Internal Enquiries and Suspension
|
|
Bristol Films will make an immediate decision about whether any individual accused of abuse should be temporarily suspended from involvement with the project, pending further police and social services inquiries.
|
|
|
Irrespective of the findings of the social services or police inquiries the Bristol Films management will assess all individual cases to decide whether a volunteer can be reinstated and how this can be sensitively handled. This may be a difficult decision; particularly where there is insufficient evidence to uphold any action by the police. In such cases, the management must reach a decision based upon the available information which could suggest that on a balance of probability; it is more likely than not that the allegation is true. The welfare of the child should remain of paramount importance throughout.
|
Support to deal with the aftermath of abuse:
|
|
Consideration should be given to the kind of support that children, parents and members of staff may need. Use of helplines, support groups and open meetings will maintain an open culture and help the process.
|
|
|
Consideration should be given to what kind of support may be appropriate for the alleged perpetrator.
|
4. Information for social services or the police about suspected abuse:
To ensure that this information is as helpful as possible, a detailed record should always be made at the time of the disclosure/concern, which should include the following:
|
|
The child's name, age and date of birth of the child.
|
|
|
The child's home address and telephone number.
|
|
|
Whether or not the person making the report is expressing their own concerns or those of someone else.
|
|
|
The nature of the allegation. Include dates, times, any special factors and other relevant information.
|
|
|
Make a clear distinction between what is fact, opinion or hearsay.
|
|
|
A description of any visible bruising or other injuries. Also any indirect signs, such as behavioural changes.
|
|
|
Details of witnesses to the incidents.
|
|
|
The child’s account, if it can be given, of what has happened and how any bruising or other injuries occurred.
|
|
|
Have the parents been contacted?
|
|
|
If so what has been said?
|
|
|
Has anyone else been consulted? If so record details.
|
|
|
If the child was not the person who reported the incident, has the child been spoken to? If so what was said?
|
|
|
Has anyone been alleged to be the abuser? Record details.
|
|
|
Where possible referral to the police or social services should be confirmed in writing within 24 hours and the name of the contact who took the referral should be recorded.
|
If you are worried about sharing concerns about abuse with a senior colleague, you can contact social services or the police direct, or the NSPCC Child Protection Helpline on 0808 800 5000, or Childline on 0800 1111.
