Produced by All Wales Area Child Protection Committees and funded by the Welsh Assembly

Caernarfon Swimming Club

The Procedures are a document setting out the procedures and process that follows either suspicion or allegations of either neglect or physical, emotional or sexual abuse against a child.

It sets out the minimum requirements from statutory agencies such as social services in response to any allegations and includes timescales for responses from them and others.

However, in the opening notes, it states that the procedures are for use by 'all those whose work involves contact with children and families' in the statutory sector (this means schools etc) and voluntary sector (as is the swimming club).

From the club's perspective, this means that if we suspected any child of having suffered any of the above, what would be expected of us as a response.

It also sets out how we should respond if we suspect any member of staff or adult involved in the club of abusing a child in our care.

OUR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

‘If any person has knowledge, concerns or suspicions that a child is suffering, has suffered or is likely to be at risk of harm, it is their responsibility to ensure that the concerns are referred to social services or the police, who have statutory duties to investigate and intervene when necessary’.

• Anyone who has concerns about a child’s or children’s welfare should write down their concerns, whether or not further action is taken.

• The person making a referral should seek advice about their concerns from colleagues, but this discussion should never delay emergency action to protect a child.

• A suspicion of abuse may take the form of ‘concerns’ rather than ‘known facts’.

• A referral to social services may not necessarily result in an investigation, but it may help build up a picture, along with concerns from other sources, which suggest that a child may be suffering harm.

If the behaviour of an adult towards children causes concern we must

• Not dismiss concerns.

• Not confront the person.

• Contact Social Services.

A referral to social services should include the following information:

• The reason for the concern.

• Full name, address and date of birth of the child.

• The name of the person with parental responsibility.

• The name of the child’s school and GP if possible.

• Any information involving the safety of staff.

Following a referral we would be expected to assist with enquiries and possibly write a report or attend a child protection conference.

ALLEGATIONS AGAINST STAFF

Allegations and suspicions of professional abuse should be referred to social services or the police.

• In all cases where abuse is alleged, the child’s parents/carer should be informed.

• The member of staff should be informed verbally and in writing. The allegations should not be discussed and questioning should be avoided.

• At the conclusion of the investigation, the member of staff should be given a written statement of the allegation, together with the conclusion of the investigation.

• If the member of staff is dissatisfied, they should be informed of a grievance procedure which may be applicable.

ABUSE BY CHILDREN

Abuse by children should be treated seriously and should always be subject to a referral.

Joanna Marston

08 Sept 2005

Contact numbers for agencies

Gwynedd Social Services

• ARFON Area Office, Penrallt, Caernarfon. Tel: (01286) 682646

• DWYFOR Area Office, Canolfan Frondeg, Pwllheli. Tel (01758) 704429

• MEIRIONNYDD Area Office, Y Lawnt, Dolgellau. Tel: (01341) 424539

• Out of Hours/ Emergency Telephone Number (01286) 675502

North Wales Police Telephone 0845 607 1001