Introduction
Youth Empowering Services CIC is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for children and young people. We recognise that many young people, particularly those affected by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma, may face additional vulnerabilities. This Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy outlines the procedures to keep children and young people safe from harm, abuse, and exploitation, integrating a trauma-informed and ACEs-informed approach to safeguard their well-being.
Policy Statement
Youth Empowering Services CIC is committed to prioritising the safety, dignity, and empowerment of all children and young people. We aim to provide a secure and respectful environment that promotes healing and growth, acknowledging the impact of ACEs and trauma on children and young people’s behaviour, trust, and relationships. This policy reflects our commitment to trauma-informed care and ensures that all staff, volunteers, and partners adhere to safeguarding procedures that promote the safety of all young people, especially those who may have experienced trauma or ACEs.
Understanding Trauma-Informed and ACEs-Informed Approaches
- Trauma-Informed Practice: This approach involves understanding, recognising, and responding to the effects of trauma in a way that enhances the safety, support, and empowerment of children and young people. It ensures that staff avoid retraumatising young people and take steps to create environments that promote safety, trust, and resilience.
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): ACEs are stressful or traumatic events that can have a lasting impact on a child’s mental, physical, and emotional health. These may include abuse, neglect, household dysfunction, or exposure to violence. We acknowledge that many young people we work with may have experienced these ACEs, and our approach must be informed by these experiences.
Principles of Safeguarding and Child Protection
Our approach to safeguarding is based on the following principles:
- Safety and Support: We provide a safe space where children and young people feel empowered, heard, and respected.
- Trust and Relationship Building: Recognising that trauma can impact the ability to trust, we build relationships based on consistency, respect, and empathy.
- Cultural Sensitivity: We understand that the impact of trauma and ACEs may be shaped by the child’s background, culture, and experiences. We promote a culturally sensitive approach in all our work.
- Non-Discriminatory: We are committed to providing services without discrimination based on race, gender, disability, socio-economic background, or any other factor.
- Collaboration and Multi-Agency Approach: Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We collaborate with schools, healthcare providers, and other support services to ensure that children and young people are supported holistically.
Definitions of Harm, Abuse, and Exploitation
In the context of trauma and ACEs, harm and abuse may present in various ways:
- Physical Abuse: Inflicting physical injury on a child, whether deliberate or through neglect (e.g., exposure to violence).
- Sexual Abuse: Inappropriate sexual behaviour or exploitation, including grooming and exploitation.
- Emotional Abuse: Actions that affect a child’s emotional well-being, such as constant criticism, rejection, or verbal abuse. Trauma-informed practice recognises that emotional abuse may often be hidden and manifests in challenges with emotional regulation and trust.
- Neglect: Failure to meet a child’s basic needs, which may exacerbate the effects of past trauma or ACEs.
- Exploitation: Using a child or young person for personal, economic, or sexual gain. This includes online exploitation and grooming.
Safeguarding Responsibilities
All staff, volunteers, and partners have an obligation to safeguard children and young people. The roles and responsibilities are as follows:
- Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): The DSL is responsible for overseeing safeguarding concerns, ensuring the safety of children and young people, and guiding staff and volunteers through trauma-sensitive practices. The DSL will provide regular training on trauma-informed and ACEs-informed approaches.
- All Staff and Volunteers: All members of staff and volunteers must adhere to safeguarding procedures and be aware of the potential impact of trauma and ACEs on young people’s behaviour and emotional responses. Staff must recognise the signs of trauma and abuse and act appropriately to prevent further harm, always using a trauma-sensitive approach to interactions and interventions.
Procedures for Responding to Safeguarding Concerns
When a safeguarding concern arises, the following procedures must be followed:
- Listen with Empathy: If a child or young person discloses a concern or abuse, listen without interruption, acknowledging their feelings. Use a calm, non-judgmental tone and be mindful of their emotional state, especially if they have experienced trauma or ACEs.
- Reassure and Support: Reassure the child that they are safe and that they have done the right thing by speaking out. Be mindful not to promise confidentiality, as safeguarding concerns must be shared with appropriate authorities.
- Report: Any safeguarding concern must be immediately reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or an appropriate authority. We will follow procedures set out by local safeguarding authorities and relevant laws to protect the child or young person.
- Document: All concerns and actions taken must be documented accurately and promptly. Documentation must be factual and include the child’s own words where applicable.
- Trauma-Sensitive Support: Following a disclosure or concern, the child will receive trauma-sensitive support that takes into account their specific emotional and psychological needs, ensuring they are not retraumatised during the process.
Preventative Measures
We aim to prevent harm by promoting a culture of safety and respect. This includes:
- Staff Training: All staff and volunteers will receive training on trauma-informed care and ACEs, enabling them to recognise the signs of trauma and respond appropriately.
- Creating Safe Spaces: Our services are designed to be safe, supportive, and non-threatening. We aim to create environments that foster trust, security, and emotional healing.
- Promoting Resilience: We work with children and young people to help build their resilience through empowerment, skill-building, and relationship-building.
Confidentiality and Information Sharing
We are committed to maintaining confidentiality while also recognising that the protection of children and young people is paramount. Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis and in accordance with legal requirements and safeguarding protocols.
Monitoring and Review
This policy will be regularly reviewed to ensure that it remains relevant and effective in protecting children and young people. Feedback from staff, children, and families will be sought to ensure that trauma-informed practices continue to meet the needs of the young people we work with.
Conclusion
Youth Empowering Services CIC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. By integrating trauma-informed and ACEs-informed approaches into our safeguarding practices, we aim to provide the highest level of protection, support, and empowerment to those who need it most.
Signed by:
Chelsea Rutherford
Director/ Designated Safeguarding Lead
Youth Empowering Services CIC
24/12/2024
