Safeguarding Procedures 3

Child Protection Procedures 3: What happens next?

Situation

Courses of action include:-

The young person is in immediate danger

Dial 999 and ask for the police

Someone attending the event has spoken or acted inappropriately towards a young person

Bearing in mind the young person’s reaction, as described by the observer, decide whether to:-

  • Tell the adult responsible for the young person at the time then take no further action.
  • Tell the adult responsible for the young person at the time and make a joint decision as to what to do next.
  • Tell the adult responsible for the young person at the time, and the Regional Safeguarding Officer.  If necessary, jointly make the decision to contact the NSPCC or the relevant Safeguarding and Child Protection authority, to ask for advice.

The young person is distressed by something or someone not connected with the event

Talk to the adult who is responsible for the young person, passing on the relevant information.  At that point the matter should be out of the Society’s hands, though there may be follow-up from relevant authorities.

Advice and guidance

You can contact your Regional Safeguarding Officer or the National Safeguarding Officer (contact details in Reverberations).

The NSPCC offers a Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or by emailing help@nspcc.org.uk.  Trained staff will talk through your concerns with you and give you expert advice. 

The relevant safeguarding and child protection authority will also give advice.  If you are not sure how to contact them, make initial contact with the NSPCC.

 

Section 4: Safeguarding and Child Protection Authorities