Safeguarding children

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met. They do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• The welfare of the child is paramount in all reviews and decisions relating to ongoing detention.
• All staff who have contact with children are properly vetted and trained.
• There is regular monitoring of the number of children detained, their age and the duration of their detention.
• Staff are alert to children’s distress and appropriate specialist support is provided. Families are involved appropriately and are used as a source of support and protection for their children.
• There is evidence of ongoing links between the local safeguarding children board or equivalent, and the centre.
• The centre is fully compliant with the requirements of any independent review, or other such process, initiated by the local safeguarding children board (or equivalent) following instances of significant harm occurring to a child or young person in detention.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met. They do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• A comprehensive child protection policy and guidance are in place, which have been agreed by the local safeguarding children board or equivalent.
• There is a child protection coordinator who is a senior member of staff and is suitably trained and experienced to carry out this task.
• Accurate and up-to-date information is provided to the centre in advance, in particular, on any child who is on a child protection register or any adult who is subject to public protection measures.
• Staff are aware of their duty to raise legitimate concerns about the conduct of colleagues in relation to the treatment and management of children. Staff are encouraged by managers to raise any such concerns, and feel confident and safe to do so.
• When abuse is alleged or suspected to have occurred, prompt and appropriate action is taken to protect the child and support them.
• Referral procedures and subsequent arrangements for investigation by the local authority are clearly set out in the policy. Removal is delayed pending the outcome of any such investigation.
• Referral criteria take account of the specific needs of children in detention.
• Visitors and families know how to make a referral directly to the local authority if they are concerned that a child is being, or has been, maltreated while in custody.
• Any allegation of maltreatment of a child by a member of staff is referred to the local authority designated officer whose role is clearly described.
• The centre provides a range of therapeutic, counselling and advice services, either directly or through external providers, which are available to children who have suffered any form of abuse.
• Staff receive specific training on how to handle a disclosure of abuse made to them by a child or young person. Staff are offered ongoing supervision and support following their involvement in a disclosure.
• There is a robust ‘checks and balances’ system that ensures that all allegations of maltreatment are quality assured by more than one senior person who has the expertise and independence to deal with the allegations objectively.
• The child protection database records all child protection referrals, the outcomes of investigations and the stage that those yet to be completed have reached. It is held securely so that an appropriate level of confidentiality is maintained with access granted to the duty manager as required.
• Child protection referrals are monitored to identify patterns and trends.