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RESPONDING TO THE CHILD
If a child says or indicates that they are being abused, or information is obtained which gives concern that a child is being abused, the person receiving the information should listen carefully and:
- React calmly so as not to frighten the child.
- · Tell the child they are not to blame and that it was right to tell.
· Don't ask direct questions - who, what, where, when.
- · Do encourage them to talk - do you want to talk to me about this?
- · Take what the child says seriously, recognising the difficulties inherent in interpreting what a child who has a speech disability and /or differences in languages says.
- · Keep questions to an absolute minimum to ensure a clear and accurate understanding of what has been said.
- · Keep calm and even if you find what they are saying difficult or painful keep listening.
- · Reassure the child but do not make promises of confidentiality, which may not be feasible in the light of subsequent developments.
- · Make a full record of what has been said, heard and/or seen as soon as possible.
RESPONDING TO SUSPICIONS OR ALLEGATIONS
It is not the responsibility of anyone working under the auspices of the ETTA, in a paid or voluntary capacity, to take responsibility or decide whether child abuse is taking place. However, there is a responsibility to protect children in order that appropriate agencies can then make enquiries and take any necessary action to protect the child.
The social services department has a statutory duty under the Children Act 1989 to ensure the welfare of the child. When a child protection referral is made its staff have a legal responsibility to investigate. This may involve talking to the child and family and gathering information from other people who know the child. Enquiries may be carried out jointly with the police.
What to do if there are concerns:
There is always a commitment to work in partnership with parents or carers where there are concerns about their children, therefore, in most situations it would be important to talk to parents or carers to help clarify any initial concerns. For example, if a child seems withdrawn, they may have experienced bereavement in the family.
However, there are circumstances in which a child might be placed at even greater risk if such concerns were shared (e.g. where a parent or carer may be responsible for the abuse or not able to respond to the situation appropriately). In these situations, or where concern still exists, any suspicion, allegation or incident of abuse must be reported to the person in charge as soon as possible and be recorded.
It is the responsibility of the person in charge to inform the social services department without delay. If the person in charge is not available, the person discovering or being informed of the abuse should immediately contact the social services of the police. In these circumstances you do not have to give your name, but it is helpful if you do. The social services department, together with the person in charge, where appropriate, will decide how and when parents and carers will be informed.
IF YOU ARE NOT SURE WHAT TO DO
ADVICE CAN BE OBTAINED BY TELEPHONING THE NSPCC (24 HOUR) FREEPHONE HELPLINE ON 0800 800500 OR THE CHILD PROTECTION IN SPORT UNIT ON 0116 234 7278
Records and Information
Information passed to the social services department or the police must be as helpful as possible, hence the necessity for making a detailed record as follows:
The nature of the allegation
A description of any visible bruising or other injuries
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The child's account, if it can be given, of what has happened and how any bruising or other injuries occurred
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Any times, dates or other relevant information
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A clear distinction between what is fact, opinion or hearsay
Reporting the matter to the social services or the police should not be delayed by attempts to obtain more information. Whenever possible referrals telephoned to the social services should be confirmed in writing within 24 hours. A record should also be made of the name and designation of the social services member of staff or police officer to whom the concerns were passed, together with the time and date of the call in case any follow up is needed.
ALLEGATIONS AGAINST COACHES AND/OR VOLUNTEERS
This includes anyone working with children in a paid or voluntary capacity (e.g. club volunteers or helpers, officials, team captains or managers, assistants in addition to qualified coaches).
Child abuse can and does occur outside the family setting, although it is a sensitive and difficult issue, it has occurred within table tennis. Recent statistics indicate that abuse, which takes takes place within a public setting, is rarely a one off event. It is crucial that those involved in table tennis are aware of the possibility and that allegations are taken seriously and appropriate action taken.
The person in charge may be informed of situations where they are unsure whether the allegations constitute abuse or not and is, therefore, unclear about what action to take. There may be circumstances where allegations relate to poor practice rather than abuse. If there is any doubt those responsible should always consult senior colleagues and seek advice from the social services or NSPCC. It may be the particular allegation is just one of a series which together could cause concern.
It is acknowledged that feelings generated by the discovery that a coach or volunteer is, or may be, abusing a child will raise concern amongst other coaches or volunteers, particularly the difficulties inherent in reporting such matters. It is important, however, that any concerns for the welfare of any child arising from the abuse of harassment by a coach or volunteer should be reported immediately.
The ETTA will assure all coaches, volunteers, helpers, staff or officials that it will fully support and protect anyone who, in good faith, reports their concerns that a colleague is, or may be, abusing a child.
When there is a complaint there may be three types of investigation:
- A criminal investigation
- A child protection investigation
- A disciplinary or misconduct investigation.
The results of the police and social services investigation may well influence the disciplinary investigation.
What to do if there are concerns:
- If, following consideration, the allegation is clearly about poor practice, the person in charge will deal with it as a misconduct issue - obtaining advice, if required, from the ETTA.