What is Child Protection/Abuse?
Child Protection is philosophies, policies, standards, guidelines and procedures to protect children from both intentional and unintentional harm. In the current context, it applies particularly to the duty of organisations – and individuals associated with those organisations – towards children in their care.
According to the World Health Organisation, “child abuse” or “maltreatment” constitutes ‘all forms of physical and/or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect or negligent treatment or commercial or other exploitation, resulting in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power.’
Statement of Intent
BYC are fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people, by taking reasonable steps to protect them from neglect, physical, sexual or emotional harm. Paid staff and volunteers will, at all times show respect and understanding for the rights, safety and welfare of our members, and conduct ourselves in a way that reflects the principles of BYC procedures for MYPs/DMYPs.
There may be a time when you approach someone in BYC as a trusted adult to discuss your life inside or outside the organisation.
As an MYP/DMYP or PG rep you may disclose something about yourself or someone you know or make an allegation about someone. Whatever this may be, if you go to confide in a member of staff, they will be clear from the start that they cannot keep the information confidential if it is in relation to child abuse. They will explain that this is something that they will have to share with others so that they can help.
If you do wish to speak to someone you may talk to any member of BYC staff who are all here to help you, alternatively you may wish to speak to someone outside of the organisation. Please find phone numbers below who you may wish to call.
Help Organisations
Childline – 0800 1111 – www.childline.org.uk
This is a free helpline for children and young people in the UK. Children and young people can call Childline to talk about any problem – their counsellors are always here to help you sort it out.
Think you know – http://www.thinkyouknow.co.uk/
This is a website created to provide young people the space to share what you think is good and what is not, share your experiences of things that have gone wrong and show ways in which you can get yourselves out of bad situations online.
If you’d like more information on BYC’s Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy, please email: info@ukyouthparliament.org.uk or call 0845 2501 299.
