adopt a zero-tolerance approach to any form of harm or exploitation. This policy outlines our legal obligations, staff responsibilities, reporting procedures, and proactive safeguarding measures to ensure compliance with CIW regulations and national safeguarding legislation.

This policy aligns with:

• The Children Act 1989 and 2004 – Establishes the legal framework for safeguarding children and promoting their welfare.
• The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 – Places a duty on care providers to prevent and protect children from abuse.
• The Wales Safeguarding Procedures (2019) – Provides statutory guidance on responding to safeguarding concerns.
• The Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 – Mandates safeguarding responsibilities for regulated care providers【32】.
• Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) Regulations – Requires social care providers to implement robust safeguarding frameworks【35】.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All employees, volunteers, and agency staff working with or coming into contact with children.
• Children and young people under the age of 18 who may receive services or be impacted by care delivery.
• Family members, guardians, and external agencies involved in a child’s care.

It covers:

• Understanding types of abuse and neglect.
• Legal and regulatory responsibilities.
• Recognising signs of abuse.
• Reporting procedures and escalation protocols.
• Preventative safeguarding measures.
• Staff training and competency.

3. Understanding Child Abuse and Neglect

3.1 Definition of Safeguarding

Safeguarding refers to protecting children from abuse, ensuring their well-being, and creating safe environments where they can thrive.

3.2 Types of Child Abuse

Abuse may take many forms, including:

• Physical abuse – Hitting, shaking, burning, or inflicting harm.
• Emotional abuse – Bullying, humiliation, threats, or making a child feel worthless.
• Sexual abuse – Engaging a child in sexual activities, grooming, or exposure to inappropriate materials.
• Neglect – Failing to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, supervision, or medical care.
• Exploitation – Forcing or coercing a child into activities for personal gain, such as criminal activity or trafficking.

4. Legal and Regulatory Responsibilities

4.1 Duty of Care Under Welsh Safeguarding Laws

{{org_field_name}} has a legal and ethical duty to:

• Take action to prevent harm to children in contact with our service.
• Report safeguarding concerns to local authorities and the police if necessary.
• Provide a safe and secure environment for children accessing our services.

4.2 Multi-Agency Collaboration

We work in partnership with:

• Local Authority Safeguarding Teams – {{org_field_local_authority_information_link}}.
• CIW (Care Inspectorate Wales) – Regulatory oversight and compliance monitoring.
• The Police and Child Protection Services – Investigating allegations of harm.

5. Recognising Signs of Child Abuse

All staff must be vigilant and proactive in identifying safeguarding risks. Signs of abuse may include:

5.1 Physical Signs

• Unexplained bruises, burns, fractures, or cuts.
• Frequent injuries with vague explanations.
• Signs of malnutrition, poor hygiene, or inadequate clothing.

5.2 Emotional and Behavioural Signs

• Sudden changes in behaviour (withdrawal, aggression, extreme fear).
• Anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem.
• Reluctance to go home or avoidance of certain individuals.

5.3 Sexual Abuse Indicators

• Knowledge of sexual behaviour inappropriate for age.
• Fear of changing clothes in front of others.
• Unexplained sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy.

5.4 Neglect and Exploitation

• Lack of supervision or being left in unsafe environments.
• Constant hunger, fatigue, or untreated medical conditions.
• Being left alone for long periods without support.

6. Reporting and Escalation Procedures

6.1 Immediate Actions if Abuse is Suspected

• If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.
• Report concerns immediately to the Safeguarding Lead:
  📌 Safeguarding Lead: {{org_field_safeguarding_lead_name}} ({{org_field_safeguarding_lead_role}}).
• Do not question the child excessively – Reassure them and record their statements accurately.

6.2 Internal Safeguarding Reporting Process

1. Complete a Safeguarding Concern Form and submit it to the Safeguarding Lead.
2. The Safeguarding Lead will assess the risk and decide on the next steps.
3. If required, concerns will be reported to the Local Authority Safeguarding Team.
4. Follow-up support will be provided to ensure the child’s safety and well-being.

6.3 External Reporting Contacts

• Local Authority Child Safeguarding Team: {{org_field_local_authority_information_link}}.
• Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW): https://www.careinspectorate.wales/.
• NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000.

7. Preventative Safeguarding Measures

To reduce the risk of abuse, we implement:

7.1 Safe Recruitment Practices

• Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks for all staff.
• Verification of employment history and professional references.
• Ongoing monitoring and supervision of staff working with children.

7.2 Creating a Safe Care Environment

• Children must always be treated with dignity and respect.
• Staff should never be alone with a child behind closed doors without supervision.
• Clear boundaries must be maintained in all interactions with children.

7.3 Educating Children and Families

• Encouraging open discussions about safety and personal boundaries.
• Providing information on recognising abuse and where to seek help.

8. Staff Training and Competency

• All staff must complete safeguarding training on induction.
• Annual refresher training includes:
  • Identifying and reporting abuse.
  • Managing disclosures sensitively.
  • Preventing radicalisation and exploitation.
• Safeguarding leads receive advanced training on risk assessment and legal frameworks.

9. Monitoring and Compliance

• The Registered Manager ensures compliance with CIW safeguarding standards【35】.
• Regular audits and case reviews are conducted to evaluate safeguarding effectiveness.
• Service user feedback is collected to ensure children feel safe and supported.
• CIW inspections assess safeguarding procedures during regulatory reviews.

10. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

• Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy (DCW13)【34】.
• Whistleblowing (Speaking Up) Policy (DCW29).
• Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy (DCW30).
• Confidentiality and Data Protection (GDPR) Policy (DCW34).

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required by legislative updates, CIW regulations, or operational needs.

---

Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.