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CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
The Scout Association's Child Protection policy is known as the
'Young People First' policy. It's often referred to
as the "yellow card" policy because of the pocket sized reminder
card all adults are asked to keep and carry with them.
The "yellow card" can be downloaded on this link:
http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/hq/child-protection/ypf-e3.pdf. An
A3 version of this card is available for instruction / display
purposes and it can be purchased from the Scout Information Centre:
http://www.sbuk.org.uk/info.centre/catalog.php
The
'Young People First' policy
is held up as an example of best practice and praised by the child
protection agencies. The Scout Association also enjoys the
confidence and trust of thousands of parents who each week place
their children in our care.
As an Adult in Scouting you must be aware of your
responsibilities within the 'Young People First' policy, and
put into practice the policy set out in the 'Yellow Card'.
For Young Leaders' there is a 'Young
People First - Guidance for Young Leaders' card (orange
card) which is a version of the 'Young People First' card
(yellow card) which Adults in Scouting are issued with. The orange
card has the main Child Protection policy written in language which
Explorer Scouts will find more suitable. This card is handed out
before the young person becomes a Young Leader, even if they are
only trying out the role. The card is a free resource available from
the
Information Centre. You can view and download the 'Young People First'
card (orange card) here:
http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/6to25/explorer/youngleader/orangecard.pdf
A free leaflet for issue to
parents called 'Safe and Sound' which explains to parents on
how we care for their children and what levels of safety they can
expect whilst their child is a Member, is available from the
Information Centre. This leaflet is recommended for scout groups
as part of their welcome pack.
A wealth of useful information is readily available on Scoutbase
by following this link:
http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/hq/child-protection/
All adults working in Scouting are highly recommended to complete
the:
'Keeping Children Safe' Child Protection
Training Programme
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'Keeping Children
Safe' is designed for any adult in Scouting whose involvement
brings them into contact with our youth membership - Leaders,
Commissioners, Helpers, Skills Instructors, service crews,
parent helpers, etc. This short programme works by helping
individuals increase their understanding of the unique role
they play in keeping children safe from harm.
The Keeping Children Safe programme uses a
distance learning technique that ensures that, wherever an
individual is located, everybody receives a consistent
message, at a time and place that suit. The programme
comprises three short modules; each with an accompanying
questionnaire, in a multichoice answer format, designed to
reinforce the key learning points. When all modules have been
completed, participants receive feedback that enables them to
check their answers and confirm their understanding of the
programme. The programme material builds into a high quality
reference handbook which participants retain and individuals
who successfully complete the programme receive a certificate
of completion from the NSPCC.
The programme is written in a clear and
concise style, using everyday language and avoiding jargon.
The layout is user-friendly with useful checklists - Do's and
Don'ts - which help individuals build up their knowledge and
skills.
The programme is not designed to train
people to become child protection specialists. It provides
training that complements and reinforces the Association's
child protection policy. It enables individuals, both new to
Scouting and with a current involvement, to understand their
own responsibilities in relation to child protection and
emphasises the importance of following good practice
guidelines when working with children and young people.
Completion of this course will count towards Leader's
'Ongoing Learning'.
To register please follow the registration
procedure described below. No further action is required
from you regarding the management of the programme, which is
handled by NSPCC/Educare.
- Participants register using the
Application Form below, by forwarding to the Scout
Information Centre, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London E4
7QW. Tel: 0845 300 1818. Fax: 020 8433 7103.
- Following registration, NSPCC/Educare
sends each participant a welcome letter, a copy of module
one, a questionnaire, a personal record sheet and a
further information sheet.
- Participants read through the module
and return the questionnaire in the pre-paid envelope to
NSPCC/Educare.
- Module two is despatched in the
following fortnight and is completed in the same way. This
is followed by module three.
- A final letter giving the individual's
score and answers with explanations is sent within two
weeks of completion of the programme.
- All participants completing the
programme successfully receive a personalised certificate
from the NSPCC.
- A report is despatched to a nominated
person in the County/Area (i.e. County/Area Child
Protection Co-ordinator)
Application Form
The form is available to download in two
parts:
The complete three module course costs £8.00
(it is suggested that your Group pay this cost) and you need to put David Stemp's name at the bottom of the
application form since he manages the scheme for Hampshire
Scouting and he receives the results.
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Further details can be found on these two
websites:
Scoutbase:
http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/hq/child-protection/kcs.htm
NSPCC:
http://www.nspcc.org.uk/Inform/trainingandconsultancy/EduCare/educarekeepingchildrensafe_wda47924.html
Please send comments and corrections
to Webmaster.
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