Safeguarding
Safeguarding is everyone’s business. Getting involved could save a child, young person or vulnerable adult from harm.
Unexplained bruises, marks, burns, bald patches or broken bones.
Fearful, emotional or knowledgeable/ thoughts about sexual behaviour beyond age
More clingy, quiet, or changes in mood or appetite.
Unexplained loss of money, incidences of theft, change in mood or behaviour.
Fearful or afraid to ask questions. Reliant or resisting specific people.
Disclosure of abuse
If a child, young person or vulnerable adult tells you about harm or abuse being done to them, you must tell child and family services immediately, whilst maintaining full confidentiality, (not even for prayer purposes)
Tell the child, young person or vulnerable adult that you believe them and that they have been brave in telling you. Do not promise to keep their secret any longer. Explain to them that you have a duty to report the harm or abuse.
If a child, young person or vulnerable adult has questions you are not able to answer, repeat that they have done the right thing.
When speaking about harm or abuse done to a child, young person or vulnerable adult, it is better to say the person who committed the offence was wrong.
Change in the behaviour, either in a child, young person or vulnerable adult is a warning sign something may be wrong.
Change in the behaviour of a person in a trusted position may also be a warning sign, especially if this change enables them to engage with a child, young person or vulnerable adult in greater capacity or more often.
If you suspect abuse, harm or neglect towards a child, young person or vulnerable adult, you must inform child and family services. In the event you witness an assault, call the police immediately.
For more detailed guidance, see https://www.mosac.net/