Safeguarding is a term broader than ‘child protection’ as it also includes prevention. Safeguarding has been defined as:

1. Taking all reasonable measures to ensure that the risks of harm to children and young people's welfare are minimised; and

2. Where there are concerns about children and young people’s welfare, taking appropriate actions to address those concerns, working to agreed policies and procedures in full partnership with other agencies.

Safeguarding children is vital for us as we recognise that we have a duty of care towards the young people with whom we have contact through this site and through our other services. Having safeguards in place within our organisation not only protects and promotes the welfare of young people but also it enhances the confidence of staff, volunteers, parents/carers and the general public.

Youthscape fully endorses and seeks to follow the standards for good practice laid out by the Luton Safeguarding Children Board. We have also adopted the Luton 'Safeguarding Children' Pledge with regards to our local work, and this will be extended though the implementation of this website on behalf of selfharm.co.uk.

In practice this means:

Recruitment

Our selection and recruitment procedures for staff, volunteers and others involved in our work (for example, members of the Board of Trustees) meet the requirements of the Luton Safeguarding Children Board in helping detect, reject or identify people who pose a risk to children and young people, or who are otherwise unsuited to work with them. This includes an enhanced check with the Criminal Records Bureau.

Training

As part of their induction, all staff and volunteers receive training in relation to safeguarding, child protection and promoting the welfare of children and young people. In addition, staff and volunteers must receive regular ongoing training for the duration of their work with SelfharmUK.

Good Practice

Clear written procedures are in place for how we work with children and young people, including, for example, staff supervision ratios, online contact with young people and risk assessing. All staff and volunteers must have copies of these procedures and receive regular training about their implementation.

Referrals

There is a written procedure outlining what action staff and volunteers must take if they believe a child or young person may be at risk.

Complaints

SelfharmUK take complaints about staff and volunteers very seriously, if you have any concerns about a memeber of staff or volunteer at SelfharmUK please email the current Senior Manager of the team, Karen Hornett.