Girl Guides Queensland KEEPING CHILDREN SAFE Policy and implementation procedures for child protection
Acknowledgements Sourced from Working with Children Kit (Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian) and Safe from Harm (Girl Guiding UK) Originally produced by M Holmes. 2013 Girl Guides Queensland Girl Guides Queensland 17 Gould Rd Herston QLD 4006 PO Box 739 Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 P: (07) 3252 3061 F: (07) 3252 4814 E: state@guidesqld.org W: www.guidesqld.org No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission Document ID Version Author/s Distribution Previous Editions QP.TR.29 November 2013 Child Protection Liaison Support Centre First Published: 2006 Revised Editions: 2008, 2010, 2011 Page 2 Keeping Children Safe
Contents CONTENTS Contents... 3 Policy... 4 Guidelines... 10 Statement of Commitment... 10 Keeping Children Safe... 10 Indicators of Harm... 10 Dealing with Disclosures... 11 Confi dentiality and Liability... 13 Strategies to minimise harm... 13 Contact Numbers... 14 Child Safety Service Centres... 14 Sexual Crimes Investigation Unit... 15 Child Safety After Hours Service Centre... 15 Complaints... 15 Keeping Children Safe Page 3
Policy POLICY Girl Guides Queensland s Child Protection Policy reprinted from Policy and Procedure, December 2011. 10. Child Protection 10.1 Refer to Child Protection Policy in Girl Guides Australia Guide Lines. 10.2 Girl Guides Queensland is committed to creating child-safe environments that promote learning and enjoyment. 10.3 Girl Guides Queensland strives to provide services and activities where children and young people: feel safe and are protected from harm; have a say in planning activities and other decisions affecting them; are listened to; are respected; and have their best interests considered and upheld. 10.4 Girl Guides Queensland is bound by the Queensland Youth Alliance Child Protection Charter (available for inspection at all Girl Guide venues). 10.5 Any suspicion, observation or disclosure of harm or abuse to a child or young person must be handled in accordance with legislation and the policies and procedures of Girl Guides Queensland. Harm to a child is defi ned as any detrimental effect of a significant nature on the child s physical, psychological or emotional wellbeing (Child Protection Act 1999). It can be caused by physical, psychological or emotional abuse or neglect or sexual abuse or exploitation. Physical harm includes, but is not limited to, beating, punching, slapping, shaking, burning, biting, grabbing hard enough to leave a mark, throwing a child, strangulation. Emotional harm includes, but is not limited to, constant criticism or yelling, scape goating, name calling, belittling, excessive teasing, ignoring a child, punishing normal social behaviours, exposure to domestic violence, withholding praise and affection. Page 4 Keeping Children Safe
Policy Neglect includes, but is not limited to, failing to meet the child s basic needs for adequate supervision, food, clothing, shelter, safety, hygiene, medical care, education, love and affection, and failure to use available resources to meet those needs. Sexual harm includes, but is not limited to, sexual jokes, innuendo in conversation, showing pornographic images to a child, indecent telephone calls, exposure, fondling, voyeurism and exhibitionism, persistent intrusion of a child s privacy, sexual intercourse, involvement with pornography, child prostitution. a. Implementation Notes What to do if harm is suspected keep calm do not be shocked and try to act normally; do not question or investigate; do not challenge parents/carers or others about your concerns; record all details that support your suspicion sign, date and keep details confi dential and secure; report suspicions to Queensland Police Service or Department of Communities (Child Safety Services) inform the Guide Contact Offi cer, who is the current State Commissioner of action taken and request support if required. What to do when a disclosure is made (either by the person being harmed or by someone who knows of an incident of harm): don t panic do not be shocked or critical; fi nd a private but visible place to talk; listen reassure them but don t promise to keep secrets; believe them; don t ask leading questions make detailed notes sign, date and keep confidential and secure; do not inform the alleged perpetrator Keeping Children Safe Page 5
Policy report concerns to Queensland Police Service or Department of Communities (Child Safety Services) inform Guide Contact Officer of action taken and request support if needed. b. Girl Guides Queensland will act on disclosures of harm as follows: Harm by GGQ employee Immediate action Contact Qld Police service or Dept of Communities (Child Safety Services) Short to medium term actions Support all parties, including: - person making disclosure - person receiving disclosure - child or young person harmed - alleged perpetrator Suspend alleged perpetrator from duties until matter resolved. Have alleged perpetrator undertake alternative duties. Long term actions If allegation is proven, determine if member s involvement with organisation will continue. If allegation is not proved, activate grievance procedures. Harm by Members of GGQ Immediate action Contact Qld Police service or Dept of Communities (Child Safety Services) Short to medium term actions Support all parties, including: - person making disclosure - person receiving disclosure - child or young person harmed - alleged perpetrator. Determine whether member, as alleged perpetrator, is allowed: - back on premises Page 6 Keeping Children Safe
Policy - to participate in activities - in areas occupied by children and young people while matter is being investigated by Qld Police Service or Dept of Families. Long term actions If allegation is proven, determine if member s involvement with organisation will continue. If allegation is not proven, activate grievance procedures. Harm by Non-members Immediate action Contact Qld Police service or Dept of Communities (Child Safety Services) Further actions Allow Queensland Police Service or Department of Communities (Child Safety Services)to undertake official investigation. Support person who made disclosure, person who received disclosure and child or young person who has been harmed. c. The Guide Contact Officer is the State Commissioner or her nominated delegate. d. Any media interest will be dealt with as outlined in the Girl Guides Australia Media Response Plan. 10.6 Compliance with policy Members and staff must comply with the organisation s Code of Conduct and Child Protection Policy. Monitoring of compliance is the responsibility of the District Leader at the local level, Region Leader at the Region level and State Commissioner and State Executive Officer at the organisational level. Any breaches of the policy must be dealt with immediately. Inappropriate behaviour by Leaders and parents should be handled at the local level by the District Leader or Region Leader. Where this is not possible or for other non-compliance issues that do not involve harm to a child, the State Commissioner is consulted on an appropriate course of action. Keeping Children Safe Page 7
Policy Infringements by staff are handled by the State Executive Officer or Kindilan Manager. Disciplinary measures may include but are not limited to: - counselling - support - education - reinforcement of Code of Conduct and Child Protection Policy - verbal warnings - written warnings - withdrawal of privileges - suspension - termination. A person has the right of appeal against a decision of, or action by, the organisation or an offi cer of the organisation as per the Girl Guides Queensland Constitution (refer to Clause 28). 10.7 Compliance with Blue Card requirements 10.7.1 All adult staff of a Girl Guide meeting, event or camp held in Queensland are required to hold a Positive Notice Blue Card for Child Related Employment (issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian) unless exempt as follows: if, as a volunteer guest, they are observing, or supplying information or entertainment to ten (10) or more people not more than twice in the same year for a period of ten (10) days or less (for each period) if, as a volunteer, they are performing a function at a State or National event (with more than 100 people) in relation to a sporting, cultural or skill based activity, not more than twice in the same year for a period of ten (10) days or less (for each period) if, as a volunteer, they are providing accommodation not more than twice in the same year for a period of ten (10) days or less (for each period) Page 8 Keeping Children Safe
Policy while they hold a current exemption from the Commissioner for Children and Young People and Child Guardian. Note: not more than twice in the same year for a period of ten (10) days or less (for each period) refers to only two (2)separate periods in the one (1) year and not a total of 20 days accumulated over one (1) year. 10.7.2 Requirement for a Positive Notice Blue Card and Positive Notice Blue Card status/expiry date will be checked on all applications and recorded on the Blue Card Register. Positive Notice Blue Card currency will be checked every four (4) weeks. 10.7.3 Once a person s Positive Notice Blue Card has expired or been suspended or cancelled by the Commissioner for Children and Young People and Child Guardian, the person can no longer work with children* until his/her Positive Notice Blue Card has been extended or re-issued, effective immediately. The State Executive Offi cer must notify the relevant personnel who must act on this information. The matter is to be treated confidentially and the information released on a need-to-know basis. * This does not apply where a card holder has lodged a renewal application at least 30 days prior to the expiry of their card, pending the outcome of the application. Keeping Children Safe Page 9
Guidelines GUIDELINES These guidelines are to be read in conjunction with the Girl Guides Australia and the Girl Guides Queensland Child Protection policies. It is the policy of Girl Guides Queensland to safeguard the welfare and safety of its members while participating in Guiding activities. Girl Guides Queensland takes all reasonable steps to ensure that, through relevant procedures and training, children, young people and adults taking part in Guiding activities do so in a safe and friendly environment. Statement of Commitment Girl Guides Queensland is committed to creating child-safe environments that promote learning and enjoyment. The organisation strives to provide services and activities where children and young people: feel safe and are protected from harm; have a say in planning activities and other decisions affecting them; are listened to; are respected; and have their best interests considered and upheld. Keeping Children Safe You can help to keep children safe by: being available to listen to the children in your life; offering parents/carers support rather than criticism; asking for help if you are stressed and caring for a child (Child Abuse Prevention Service 1800 688 009); acting if you suspect abuse; and stopping child abuse before it starts. Categories of Harm Harm to a child is defi ned as any detrimental effect of a significant nature on the child s physical, psychological or emotional wellbeing (child Protection Act 1999). Page 10 Keeping Children Safe
Guidelines It can be caused by physical, psychological or emotional abuse or neglect or sexual abuse or exploitation. Physical harm beating, punching, slapping, shaking, burning, biting, grabbing hard enough to leave a mark, throwing a child, strangulation. Emotional harm constant criticism or yelling, scape goating, name calling, belittling, excessive teasing, ignoring a child, punishing normal social behaviours, exposure to domestic violence, withholding praise and affection. Neglect failing to meet the child s basic needs for adequate supervision, food, clothing, shelter, safety, hygiene, medical care, education, love and affection and failure to use available resources to meet those needs. Sexual harm sexual jokes, innuendo in conversation, showing pornographic images to a child, indecent telephone calls, exposure, fondling, voyeurism and exhibitionism, persistent intrusion of a child s privacy, sexual intercourse, involvement with pornography, child prostitution. Indicators of Harm There are a number of physical and behavioural signs that may indicate a child is being harmed, particularly if these are severe or evident over a period of time and can t be explained. If you are unsure then call the Dept of Communities (Child Safety Services) and discuss your concerns with a child protection worker it may be normal developmental behaviour. If you are uncomfortable with this then present them as a hypothetical situation. But if in doubt, ring the Dept of Communities (Child Safety Services) or the Girl Guides Contact Officer. Neglect child looks neglected, malnutrition or poor weight gain, insuffi cient medical care, always hungry, begging or stealing food due to hunger, physical or intellectual developmental delays, lack of hygiene and appropriate clothing, inappropriate supervision. Physical harm head/facial injuries (including black eyes), cigarette burns, shaped bruises, bruising on the back of the body, finger marks or hand marks on body, bite marks, fractures, unexplained injuries. Emotional harm low self esteem, bed wetting, eating disorders, anxiety, becoming depressed or suicidal, aggressive or withdrawn behaviour, inappropriate seeking of affection, loss of concentration, failure to thrive, self harm or extreme risk taking behaviour. Keeping Children Safe Page 11
Guidelines Sexual harm feelings of guilt, betrayal, sadness, fear and anger, difficulty in trusting others, confusion about sexual identity, low self esteem, difficulty dealing with emotions, poor body image, abuse of alcohol or drugs, eating disorders, becoming depressed or suicidal, inappropriate sexual knowledge and behaviour, persistent headaches and abdominal pains, vaginal bleeding or discharge, sexually transmitted diseases. Note: these indicators are not defi nitive proof that harm has occurred. Dealing with Disclosures Any disclosure of harm is important and must be acted upon. Disclosures of harm may sound like: I think I saw Somebody told me that Just think you should know I m not sure what I want you to do but The following points may assist you when dealing with a disclosure. Don t panic do not express shock, disbelief or criticism. Your reaction may determine whether the person making the disclosure trusts you with the information. Find a private place to talk. This should be somewhere you can be seen but not heard. Listen encourage them to talk in their own way. Reassure them they have done the right thing and that it is not their fault. Don t promise to keep secrets but explain that you will need to tell someone who can help them. Believe them it is not up to you to judge whether they are telling the truth or not. Leave that to the Police or Dept of Communities (Child Safety Services). Don t ask leading questions ask questions that don t suggest an answer and only if you need to clarify something, e.g. Tell me what happened. What happened then? Can you tell me about that? Unnecessary questions or interviews could be distressing, cause confusion and interfere with any subsequent investigation the authorities undertake. Make detailed notes either as soon as possible after the disclosure or during the disclosure (once you have explained what you are doing and why). Make a note of date, time, location, who was present, exactly what you were told (use I said they said statements), what you asked, what comments you made and what you did afterwards. Sign and date your notes and keep them confidential and secure. Page 12 Keeping Children Safe
Guidelines Do not inform the alleged perpetrator leave this to the Police or Dept of Communities (Child Safety Services). Report concerns to the Queensland Police Service or Dept of Communities (Child Safety Services) - contact your closest Juvenile Aid Bureau, local police station or Dept of Communities (Child Safety Services) Centre. You will need to give them: details of any disclosure or concerns; name, age and address of child or young person harmed or at risk; where child or young person is at that point in time; any identifying information regarding the alleged perpetrator of the harm; and your details. If possible, the report should come from the person to whom the disclosure was made. Inform Girl Guides Contact Officer (State Commissioner) of action taken (details of disclosure can not be discussed) request support if needed. The disclosure may be distressing and may shock you. If so, it is important that you talk through what has happened with a professional counsellor arranged by the Girl Guides Contact Offi cer. Keeping Children Safe Page 13
Guidelines Confidentiality and Liability The identity of anyone who reports concerns to the Police or Dept of Communities (Child Safety Services) is kept confi dential. They are also protected from legal liability and are not considered to have breached any code of professional conduct or ethics. Strategies to minimise harm One of the most effective ways to minimise harm to children and young people is to be proactive. There are a number of things you can do to support the interests and wellbeing of children and young people in Guiding. Some strategies include: teaching them to say no to anything that makes them feel unsafe in a manner appropriate for their age, understanding and the activity; teaching them to ask questions if they are unsure about anything; teaching them that nothing is so bad that they can t talk to someone about it; teaching them that they make the decision about who is allowed to touch them; teaching them about what is safe and unsafe conduct; encouraging them to tell you of any suspicious activities or people; developing support networks for children and young people in Guiding; talking through issues with them; telling them who is and who is not an official member of the organisation; monitoring their activities; allowing them to be a part of decision making processes; and; taking anything a child or young person says seriously and following up their concerns. The Skills for Life program produced by Girl Guides Australia (2005) provides information and activities for developing positive coping skills in girls. Also your local police may provide Protective Behaviours training for your Guides, on request. Page 14 Keeping Children Safe
Contact Numbers CONTACT NUMBERS Child Safety Service Centres Brisbane Phone: 1300 682 254 Fax: 3259 8771 Child Safety District Offi ces: Alderley, Chermside, Forest Lake, Fortitude Valley, Inala, Mount Gravatt, Stones Corner and Wynnum Central Queensland Phone: 1300 703 762 Fax: 4938 4697 Child Safety District Offices: Bundaberg, Emerald, Gladstone, Maryborough, Rockhampton North, Rockhampton South, South Burnett and South Burnett (Murgon) Far North Queensland Phone: 1300 684 062 Fax: 4039 8320 Child Safety District Offi ces: Atherton, Cairns North, Cairns South (Edmonton), Cape York South, Cape York North and Torres Straits Islands, Cooktown, Innisfail, Thursday Island and Weipa North Coast Phone: 1300 703 921 Fax: 5420 9049 Child Safety District Offi ces: Caboolture, Caloundra, Gympie, Maroochydore, Redcliffe and Strathpine North Queensland Phone: 1300 706 147 Fax: 4799 7273 Child Safety District Offi ces: Aitkenvale, Bowen, Gulf, Mackay, Mornington Island, Mt Isa, Normanton, Thuringowa and Townsville South East Phone: 1300 679 849 Fax: 3884 8801 Child Safety District Offi ces: Beaudesert, Beenleigh, Browns Plains, Cleveland, Labrador, Logan Central, Loganlea, Mermaid Beach, Nerang and Woodridge South West Phone: 1300 683 390 Fax: 4616 1796 Child Safety District Offi ces: Charleville, Goodna, Ipswich North, Ipswich South, Roma, Toowoomba North and Toowoomba South Child Safety After Hours Service Centre A 24 hour state wide service that provides after hours response to members of the public in relation to child protection matters. Phone: 3235 9999 Freecall: 1800 177 135 Complaints Any complaints regarding the handling of a case, or breaches in confidentiality Phone: 1800 080 464 Keeping Children Safe Page 15