When and how should you report child abuse?
PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
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When a disclosure/report has been made, record the factual details in the words of the child/adult
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Report to appropriate person/line manager, as soon as reasonably possible, within 24 hours
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In collaboration with manager, complete the incident reporting form
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Decision made regarding reporting to police/DCPFS
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Staff member and manager report to police/DCPFS within the same 24 hours, where possible
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Document the discussion that was had with DCPFS/police
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Ensure that support/debriefing given to staff member
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Line managers advise exec manager/ED of report, without delay (within 24 hours)
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Act accordingly following information/advice of police/DCPFS, once they have intervened (working in partnership/collaboratively with all agencies and family, where possible)
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All media enquiries to be referred to appropriate person
PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING HISTORICAL ABUSE
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Reporting to the police within 24 hours of disclosure
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Person disclosing is encouraged to report to police too
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Agency reports to DCPFS is perpetrator is still in contact with children
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Duty of care to the victim:
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refer to counselling
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invite to consider
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Worker to investigate if they suspect that the perpetrator is still in contact with children
ALLEGATIONS AGAINST A STAFF MEMBER OR VOLUNTEER
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Report as per policy to police
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Safety and wellbeing of child is paramount
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Consult with HR
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Instant notification to CEO
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Timeframes (reporting within 24hrs of allegation)
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Internal reporting procedures
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Appropriate communication to staff or volunteer, support, communicate with the team
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Arrangements for the child or children
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Arrangements for the staff member of volunteer
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All done in consultation with management or ED
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Internal investigation and outcome actions
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Review and recommendations. Review policies and procedures
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Documentation
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Providing info where alleged perpetrator can get external support and legal advice