Child Protection Policy Statement

SAFEGUARDING POLICY STATEMENT

(for young people aged 16-18 and vulnerable adults up to aged 25)

DART is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all young people. It recognises its responsibility to take all reasonable steps to promote safe practice and to protect young people from harm, abuse and exploitation Staff will endeavour to work together to encourage and maintain a caring and supportive environment for young people

METHODOLOGY:

 Appoint a designated person with a remit involving any Child Protection issues and ensure that this person understands his/her responsibility to report care or protection concerns to the statutory child protection agencies i.e. police, social services.

 Ensure that all staff understand their legal and moral obligations to protect young people from harm, abuse and exploitation.

 Provide opportunities for all staff to develop their skills and knowledge in relation to the care and protection of young people

 Develop best practice in relation to the recruitment of all staff working directly with young people. These staff will be expected to undertake an enhanced CRB check and keep it updated every three years

 Ensure that young people are enabled to express their ideas and views on a wide range of issues and have access to the organisation’s Complaints and Appeals Procedure

 Provide every young person with a personal tutor who will act as mentor during their learning experience

 Provide a confidential phone or text line for young people to contact DART main office if they have any concerns regarding their own well being

 Endeavour to keep up-to-date with national developments relating to the care and protection of young people

Review of Policy This policy will be reviewed whenever there is a significant relevant change required and in any case at least every year.

1 D:\Docs\2017-12-14\0bfb0f45acd89e214ed76387e64fc641.doc Reviewed: July 14 Next Review: July 15