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Frome Youth Choir “Young People First” Policy
Updated October 2008

 

What happens if you suspect abuse or an allegation is made?

The four main areas of abuse are:

  • Physical
  • Sexual
  • Emotional
  • Neglect

These may come to your notice in a number of different ways:

  • When a young person tells you something has happened
  • An adult or young person tells you about their concerns for another young person
  • You observe unexplained injury, or changes in behaviour, which cause you concern
  • You receive an allegation about any adult or about yourself or a committee member

 

If a young person tells you about abuse, it is because they see you as a 'safe' person. Listen to the young person. Take what you are told seriously. You will be helping to reassure and protect the young person.

When a young person speaks to you in confidence:

  • Listen carefully to what the young person is saying
  • Show you take them seriously
  • Avoid asking the child to repeat the information
  • Explain that you cannot keep what the young person tells you a secret
  • Reassure the young person that they have done the right thing
  • Make no judgement about what you have heard and stay calm
  • Make an immediate, careful record in writing of what has been said. Use the young person's actual words wherever possible
  • Record the incident in the Health & Safety log book

 

Frome Youth Choir procedure
 
If you suspect abuse, a young person confides in you, or a complaint is made about any adult or about yourself, it is your duty to report the concern.

If a young person tells you about abuse by someone else:

  1. Allow the young person to speak without interruption, accepting what is said.
  2. Offer immediate understanding and reassurance, while passing no judgement.
  3. Advise that you will try to offer support but that you must pass the information on.
  4. Immediately tell a Frome Youth Choir Committee Member or Chair of the Frome Youth Choir.
  5. Write careful notes of what was said; use actual words wherever possible.
  6. Sign, date and pass your notes to the Chair.

 

 

If you have a concern about a young person‘s safety and well being:

  • Immediately tell a Committee Member or the Chair
  • Write careful notes of what you witnessed, heard or was told
  • Sign, date and pass your notes to the Chair

 

If you receive a complaint or allegation about any adult or about yourself:

  • Immediately tell a Committee Member or the Chair
  • Write careful notes of what you witnessed, heard or was told
  • Sign, date and pass your notes to the Chair
  • Try to ensure no-one is placed in a position which could cause further compromise

 

No investigation or questioning is to be undertaken. We are not an investigation or intervention agency. Swift reporting will enable the correct authorities to give advice and take appropriate action.

 

Note: Volunteers or Committee Members have the right to report any concerns, or suspicions about another Member in confidence and free from harassment.

You MUST refer. You MUST NOT investigate.

Note: In an emergency (young person at imminent risk of significant harm) contact police or Children Social Care (Somerset Direct or Emergency Duty Team). Inform the Chair of the action you have taken.

 

Procedure to be followed by Chair of Frome Youth Choir

Committee Members need to be aware of the procedures that the Chair will follow.

All allegations or suspicion of abuse, no matter how insignificant they might seem to be or when they occur, must be referred to the Chair. Nothing must be withheld or filtered.

At all times the young person’s welfare should be paramount. A Committee Member or other adult will normally make the chair aware of concerns. If the Chair is implicated in any way the referral must be made direct to Children Social Care and the Secretary of the Frome Youth Choir informed.

 

All information must be conveyed immediately to the correct agency. Nothing must be withheld or filtered. These procedures must be followed as they enable us to fulfil our legal as well as our moral responsibilities.

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