Safeguarding Policy Contents 1. Introduction 2. Aims and principles 3. Purpose 4. Application and scope 5. Training 6. Safer Recruitment 7. Confidentiality 8. Health and Safety 9. Managing Safeguarding Concerns 10. Reporting your concerns 11. Making a Referral 12. Dealing with a disclosure 13. Record Keeping 14. Professional Allegations 15. Definitions of abuse and specific safeguarding issues 15.1 Child abuse 15.2 Child Exploitation 15.3 Extremism/ Radicalisation/PREVENT 15.4 Honour Based Violence 15.5 Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) 15.6 Forced Marriage 15.7 Modern Day Slavery Appendix 1. Safeguarding Concern Form Appendix 2: Adults Safeguarding Referral Form Appendix 3: MARU Referral Form Appendix 4: LADO Referral Form 1.Introduction This document should be read in conjunction with the following CRT policies: Health and Safety Safer Recruitment Recruitment of Ex-Offenders policy Confidentiality Whistleblowing Radicalization Anti-Harassment Anti-bullying Data Storage Recording Policy Equality and Diversity Professional Boundaries Allocation and Referral Data Protection Protection from Abuse 2. Aims and principles 2.1 •It is CRT’s policy that ALL children, young people and adults have a right to protection from all exploitation, neglect, physical, sexual, emotional and verbal abuse (see Section 15). CRT is committed to its responsibilities to safeguard the safety and welfare of all children, young people and adults with whom it works. 2.2 • It is CRT’s practice to be non-discriminatory, non-stigmatising and sensitive to race, culture, faith, gender, language, age, disability and sexual orientation. 2.3 •The welfare of the child is paramount and respect should be shown for a child’s rights, wishes and feelings. In all cases the parents, family and child must be treated with honesty, understanding and empathy. 2.4 •CRT aims to work in co-operation with parents concerning the welfare of their children and will discuss referrals made to Children, Young People and Families with the parent in advance, unless a child is in immediate physical danger or if there is any reason to believe that the parent has colluded in harming the child. 2.5 •Awareness of unacceptable behaviour towards children and adults by any individual, as well as more obvious abuse will also be considered as a matter of importance in the protection of children and adults. 2.6 All adult safeguarding work aims to prevent abuse from taking place, and to make enquiries quickly and effectively and take appropriate action where abuse is taking place or is suspected. Six key principles: •Empowerment People being supported and encouraged to make their own decisions and give informed consent. •Prevention It is better to take action before harm occurs. •Proportionality The least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented. •Protection Support and representation for those in greatest need. •Partnership Local solutions through services working with their communities. Communities have a part to play in preventing, detecting and reporting neglect and abuse. •Accountability and transparency in delivering safeguarding. These six principles will inform the ways in which staff work with adults. 3. Purpose This Policy sets out the key principles that all staff and volunteers of Cornwall Refuge Trust (CRT) must be complying with in their safeguarding of children, young people and adults at risk of harm and abuse. 4. Application and scope 4.1 •This policy applies to all employees and volunteers of CRT, including secondees into and out of the organisation, students, trainees, contractors, board members. 4.2 •For ease of reference all employees and workers should fall under these categories will be uniformly referred to as staff in this document. 4.3 • A child is defined as any person under the age of 18. The Safeguarding Policy relates to an adult who meets the following three key tests: •The adult has needs for care and support (whether or not the local authority is meeting any of those needs). •The adult is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect. (see Section 16) •As a result of their care and support needs, the adult is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of abuse or neglect. 5. Training 5.1 •CRT are committed to ensuring that all staff are effectively trained and expects them to be trained in child and adult safeguarding at a minimum of level 2 – to be updated every year. Level 3 safeguarding training is provided for those working directly with adults, young people and children. The training is delivered at face to face and refreshed annually (16 hours over 3 years). 5.2 •Higher levels of training will be determined by role functions and the responsibilities set out in job descriptions. 5.3 •All staff will also be required to complete training on Domestic Abuse, Child Sexual Exploitation, WRAP, FGM, Child Criminal Exploitation, Forced Marriage and Modern Slavery. 5.4 •Safeguarding will also be an integral and ongoing part of staff supervision, as will ensuring all training needs are updated. 6. Safer Recruitment 6.1 •Safeguarding children and adults from abuse is an integral part of the organisation’s recruitment process. (please see Safer Recruitment Policy). 6.2 •All staff and volunteers are required to provide 2 references before they are permitted to lone work within the Trust. An Enhanced DBS check will be required at the earliest opportunity and no lone working will be permitted until the DBS check has been received and found to be acceptable. (Refer to the Recruitment Policy and Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy) 6.3 A staff member of CRT will have a DBS undertaken if: •They are believed to have been involved in relevant conduct (I.e. been involved in an action or inaction that has harmed a child, young person or adult at risk of harm or put them at risk of harm •If they have received a caution or conviction for a relevant offence (I.e., involving automatic barring) •If three years has expired since their last DBS The DBS website has comprehensive information and guidance on DBS checks and referrals. 7. Confidentiality (Refer to Confidentiality Policy) 7.1 •Children and adults cannot be offered confidentiality concerning allegations of abuse and this must be made clear at time of disclosure. •All other information and discussions concerning children and adults will remain confidential within the team, or where additional support is needed by outside agencies information will be disclosed on a need to know basis. CRT is signed up to the Information Sharing Protocols with other key agencies. 8. Health and Safety (Refer to Health and Safety policy) 8.1 •Regular health and safety checks will be carried out by the Refuge Staff and the Health and Safety Officer to ensure that children and adults are protected from potential sources of physical harm as much as possible. 9. Managing Safeguarding Concerns •All procedures should follow the guidelines set out in South West Child Protection Procedures www.proceduresonline.com/swcpp/cornwall_scilly/ Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Safeguarding Children’s Partnership www.safechildren-cios.co.uk , Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Safeguarding Adults Board www.ciossafegaurding.org.uk 9.1 Refuge •When a referral is made for accommodation in the refuge involving a parent with children, the referral procedure must include information on Children, Young People and Family Social Care involvement, past or present (see Referral and Admissions policy). The member of staff taking the referral will then verify information and discuss the situation with other staff/management before the family is accepted. 9.2 •If a CRT staff member suspects that a child, young person or adult is at risk of harm and abuse then they must notify the Designated Safeguarding Lead immediately – this may also be their line manager 9.3 Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL) The DSL for CRT is the Trust Manager; Ellen Richards - 07824886388 However, each project has a senior manager that is also a Safeguarding Lead. Lead/Named Person Refuges; Bernie Tullin - 07855357097 For WAVES Counsellors/Assessors; Jo Stone - 07786615664 Out of hours: Bernie Tullin and Ellen Richards can be contacted on the same numbers. 10. Reporting your concerns 10.1 •Staff/volunteers should contact their project manager in the first instance who will discuss concerns with the Trust Manager. Senior Residential Manager, or WAVES Manager (depending on project). A decision will then be made about whether a referral needs to be made. 10.2 •Absences of the Trust Manager or Senior Management should not prevent a team member from making a referral if the child/adult is in imminent danger from significant harm. 10.3. •It is important that all members of staff with concerns about a particular child, young person or adult should discuss these concerns with the DSL and/and that any observations and information is passed on and noted. Staff should be told on a need to know basis and all information should be shared in line with CRT’s confidentiality policy and based on relevance and proportionality. •Staff must then complete the Safeguarding Concern Form (see appendix 1) and this must then be password protected and emailed using only work email to their line manager, who will be responsible for the safe storage of this document. 11. Making a Referral 11.1 Children and Young People Multi Agency Referral Unit (MARU) - 0300 1231116 Email: Multiagencyreferralunit@cornwall.gov.uk MARU Out of Office- 01208 251300 11.2 Contacting MARU (for advice or when making a referral) •Ensure you have as much factual information about the child/young person as possible when you phone, include; •Full Name •Date of Birth •Address •Family Composition •Any other professionals involved •Factual information about the concerns 11.3 Making a referral in writing •The OSCB website provides a copy of the interagency referral form for MARU. (see Appendix 2). this form should be completed and sent via secure email to MARU. A copy must also be kept and stored securely within CRT. https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/childrens-services/cornwall-and-isles-of-scilly-safeguarding-children-partnership/policies-procedures-and-referrals/ 11.4 CRT Procedure -Children •If there are concerns about a child’s welfare and that child is subject to a Child Protection Plan then the child’s social worker should be contacted as soon as possible •If the child is not subject to a Child Protection Plan and not at immediate risk of harm, MARU can be contacted for advice before referral, and if it is decided that further action is appropriate then a referral should be made to MARU by telephone, followed by a backup letter/email /agency referral form, within 24 hours. If the child is at immediate risk of harm then emergency services should be contacted followed by a referral to MARU. •If a child is leaving the refuge and returning to a known alleged abuser, MARU should be informed immediately. Social Services in the area of risk should also be informed immediately. •If a child with a Child Protection Plan moves to another area then the child’s allocated Social Worker should be informed as soon as possible. •If a resident child has a Child Protection Plan then careful consideration should be taken before they are left in the care of anyone other than the parent ensuring that the person is appropriate. Similarly, if a parent’s children have a Child Protection Plan then it may not be appropriate for them to care for another parent’s children. Each situation should be considered on its own merits and in consultation with the child’s allocated Social Worker. 11.5 Making a Referral - Adults Adult Access Team – 0300 1234 131 option 3 Out of hours - 01208 251300 Adult Safeguarding Triage Team – 01872 326433 Email: adultsafeguardingconcersn@cornwall.gov.uk 11.6 •All professionals must complete and interagency referral form (see Appendix 3) •https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/adult-social-care/safeguarding-adults/information-for-professionals/ •or you can email or call the Adults Safeguarding Service for advice. You will receive a written response to your referral. When a concern is reported to Adult Social Care, they will need the following information: •Is there an immediate or future risk? •What are the adult’s views? •Has consent been obtained? •When and where did the incident take place? •Who was involved? 12. Dealing with a disclosure 12.1 If an adult tells you they are being or have been abused. •Stay calm and listen •Be objective •Empathise •Take them seriously and offer support •Keep them safe if necessary •Make a written record of what you have been told, note the time and date • Preserve any evidence What not to do •Do not promise to keep secrets •Do not ask investigative questions or make judgmental comments •Do not use leading questions •Destroy any evidence •Do not confront the alleged abuser •Do not make decisions on your own 12.2 If a child makes a disclosure of abuse Do: •Listen Carefully to what the child is saying •Tell the child that you believe them •Tell the child that the abuse was not their fault •Let the child know that you will not be able to hold on to the information and who you will have to inform •Update the child around what is happening if appropriate Do Not: •Make promises you cannot keep; such as promising that you will not tell anyone •Push the child into giving details of the abuse; Your job is to listen to what the child wants to tell you not investigate •Ask direct questions to the child – this could be harmful to an investigation •Discuss what the child has told you with others who are not directly involved with helping the child •Tell them that everything will be ok – as this is not a promise you can keep 12.3 •In all cases staff must ensure that a written record of the incident or disclosure is made within 24 hours. All staff must record this using the CRT Safeguarding Concern Form (see appendix 1). Notes should be brief, accurate and objective. They should be written in ink (or printed), signed and dated. •Storage of sensitive information should be in line with the Data Storage Policy 13. Record Keeping 13.1 •Well-kept records are essential to safeguarding. CRT are clear about the need to record any concerns in regard to children, young people and adults, how these records are stored and when they should be shared. •If a staff member has a concern about a child, young person or adult, they must complete the CRT Safeguarding Concern Form (see Appendix 1). Once completed this form must then be sent electronically to Bernie Tullin (Refuge staff) or Jo Stone (Waves Staff). Staff will only send this via their work email and ensuring that it is password protected. 13.2 In our work with children and adults we recognise the importance of; •Keeping clear detailed up to date written records of concerns about children, young people and adults •Ensuring that all safeguarding concerns are recorded in a timely fashion •Ensuring that all communication is password protected and uses only work emails •Ensuring that all records are kept secure and in a locked location •Ensuring records are clear, factual, objective and jargon free 14. Professional Allegations •If a staff member receives a disclosure about a member of staff or they witness a member of staff behave in way that has harmed/may harm a child then this must be reported to the DSL immediately, who must discuss with the Trust Manager. If the concern is about the DSL or the staff member’s line manager then they should approach the Trust Manager or a Board Member. In these instances, the Whistleblowing Policy may be invoked. •In all instances the Trust Manager will contact the LADO and or for advice. This must be done within 24 hours. •LADO Contact details 01872 326536 •LADO Referral form – see Appendix 4 •If the disclosure alleges that the member of staff or volunteer has abused an adult who is at risk, CRT will assess whether it is necessary to make a referral under the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Safeguarding Adults Board, Policy and Procedures the Allegations Against People in Positions of Trust PiPOT. CRT will assess whether it is necessary to make a police report. https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/media/zsuadgqe/allegations-against-people-in-positions-of-trust-april2017.pdf If there is any doubt CRT will take PiPOT advice and will keep a record of the decision making process. •PiPOT Contact Details 01872 324851 The role of the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) •Section 11 of the Children Act 2004 places duties on a range of organisations and individuals to ensure their functions, and any services that they contract out to others, are discharged having regard to the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. •All organisations should have in place arrangements that reflect the importance of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including clear policies in line with those from Our Safeguarding Children Partnership (OSCP) for dealing with allegations against people who work with children. An allegation may relate to a person who works with children who has: •behaved in a way that has harmed a child, or may have harmed a child; •possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child; or •behaved in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm to children. 14.1 What is a LADO? •The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) is a statutory role. The role and responsibilities are set out in Working Together 2018 and the process is set out in the South West Child Protection Procedures endorsed by Our Safeguarding Children Partnership (OSCP). •The LADO’s primary function is to manage and have oversight of any investigation into an incident where an allegation of abuse or harm has been made against a professional or volunteer who has contact with children as part of their work or activities. •The LADO sits within the Children and Family Service in Cornwall Council. •The LADO recognises that this may be a difficult and distressing time for you and your family. We understand that the impact of an allegation of abuse or harm can have far reaching implications for you, your family and your career as well as for the child concerned. •We are committed to over-seeing a fair, thorough and timely investigation and a proportionate outcome for all those affected by this process. 14.2 What is an Allegation? •An allegation or concern is that a person who works with children, has: •Behaved in a way that has harmed a child or may have harmed a child. •Possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child. •Behaved in a way that indicates he or she may pose a risk of harm to child. •An allegation can arise in connection with your work, your own children or other children living outside the family and can relate to current or historic concerns. 14.3What you can expect •The process is managed by the LADO, and you will be notified and kept informed by your employer of developments as soon as is reasonable depending on the extent and nature of the investigation. •Any allegation and resulting investigation which meets the threshold of harm or risk of harm to children will be reported to children’s social care and the police which can result in: •A police investigation into a possible offence. •Enquiries and risk assessment by children’s social care and the police. 15. Definitions of abuse and specific safeguarding issues 15.1 Domestic Abuse Domestic abuse is categorised by any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass but is not limited to the following types of abuse: •physical •emotional •psychological •sexual •financial This definition includes honour-based abuse and forced marriage, and is clear that victims are not confined to one gender or ethnic group. The frequency and severity of domestic violence can vary dramatically, just one encounter counts as abuse, and it can be an ongoing pattern of behaviour. However, the one constant element of domestic abuse is the abuser's consistent efforts to maintain power and control over the victim. Domestic abuse can affect anyone regardless of ethnicity, age, gender, sexuality or social background. Coercive behaviour is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used by the abuser to harm, punish, or frighten their victim. Possible Indicators •Low self-esteem •Feeling that the abuse is their fault when it is not •Physical evidence of violence such as bruising, cuts, broken bones •Verbal abuse and humiliation in front of others •Fear of outside intervention •Damage to home or property •Isolation – not seeing friends and family •Limited access to money •No explanation for injuries or inconsistency with the account of what happened •Injuries are inconsistent with the person’s lifestyle •Bruising, cuts, welts, burns and/or marks on the body or loss of hair in clumps •Frequent injuries •Unexplained falls •Subdued or changed behaviour in the presence of a particular person •Signs of malnutrition •Failure to seek medical treatment or frequent changes of GP •Bruising, particularly to the thighs, buttocks and upper arms and marks on the neck •Torn, stained or bloody underclothing •Bleeding, pain or itching in the genital area •Unusual difficulty in walking or sitting •Foreign bodies in genital or rectal openings •Infections, unexplained genital discharge, or sexually transmitted diseases •Pregnancy in a woman who is unable to consent to sexual intercourse •The uncharacteristic use of explicit sexual language or significant changes in sexual behaviour or attitude •Incontinence not related to any medical diagnosis •Self-harming The NICE Domestic Abuse guidance highlights symptoms or conditions which are indicators of possible domestic violence or abuse: •symptoms of depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, sleep disorders •suicidal tendencies or self-harming •alcohol or other substance misuse •unexplained chronic gastrointestinal symptoms •unexplained gynecological symptoms, including pelvic pain and sexual dysfunction •adverse reproductive outcomes, including multiple unintended pregnancies or terminations •delayed pregnancy care, miscarriage, premature labour and stillbirth or concealed pregnancy •genitourinary symptoms, including frequent bladder or kidney infections •vaginal bleeding or sexually transmitted infections •chronic unexplained pain •traumatic injury, particularly if repeated and with vague or implausible explanations •problems with the central nervous system – headaches, cognitive problems, hearing loss •repeated health consultations with no clear diagnosis. The person may describe themselves as ‘accident prone’ ‘silly’ •intrusive 'other person' in consultations, including partner or spouse, parent, grandparent or an adult child (for elder abuse). Signs that a child has witnessed domestic abuse can include: •aggression or bullying •anti-social behaviour, like vandalism •anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts •attention seeking •bed-wetting, nightmares or insomnia •constant or regular sickness, like colds, headaches and mouth ulcers •drug or alcohol use •eating disorders •problems in school or trouble learning •tantrums •withdrawal 15.1 Child abuse • Child abuse can be categorised into 4 different types: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect. A child may be subjected to more than one form of abuse at any one given time. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm or by failing to act to prevent harm (commissioned or omission). Physical abuse •Physical abuse is any form of non-accidental injury that causes significant harm to a child. This may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer feigns the symptoms of, or deliberately causes ill health to a child. This is commonly known as Fabricated or Induced Illness. Procedures: When a child is injured or in pain the first priority is to obtain medical attention. Where possible and safe to do so a parent/carer should accompany the child to a medical examination. In all circumstances a supportive adult should accompany the child to the medical examination. Any explanation offered by parent or child as to how the injury occurred should be recorded. If physical abuse is indicated, whatever the circumstances, staff need to act immediately. An allegation/disclosure must be referred at once to MARU. Factual notes must be made of the disclosure but the child must not be questioned further as this could prejudice any possible legal action against the abuser. Sexual abuse •Sexual abuse involves forcing or inciting a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child initiated, consents or is aware of what is happening. Activities may involve physical contact, involving penetrative acts, such as sexual intercourse (vaginal or anal) or non-penetrative acts, such as oral sex, masturbation or intentional touching or molesting of the body for sexual gratification of that person or any other. It may also involve non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at or in the production of pornographic material, watching sexual activities or encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways. Procedures: 1.An allegation/disclosure must be referred at once to MARU. Factual notes must be made of the disclosure but the child must not be questioned further as this could prejudice any possible legal action against the abuser. 2.Where the child has not directly alleged abuse but they have been observed displaying sexualised behaviour, have inappropriate sexual knowledge or act in a way that could be indicative of sexual abuse, staff must complete a Child Protection Concern Form and keep careful factual notes of their observations. The Named Person/staff member must contact MARU for advice. 3.If the allegation is against the child’s parent (resident in refuge) then they must not be informed prior to referral. 4.If the allegation made concerns a member of staff or volunteer within the refuge or community team, advice must be sought from the Trust Manager and then MARU contacted for advice as soon as possible. The person whom the allegations are made against should be suspended from duty until investigations have been made (refer to Protection from Abuse policy). 5.If the allegation concerns a professional from another agency, it must be discussed with the Trust Manager in the first instance, who will then take responsibility for contacting the LADO and Children Safeguarding Board. Emotional abuse and neglect •Emotional abuse is the persistent or severe emotional ill treatment of a child such as to cause adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all other types of abuse but it may occur alone. Neglect is a persistent failure to meet the basic, essential, physical and/or psychological needs of the child, causing the impairment of their health and development. Neglect also includes being intoxicated with alcohol and/or drugs whilst in charge of children under the age of 7 (therefore being unable to provide appropriate supervision) which is a criminal offence. Procedure: 1.Careful and objective notes must be kept covering all contact with the child and family. 2.Concerns must be documented on the Child Protection Concern Form and passed to a Named Person. 3.MARU can be approached for advice to decide on further action. 4.If not already done, concerns should be discussed with parent/carer and co-operation invited. 5.The parent/carer must be informed that a referral will be made to MARU for assessment or, in the case of current Child, Young People and Families involvement, that the Social Worker will be informed of the concerns. 6.If a parent returns to the refuge intoxicated with alcohol and/or drugs and staff assess that he/she is therefore incapable of providing appropriate supervision of their children (or other children left in their care), MARU must be called. If the children are in immediate danger then the Out-of-Hours Duty Social Worker or the Police must be called. 7.If a parent (refuge resident) is hospitalised due to physical or mental ill health (including suicide attempts) and therefore is unable to care for their child/children, MARU must be called immediately to provide emergency Foster Care for the child/children. MARU will then assess their ability to care for the child/children when released from hospital care. 15.2Child Exploitation 15.2.1Child Sexual Exploitation •Child sexual exploitation is a form of child sexual abuse. It occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity •(a) in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or •(b) for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator. The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual. •Child sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology. Possible Indicators of Child Exploitation (including Sexual Exploitation); •going missing for periods of time or regularly returning home late •skipping school or being disruptive in class •appearing with unexplained gifts or possessions that can’t be accounted for •experiencing health problems that may I sexually transmitted infection •having mood swings and changes in temperament •using drugs and/or alcohol •displaying inappropriate sexualised behaviour, such as over-familiarity with strangers, dressing in a sexualised manner or sending sexualised images by mobile phone ("sexting") •they may also show signs of unexplained physical harm, such as bruising and cigarette burns •Isolation from peers •Frequently in the company of older people •Self-Harm or changes in emotional well being •Being secretive Like all forms of child abuse, child sexual exploitation: ocan affect any child or young person (male or female) under the age of 18 years, including 16 and 17 year olds who can legally consent to have sex. ocan still be abuse even if the sexual activity appears consensual; ocan include both contact (penetrative and non-penetrative acts) and non-contact sexual activity; ocan take place in person or via technology, or a combination of both; ocan involve force and/or enticement-based methods of compliance and may, or may not, be accompanied by violence or threats of violence; omay occur without the child or young person’s immediate knowledge (through others copying videos or images they have created and posting on social media, for example); ocan be perpetrated by individuals or groups, males or females, and children or adults. The abuse can be a one-off occurrence or a series of incidents over time, and range from opportunistic to complex organised abuse; and ois typified by some form of power imbalance in favour of those perpetrating the abuse. Whilst age may be the most obvious, this power imbalance can also be due to a range of other factors including gender, sexual identity, cognitive ability, physical strength, status, and access to economic or other resources. 15.2.2Child Criminal Exploitation (including County Lines) •Child criminal exploitation is common in county lines and occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, control, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18. The victim may have been criminally exploited even if the activity appears consensual. Child criminal exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology. Possible Indicators •persistently going missing from school or home and / or being found out-of-area •unexplained acquisition of money, clothes, or mobile phones •excessive receipt of texts / phone calls and/or having multiple handsets •relationships with controlling / older individuals or groups •leaving home / care without explanation •suspicion of physical assault / unexplained injuries •parental concerns •carrying weapons •significant decline in school results / performance •gang association or isolation from peers or social networks •self-harm or significant changes in emotional well-being Criminal exploitation of children is broader than just county lines and includes for instance children forced to work on cannabis farms or to commit theft. The UK government defines county lines as: “County lines is a term used to describe gangs and organised criminal networks involved in exporting illegal drugs into one or more importing areas within the UK, using dedicated mobile phone lines or other form of “deal line”. They are likely to exploit children and vulnerable adults to move and store the drugs and money and they will often use coercion, intimidation, violence (including sexual violence) and weapons. County lines activity and the associated violence, drug dealing and exploitation has a devastating impact on young people, vulnerable adults and local communities. Like other forms of abuse and exploitation, county lines exploitation: •can affect any child or young person (male or female) under the age of 18 years •can affect any vulnerable adult over the age of 18 years •can still be exploitation even if the activity appears consensual •can involve force and/or enticement-based methods of compliance and is often accompanied by violence or threats of violence •can be perpetrated by individuals or groups, males or females, and young people or adults •is typified by some form of power imbalance in favour of those perpetrating the exploitation Gangs are known to target vulnerable children and adults; some of the factors that heighten a person’s vulnerability include: •having prior experience of neglect, physical and/or sexual abuse •lack of a safe/stable home environment, now or in the past (domestic violence or parental substance misuse, mental health issues or criminality, for example) •social isolation or social difficulties •economic vulnerability •homelessness or insecure accommodation status •connections with other people involved in gangs •having a physical or learning disability •having mental health or substance misuse issues •being in care (particularly those in residential care and those with interrupted care histories) •being excluded from mainstream education, in particular attending a Pupil Referral Unit Any suspicion of abuse or safeguarding concerns should be shared with the Local Authority as per section 11 above, and other protective agencies. A referral can also be made to the police on the Community Partnership Intelligence Portal Community partnership intelligence | Devon & Cornwall Police (devon-cornwall.police.uk) This form is for the sharing of non-urgent information by partner agencies. This includes information that relates to: •anti-social behaviour •child abuse •community tension •cuckooing •cyber crime •general crime •hate crime •knife crime •serious Organised Crime •sexual offending •vulnerability •gang activity •modern slavery or trafficking 15.3 Extremism/ Radicalisation/PREVENT •Radicalisation is the process through which a person comes to support or be involved in extremist ideologies. It can result in a person becoming drawn into terrorism and is in itself a form of harm. Please see PREVENT policy. •Extremism is vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. It includes calls for the death of members of the British armed forces (HM Government, 2011). Possible Indicators of Radicalisation •Becoming increasingly argumentative •Refusing to listen to different points of view •Unwilling to engage with children who are different •Becoming abusive to children who are different •Embracing conspiracy theories •Feeling persecuted •Changing friends and appearance •Distancing themselves from old friends •No longer doing things they used to enjoy •Converting to a new religion •Being secretive and reluctant to discuss their whereabouts •Sympathetic to extremist ideologies and groups Useful Contact Details; Concerns can be discussed with the PREVENT lead for Cornwall; Steve Rowell; prevent@cornwall.gov.uk MARU can also be contacted for advice; 0300 1231 116 15.4 Honour Based Violence •Honour Based Abuse is a term used to describe violence committed within the context of the extended family which are motivated by a perceived need to restore standing within the community, which is presumed to have been lost through the behaviour of the victim. Most victims are women or girls, although men may also be at risk. •Women and girls may lose honour through expressions of autonomy, particularly if this autonomy occurs within the area of sexuality. Men may be targeted either by the family of a woman who they are believed to have ‘dishonoured’, in which case both parties may be at risk, or by their own family if they are believed to be homosexual. The warning signs of honour-based abuse are: •forms of communication being severed between victim and friends •withdrawal from education or workplace •criticism of victim for ‘Western’ adoption of clothing or make-up •restrictions in leaving the house or chaperoning outside the home •onset of depression or suicidal tendencies in an otherwise happy person 15.5 Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) •FGM is a procedure where the female genitals are deliberately cut, injured or changed, but there's no medical reason for this to be done. •It's also known as female circumcision or cutting, and by other terms, such as sunna, gudniin, halalays, tahur, megrez and khitan, among others. •FGM is usually carried out on young girls between infancy and the age of 15, most commonly before puberty starts. •It's illegal in the UK and is child abuse. •It's very painful and can seriously harm the health of women and girls. •It can also cause long-term problems with sex, childbirth and mental health. Possible warning Signs that FGM might be about to take place: •Mention of a female relative coming to visit •A girl asking for help from a teacher or another adult if she feels at risk of danger •A girl becoming easily distressed, fearful or anxious •Referencing FGM (or it’s other alternative names) •A child taking about a special procedure/ceremony that is going to take place •The family making preparations to take the girl abroad ‘on holiday’ e.g., arranging vaccinations or requesting a prolonged absence from school. NSPCC FGM Helpline; 0800 0228 3550 15.6 Forced Marriage •A forced marriage is where one or both people do not (or in cases of people with learning disabilities or reduced capacity, cannot) consent to the marriage as they are pressurised, or abuse is used, to force them to do so. It is recognised in the UK as a form of domestic or child abuse and a serious abuse of human rights. The pressure put on people to marry against their will may be: •physical – for example, threats, physical violence or sexual violence •emotional and psychological – for example, making someone feel like they are bringing ‘shame’ on their family financial abuse, for example taking someone’s wages, may also be a factor. Possible signs – Pre and Post Marriage •the victim or her family come from a community where Forced Marriage and ‘Honour’ is culturally embedded •an announcement of engagement to a stranger not previously mentioned •parents removing a child from education, preventing further education or extra-curricular activities •there may noticeable levels of absenteeism, lateness – school, college or employment •there may feel like an element of ‘surveillance’ and control by the family or community members •significant personality changes may become evident. The victim may appear depressed, withdrawn, anxious or suicidal. There may be noticeable deterioration in the victim’s self-esteem and appearance •the victim may run away, go missing from home or have a fear of returning home •the victim may talk about a family holiday abroad and may seem anxious about this •may fail to return home from a visit to the family’s country of origin •early and/or unwanted pregnancy •reports of self-harm or suicide attempts, particularly in the early stages of marriage •domestic incidents or crimes at the family home. The fact that a victim was forced to marry may only reveal itself years after the marriage has taken place •victims appear to be dominated - subject to financial control, no access to mobile phone, internet etc. Forced Marriage Unit Contact •Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7008 0151 •email: fmu@fco.gov.uk •email for outreach work: fmuoutreach@fco.gov.uk 15.7 Modern Day Slavery Modern slavery takes many forms. The most common are: •Human Trafficking The use of violence, threats or coercion to transport, recruit or harbour people in order to exploit them for purposes such as forced prostitution, labour, criminality, marriage or organ removal. •Forced Labour Any work or services people are forced to do against their will under threat of punishment. •Debt bondage/bonded labour The world’s most widespread form of slavery. People trapped in poverty borrow money and are forced to work to pay off the debt, losing control over both their employment conditions and the debt. •Descent Based Slavery Most traditional form, where people are treated as property, and their “slave” status was passed down the maternal line. •Slavery of Children When a child is exploited for someone else’s gain. This can include child trafficking, child soldiers, child marriage and child domestic slavery. •Forced and early marriage When someone is married against their will and cannot leave. Most child marriages can be considered slavery. Possible signs Accommodation •victims may live in multiple occupancy accommodation with in groups who may not necessarily speak the same language, and with persons they do not know or have a clear relationship with. •accommodation may be poor, degrading or substandard and may be the same place where they work. •sleeping quarters may be shared or in inappropriate places – sheds, outbuildings, squats etc. •victims may not be able to provide or know their home or work address. •neighbours might notice that the occupants leave the accommodation infrequently, if at all. •inhabitants may have limited or no social interaction either in the workplace or at their accommodation and appear to be in fear of a more dominant person within the group. •for sexual exploitation, you might expect to see numerous male visitors to an address, arriving or leaving at strange hours, staying for short periods of time. Eagle eyed neighbours may notice different women at the venue in a small timeframe. Working Conditions •victims might be found at a type of location associated with exploitation – brothels, factories, car washes, nail bars, construction sites. •they may be forced to work excessively long hours, under demeaning conditions with no days off. •be in high risk jobs and face hazardous working conditions, may not be dressed adequately or have the correct safety equipment or protective clothing. •be living ‘on site’. •no contract will exist between the victim and the ‘employer’, the former will almost certainly not be paying the full tax or national insurance contributions for the worker. •victims may receive little or no payment. Many will believe they have no choice but to work without pay to pay off their bonded debt, which may include the provision of accommodation. •victims may talk of fines as a punishment, unwarranted and unexplained deductions from wages or charges for services they didn’t want or need. •they may be unable to leave their work environment. •victims will lack any basic training or professional qualifications. •victims will have no information about the law and UK employment rights. •you might find that victims have bank accounts, credit/debit cards, loans and credit agreements that they are completely unaware of or no control over. Victims may talk of having signed documentation that they never saw again. •benefits might be claimed by the victim but collected/taken by the abuser. •wages might be paid into an account used by other people. •passports may have been taken by Employer Behaviour •victims may be unfamiliar with the local language and allow others to speak for them when addressed directly. •may be unclear about the location of their passports or other travel or identity documents. •be subservient and act as if they are under the control or instruction of another. •show fear, anxiety and distrustful of the authorities, having been misled and lied to about the role of the authorities. •avoid eye contact, are evasive and give conflicting stories about their immigration status. •may have been forced into or be involved in criminality. •those being sexually exploited may dress inappropriately for their age and wear excessive makeup. Appearance & History •appear to have injuries consistent with having been assaulted including old or untreated injuries they cannot explain. •appear unkempt, malnourished, dress routinely in the same clothes and have poor hygiene. •show signs of self-harm, alcohol or drug misuse. •have a pattern of street homelessness or be caught stealing food. •have false identity documentation. •have no phone, few personal effects or items of luggage. •come from a place known to be a source of modern slavery. •provide accounts or a ‘legend’ that lack credibility which perpetrators have forced them to learn when approached by authorities. •provide a history that contains unexplained gaps. Appendix 1. Safeguarding Concern Form CRT Safeguarding Concern Form STAFF NAME: DATE: Details: Name DOB: Address: Tel No: Safeguarding Referral Made To: Agency; Date and Time; Person spoken to; Contact Details: Details of person/s referral made in respect of: Name: DOB: Address: Name: DOB: Address: Name: DOB: Address: Reason for Referral: Outcome: ACTIONS Staff Signature Date This document should be emailed to Bernie (refuge Staff) or Jo (Waves Staff). Ensure that only work emails are used and that all documents are password protected Ellen: trustmanager@cornwallrefuge.org Bernie: residentialmgr@cornwallrefuge.org Jo: wavescounsellingproject@live.co.uk Appendix 2. Adults Safeguarding Referral Form to be accessed via Cornwall Council website or by contacting them direct. Appendix 3. MARU Referral Form to be accessed via Cornwall Council website or by contacting them direct. Appendix 4. LADO Referral Form to be accessed via Cornwall Council website or by contacting them direct. Appendix 5. PiPOT Referral Form to be accessed via Cornwall Council website or by contacting them direct. To ensure that CRT remains in accordance with current legislation and good practice this policy will be revised annually by staff, volunteers, service users and the management committee. See Policy Action Plan