Working with Children and Adults at Risk
SAFEGUARDING
Good Practice Guidelines
IN LICHFIELD DIOCESE
USEFUL CONTACTS:
NSPCC
0808 800 5000, www.nspcc.org.uk
Stop It Now
0808 1000 900, www.stopitnow.org.uk
Childline
0800 1111
Minister and Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors
08088 010340, www.macsas.org.uk
Thirty One:Eight (formerly CCPAS)
PO Box 133, Swanley, Kent BR8 7UQ
0303 003 11 11, www.thirtyoneeight.org
Domestic Violence Support Refuge/Women’s Aid
www.womensaid.org.uk [email protected]
Samaritans
Counselling for those in despair or suicidal 116123, [email protected]
Victim Supportline
0808 168 9293 , www.victimsupport.org.uk
NAPAC – National Assoc. for People Abused in Childhood
0808 801 0331, www.napac.org.uk
National Domestic Violence Helpline
0808 2000 247
Elder Abuse Helpline
080 8808 8141
Family Lives Helpline
0808 800 2222
RESPECT Men’s Advice Line
0808 801 0327
If you need to contact your local Children’s Services Safeguarding team please check your local authority website.
Your church’s safeguarding co-ordinator:
Name: to be re-appointed
Tel: 01543 642187
WHAT TO DO IF... THINGS TO REMEMBER...
You have concerns about possible • Treat everyone with respect, setting a abuse (including allegations): positive example for others.
1. In an emergency, respond immediately. • Respect personal space and privacy.
2. Consult the person to whom you are • Ensure another adult is present or within responsible. sight or hearing of any activity.
3. Decide together whether to seek advice • Ensure any actions cannot be or to make an immediate referral. misinterpreted by someone else.
4. Keep a record of what happened, your • Challenge unacceptable behaviour.
concerns and your actions. • Do not put anyone, including yourself, in 5. Tell your minister and/or safeguarding a vulnerable or compromising situation. co-ordinator. • Do not have inappropriate physical or
6. Only tell others who need to know. verbal contact with others. • You must not keep allegations or suspected abuse secret.
A child, young person or adult wishes to disclose they have been abused:
1. Listen. Keep listening. Do not question
or investigate. Do not promise Promoting a Safer Church confidentiality; tell them we need to (CHP 2017) share this. Assure them they are not
to blame. The Parish Safeguarding Handbook
(CHP 2018)
2. Tell them what _you are going to do and that they will be told what happens.
3. Make careful notes of what is said, record dates, times, events and when you are told.
4. Report it to the person to whom you are responsible and your minister or safeguarding co-ordinator.
5. Only tell those who need to know.
6. If a child is in imminent danger report
to the Police or Social Service. www.lichfield.anglican.org/safeguarding
DIOCESAN SAFEGUARDING ADVISERS
Neil Spiring: Lead Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser Reg Social Worker (SWE 39995) T:01543 306147
Linda Clifford-Hayes Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser Registered Social Worker T:01543 622432
Kim Hodgkins Diocesan Safeguarding Officer T:01543 306099 E: [email protected]
For out of hours emergency support please call 0303 003 1111 (option 2). If a child or adult is injured or in immediate danger please call the police on 999. Should you require further information see the Lichfield Diocesan website: www.lichfield.anglican.org/safeguarding