Child Protection Policy

Fusion Theatre Child Protection Policy. Revised January 2012.

Contents:
1. Scope of the Policy 2. Policy Statement 3. Underpinning Principles 4. Awareness Of Abuse 5. Indicators Of Abuse 6. Responsibilities Within The Society 7. Reporting Procedures 8. Disclosure Of Abuse 9. Recording Of Information 10. What Happens After A Referral? 11. Rights & Confidentiality 12. Recruitment & Selection 13. Code Of Conduct 14. Useful Contact Numbers 15. Appendix

Fusion Theatre Child Protection Policy. Revised January 2012.

1. SCOPE OF THE POLICY

This Child Protection policy is intended to cover all functions of Fusion Theatre where adults may work with children directly or have contact indirectly through the course of their duties. It replaces the Fusion Theatre Child Protection Policy of 2003 and has been approved by the Fusion Theatre committee in June 2009 and revised in January 2012. The Policy applies to all persons who have contact with children within Fusion Theatre, this includes paid staff, unpaid volunteers, and all cast members over the age of 18 years. It is designed to provide a basic foundation under which more specific guidance may be developed to meet the needs of particular functions or circumstances. Children, for the purposes of these guidelines are defined as those under the age of 18 years.

2. POLICY STATEMENT
Fusion Theatre (The Society) recognises that the protection of children is something that must be a priority. The Society is fully committed to practise that promotes the welfare of children and protects them from harm. This Policy will set out the framework for this and ensure that the Society meets all its legal and moral responsibilities to children who are directly or indirectly involved in Fusion Theatre. The Society will endeavour to safeguard the young people in its care by: Adopting child protection guidelines through a code of conduct for staff, volunteers and adult cast members. Sharing information about child protection and good practice with children, parents, staff, volunteers and adult cast. Sharing information about concerns with relevant agencies and involving parents and children appropriately. Following carefully the procedures for recruitment and vetting of staff, volunteers and adult cast. Providing effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support and training. Ensuring safety procedures are adhered to. This Policy will be regularly monitored by the Executive Committee of the Society and will be subject to annual review. It should also be read in conjunction with the Societys Health and Safety Policy, Anti-Bullying Policy and Disciplinary Procedures. Signature.. (Chairperson). Date

Fusion Theatre Child Protection Policy. Revised January 2012.

3. UNDERPINNING PRINCIPLES
The Society recognises its duty of care under the Childrens Order 1995. In all childcare practice, the welfare of the child is the overriding consideration in any decisions about them. The Society believes that the childs welfare must remain paramount. Actions taken to protect a child must not in themselves be abusive by causing the child unnecessary distress or adding to any damage already suffered. Actions taken by Fusion Theatre will take account of the needs of the childrens physical, psychological, civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights. While the Childrens Order 1995 sets the framework of this Policy, the Order is complemented by other laws and guidance which taken together provide a comprehensive approach to child protection within Fusion Theatre. These include specifically: Child (Performances) Regulations 1968, Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007, The Disability and Discrimination Act 1995 (where possible the Society will take reasonable steps to change practices, policy and procedures to enable disable persons to overcome physical barriers), Data Protection Act 1998 and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Children have a right to be heard, to be listened to and to be taken seriously. Taking account of their age and understanding, they must be consulted and involved in all matters And decisions which may affect their lives. (Childrens (NI) Order, 1995)

Fusion Theatre recognises the importance of disclosures and suspicions of abuse. The Society will endeavour to ensure that the child has the opportunity to express their concern about what has happened to them. Parents, legal guardians, carers of children and the child involved in Fusion Theatre will be consulted and involved in matters which concern the child. The Society will work with all relevant agencies to ensure the welfare and safety of the child remains paramount. Fusion Theatre is registered with Access NI through the Umbrella Group YOUTH NET.

Fusion Theatre Child Protection Policy. Revised January 2012.

4. AWARENESS OF ABUSE
The Society recognises that abuse may take several forms and can occur within a variety of environments. Types of abuse and their commonly accepted definitions include: Neglect Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a childs physical, emotional and /or psychological needs, likely to result in significant harm. It may involve a parent or carer failing to provide adequate foods, shelter and clothing, failing to protect a child from physical harm or danger, failing to ensure access to appropriate medical care of treatment, lack of stimulation or lack of supervision. It may also include non-organic failure to thrive. Physical Abuse This is the deliberate physical injury to a child, or the wilful or neglectful failure to prevent physical injury or suffering. This may include hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating, confinement to a room or cot or inappropriately giving drugs to control behaviour. Emotional Abuse Emotional Abuse is the persistent emotional ill treatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the childs emotional development. It may involve conveying to children that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of the other person. It may involve causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of ill treatment of a child, though it may occur alone. Domestic violence, adult mental health problems and parental substance misuse may expose children to emotional abuse. Sexual Abuse Involves forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities. The activities may involve physical contact, including penetrative or non-penetrative acts. They may include non-contact activities such as involving children in looking at, or the production of pornographic material or watching sexual activities or encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways. Sexual activity involving a child who is capable of giving informed consent on the matter, while illegal, may not necessarily constitute sexual abuse as defined for the purposes of the Childrens order1995. Each case needs to be looked at individually.

Fusion Theatre Child Protection Policy. Revised January 2012.

Inappropriate Behaviour It is vital that all adults are able to recognise various types of inappropriate behaviour that can occur between an adult and child, such as: Petting or Fondling Inappropriate physical contact between and adult and a child Sexually explicit behaviour in games etc. Adults behaving suspiciously e.g. Watching children in changing areas/toilet when there is no obvious reason for their presence there Those who are spending an inordinately long time in changing areas/toilets Adults who have strayed into a area restricted for children only Those who are seen looking under/over cubicles Those who seem to have an interest in more than one cubicle Adults whose behaviour is causing distress to children Use of inappropriate language in the presence of children

Bullying Bullying by an adult or another child also constitutes a form of abuse. If unchecked, it can be profoundly damaging to the victim. Bullying will not be tolerated within Fusion Theatre and will be dealt with in accordance with Fusion Theatres Anti-Bullying Policy (see appendix).

Fusion Theatre Child Protection Policy. Revised January 2012.

5. Indicators of Abuse
Although it is important that all adults within the Society have some awareness of the signs of abuse and neglect, the Society is aware that abuse is not always easy to spot. Likewise, the Society recognises that the responsibility for investigating child abuse lies with the Social Services, the P.S.N.I., and the N.S.P.C.C., all of whom have the legal powers to investigate. While it is the responsibility of Fusion Theatre to provide a happy and safe environment and to have clear procedures to assist all adults in having an awareness of child abuse, any suspicions or concerns should be referred to the Designated Child Protection Officer of the Down Lisburn Trust or the P.S.N.I. When children are abused there are sometimes, but not always, some common indicators. These include: Unexplained or suspicious injuries such as bruising, cuts or burns, particularly if they are on part of the body not normally prone to such injuries An injury for which the explanation appears inconsistent The child describing what appears to be an abusive act involving themselves Concerns expressed by a third party about the child Unexplained changes in a childs behaviour over time e.g. becoming withdrawn or very quiet, attention seeking behaviours or sudden outbursts of temper. The child showing inappropriate sexual awareness or explicit behaviour in activities Distrust of adults particularly those with whom the child has previously had, or would normally be expected to have a close relationship Reluctance to participate in activities or to change clothes Loss of weight for no apparent reason The child is unable to make friends or inappropriate indiscriminate attachments Increasingly unkempt appearance The child is prevented from mixing with other children. This list is not meant to be complete, nor does the presence of one or more of these indicators prove that abuse is taking place. They are indicators that may arouse suspicions by adults within the Society. In the event of any concerns, procedures in the Policy should be followed and all suspicions reported to the Designated Child Protection Officer.

Fusion Theatre Child Protection Policy. Revised January 2012.

6. RESPONSIBILITIES WITHIN THE SOCIETY

6.1 Role of the Society At the outset of any production involving children the Society will: Undertake a risk assessment and monitor throughout the production process Identify at the outset the person with designated responsibility for child protection Engage in effective recruitment of chaperones and other individuals with responsibility for children. Information about the activities of Fusion Theatre will be openly displayed in public form. Seek to ensure that parents/guardians and other appropriate adults will have access to the child protection policy. The Society will ensure that information on child protection issues are available to all those who require the information. Some information is confidential however, and will only be shared on a need to know basis. Information regarding how, and with whom parents/guardians and children can share their concerns, complaints and anxieties on child protection issues will be openly displayed on the appointed notice boards and Society website. The society will appoint a Cast Coordinator (C.C.) whom will be responsible for the effective management of chaperones and ultimately for the care of children during the production process.

6.2 Role of the Designated Child Protection Officer In order for Fusion Theatre to provide protection for children in its care and to enable volunteers to provide a safe environment, the Society has identified a Designated Child Protection Officer. Specifically the role and responsibilities of the Designated Officer will include: Monitoring the implementation of the Societies Child Protection Policy and procedures (revised January 2012). To initiate appropriate vetting of all adults involved and potentially involved in the Society with Access NI through the umbrella group YOUTHNET. Raising and maintaining awareness of child protection matters in Fusion Theatre and to give advice on any relevant changes in legislation. To arrange for the participation of regular and appropriate training. Assisting with the development of additional and supplementary child protection procedures and the promotion of good practice. Fusion Theatre Child Protection Policy. Revised January 2012. 8

 To establish and maintain a relationship with Down Lisburn Trust, thus providing a link. To inform Social Services/P.S.N.I. within the appropriate trust area of any concerns regarding a child or children. To ensure that all referrals made by telephone are confirmed in writing and any relevant documentation is passed on. To ensure the safekeeping of any case material and to inform senior management of any allegations and developments.

6.3 Role of Staff, Volunteers and Adult Cast Members To know the forms that abuse might take and how to identify the signs and symptoms of abuse To know the procedures to be followed within the society when faced with a disclosure or a suspected case of child abuse and to take the appropriate action To know and follow the requirements on record keeping To follow guidance on standards of behaviour expected of them towards the young people in their charge To reflect on every aspect of contact with children and to ensure that their conduct is above reproach To work in partnership with parents and guardians and foster trust and good relationships.

6.4 Role of the Cast Co-Coordinator By law the chaperone is acting in loco parentis and should exercise the care, which a good parent might be reasonably expected to. Driven by Society guidelines therefore, the Cast Coordinator will ensure that children are supervised at all times with a minimum adult/child ratio: Away Trips 7 17years

10 children per Adult,

Minimum 2 adults preferably 1 of each gender*

Centre Based Activities 7-13 years 14-17 years

10 children per adult 15 children per adult

Minimum 2 adults preferably 1 of each gender*

*Note An adult may be an employee, carer, parent/guardian, volunteer or adult cast member. However, they must be vetted in accordance with the Societys Policy and vetting procedures.

Fusion Theatre Child Protection Policy. Revised January 2012.

A minimum of 2 adults refers to the occupied space where activities are taking place e.g. i) If separate activities are taking place in 1 room, 2 adults required ii) If separate activities are taking place in 3 separate rooms, 2 adults per room are required iii) If unsupervised contact is unavoidable, steps will be taken to minimize risk. E.g. work will be carried out in a designated area with a door open. A 1:1 situation behind closed doors will never occur. Disabled children may require a greater level of supervision. The required level will be determined after discussion with the disabled childs Parent(s)/ Guardian(s) and in relation to their individual needs.

Additional responsibilities of the C.C. include: Having access to contact numbers and any relevant medical information of all chaperones Having access to any relevant medical information of all children and contact numbers of the person with parental responsibility. Ensuring that all contact numbers and any relevant medical information will be stored in line with the Societys procedures regarding Data Protection and kept up to date at all times. It is the responsibility of the C.C. to ensure that a qualified First-Aider is available at all stages of the production process involving children. Maintaining a register of all children on the premises and ensuring all children are signed in/out accordingly. Ensuring all chaperones is kept up to date with any relevant information regarding the care of any children within their remit.

6.5 Role of the Chaperone

Potential Chaperones will be required to be vetted by the Society in line with current vetting procedures and must ensure they receive a copy of the Societys Child Protection Policy and Procedures. Where a Chaperone is not happy with the safety of a child or the conditions they will bring this to the attention of the C.C. If a Chaperone considers a child is unwell or too tired to continue the will inform the C.C. and not allow a child to continue. Children will be kept together at all times except when using separate changing rooms and toilet facilities. Chaperones will be aware of where children are at all times.

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 Ensure that children do not leave a designated area unless accompanied by an adult whom has been vetted by the Society or the person with parental responsibility. The Chaperone will ensure children are supervised at all times whilst going to/from toilets or any public area. The Chaperone will ensure no child will enter an adult dressing room at any time. Be aware of safety arrangements and the Designated First-Aider at each venue and ensure children do not place themselves or other people at risk of harm. Report and record all accidents in the Societys Accident Book. Accident Books should be checked each day. If an accident has occurred the Director/ Choreographer is not allowed to use that child until a medically qualified opinion has been obtained (not just the word of the child). Chaperones should be aware of collection arrangements of children. If someone different than the nominated person is collecting the child, a telephone call to the person with parental responsibility should be made to confirm arrangements. If a child has not been collected, it is the duty of the Chaperone to report this to the C.C. in order to have arrangements made for collection. The Chaperone must remain with the child until the child has been collected.

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7. REPORTING PROCEDURES
It is fundamentally important that if any person has a concern about a child protection issue, they speak to the Designated Child Protection Officer and follow the steps in the Policy Reporting Procedures. This will protect both the child and the adult passing on the concerns. The society recognises that it is not responsible in deciding whether or not abuse has taken place; rather it is responsible in reporting concerns to the relevant body. The following flow chart sets out the procedures within Fusion Theatre for reporting and concerns or suspicions of child abuses. In the event of a Designated Officer not being available the person with concerns should proceed to the next stage.

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Diagram: Reporting Procedures for Alleged Abuse

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8. DISCLOSURE OF ABUSE
Do Remain calm Listen carefully to what is being said. Only ask questions for clarification. Reassure child they did right thing in telling Advise on next step. Make it clear you will have to share the disclosure but will do so only on a need to know basis. Record ASAP what has been disclosed in as much detail as possible. Record exactly what was said use childs own words. Record date, time, whereabouts of disclosure and any names that were mentioned. Record any other persons who witnessed disclosure. Date and sign Record. Use first opportunity to share information with person with responsibility for Child Protection. Dont Panic. Ask leading questions (a question which will influence a person to give a particular answer). Dont promise to keep a secret.

9. RECORDING OF INFORMATION
All disclosures or concerns of child abuse will be recorded, irrelevant of whether they were shared with a statutory child protection agency or not.

Individual to Record Details of Disclosure (see 8. Disclosure of abuse). Details of any additional information e.g. days, dates times of observations/circumstances and description of indicators. Any other party that was advised about concerns/disclosures and advice given from whom/when etc. Details of all conversations with others e.g. volunteers, parents, social services etc. Reasons for referring/ not referring. Record should include factual, neutral language.

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Designated Officers Record-Keeping Open a Child Protection file for named child All Child Protection records to be kept in a locked cabinet by Designated Person. Minimum duration for retaining records until the young persons known/perceived 21st Birthday (proviso for longer if a complicated ongoing case. Retain records of all communications relating to individual child protection issues.

10. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A REFERRAL?

The Investigation of child abuse and neglect is governed by strict guidance that has been agreed with all statutory agencies involved with child protection. These can be found in the Eastern Area Child Protection Procedures (published by EHSSB, Linen hall Street, Belfast). In addition the P.S.N.I. and Social Services have agreed a joint protocol for the investigation of child abuse. This sets out in detail the steps to be taken in investigating any complaints of child abuse and neglect. In all investigations the welfare of the child is the paramount consideration. For this reason the statutory child protection agencies cannot give an undertaking that any information provided will remain confidential. However, the official policy is that those receiving such information should disclose it where the welfare of the child requires it and then only to those with a legitimate need to know. It is important to remember that referrals to the P.S.N.I. and Social Services may not involve all the steps outlined below particularly if the abuse occurs outside the family. Some of the steps taken by investigating agencies may include: Information gathering from a number of sources such as health visitors and teachers and a check of previous records about a family or child Joint decisions between the agencies about the information available, the content of the referral and how best to proceed in the light of available evidence. Advising or interviewing parents or carers and the child where appropriate. Making sure other children affected are safe and protected also. Conducting any medical examinations were this is deemed appropriate. Agreeing immediate next steps to protect a child. Conducting a multi-agency Case Conference which will look at how to best protect a child by devising a child protection plan and setting in place services and measures to protect the child and to support its family.

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11. RIGHTS & CONFIDENTIALITY

If a complaint if made against a member of the society he or she will be made aware of his rights under the societys disciplinary procedures. No matter how you may feel about the accusation, both the alleged abuser and the child who is thought to have been abused have the right to confidentiality under the Data Protection Act 1998. Remember also that any possible criminal investigation could be compromised through inappropriate information being released. In criminal law the Crown or other prosecuting authority has to prove guilt and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

12. RECRUITMENT & SELECTION

All staff, volunteers and adult cast members will be required to comply with the Societys vetting procedures before they can come into contact with children. All adults will to be vetted by Access N.I. under the umbrella group YOUTHNET. An Enhanced Disclosure will be made by YOUTHNET on behalf of the Society. In addition, any potential adult will be made aware of the societys Child Protection Policy and Procedures. Fusion Theatre will endeavour to provide Child Protection Training to all adults within the Society.

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13. CODE OF CONDUCT

It is essential that all adults working within Fusion Theatre have a clear understanding of what is expected of them when dealing with children. The society recognises that all children have the right to be listened to, to be taken seriously and to be believed. Furthermore, each child has the right to feel safe while in the Fusion Theatre environment. The society recognises it has a legal and moral responsibility to protect children through following its procedures and adhering to its Policy. Employees and volunteers should not spend excessive amounts of time alone with children away from others. Any contact with an individual child should take place as openly as possible. If privacy is needed for any reason, doors should be left open and other employees informed where possible. All adults are advised not to make unnecessary or inappropriate physical contact with children and young people. There may be occasions when physical contact is unavoidable such as providing comfort and reassurance to distressed children or physical support in the case of injuries or in dressing rooms. In all cases physical contact should only take place with the consent of the child or young person. It is not permissible to take a child alone in a car journey however short. However, where it is necessary and unavoidable to take a child alone in a car, this should be done with the full knowledge and consent of the parents and/or members of the committee. Adults will not meet with children outside organised activities or take a child to their home. When this is unavoidable, it should occur only with the consent of the person with parental responsibility or the Fusion Theatre Committee. A chaperone will also be required.

All Adults should never: Engage is sexually provocative or rough physical manner, including horseplay Use or allow children to use inappropriate behaviour or language unchallenged Allow or engage inappropriate touching of any form Make sexually suggestive comment to or about a child even in fun Let an allegation a child makes go without being recorded and addressed Do things of a personal nature for a child that they can do for themselves.

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14. USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS

Fusion Theatre Child Protection Committee: Designated Child Protection Officer: Laureen McNally 16 Greenburn Way, Moss Road, Lambeg BT27 4LT Ph. No. 07708066800

Deputy Child Protection Officers:

Joe Conlon Ph.No. 07703497504 Denise Moran Ph. No. 07835665820 Neill McGarry Ph.No. 07771660281

Down & Lisburn Trust

Duty Social Worker Ph 0300 1000 300 (Dunmurry and Greater Belfast), Stewartstown Road Health Centre, 212 Stewartstown Road, Dunmurry, Belfast BT17 Phone 028 90602705 ** (Weekends and after 5.00 pm) ** Emergency Duty Social Work Service Ph no 02890565444

P.S.N.I. Grosvenor Road Care Unit Belfast Ph no 08290650222

N.S.P.C.C. Child Protection Helpline 24 hour Ph No 08088005000

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19. APPENDIX
I. Child Protection Policy Incident Report Form II. III. Anti-Bullying Procedures Internal Disciplinary Procedures

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Appendix 1

Child Protection Incident Report Form

Area where incident is reported to have occurred _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ Time Incident Occurred______________________________________________________________________ Date/TimeReported_________________________________________________________________________ ChildsFullName____________________________________________________________________________ Childs age (and DOB, if known) _______________________________________________________________ Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Full Name_______________________________________________________________ Address__________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ Child or accompanying adults account of incident__________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ CONTINUE ON ADDITIONAL SHEET IF NECESSARY)

Signed _____________________________________________ Date_________________________________

(Please Complete Second Page)

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(Child Protection Incident Report Form Continued)

Re: Incident Date___________________________________________________________________________ Child Involved_____________________________________________________________________________

Witness(s) Full name________________________________________________________________________ Address__________________________________________________________________________________

Attached Witness Statement, if available

Description of any visible injuries to child _______________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ Any other relevant information_______________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________

Action taken _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ Adult attending incident ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ Position Held ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

Report completed by ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

Forwarded to Designated Child Protection Officer

Date _______________________________________

Received by Child Protection Officer _____________________________________________ Date_______________________________________

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