Child
Protection Policy
Recognition
of abuse
It
is not the responsibility of anyone working in American Football,
in a paid or unpaid capacity, to take responsibility or to
decide whether or not child abuse has taken place. However,
there is a responsibility to act on any concerns through
contact with the appropriate authorities. The following may
be signs of child abuse:
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Unexplained
or suspicious injuries such as bruising, cuts or burns,
particularly if situated on a part of the body not normally
prone to such injuries |
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Any
injury for which the explanation is inconsistent |
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The
child or young person describing what appears to be an
abusive act. |
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Someone
else expressing concerns about the welfare of the child
or young person. |
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Unexplained
changes in behaviour |
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Engaging
in sexually explicit behaviour in games |
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Being
mistrustful of adults, particularly those with whom a
close relationship would normally be expected |
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Having
difficulty in making friends |
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Being
prevented from socialising with other children or young
people |
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Variations
in eating patterns including overeating or loss of appetite |
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Loss
of weight for no apparent reason |
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Becoming
increasingly dirty or unkempt |
The
above list is not exhaustive and the presence of one or more
of the indicators is not proof that abuse is taking place.
However, if you are concerned about
the welfare of the child YOU MUST TAKE ACTION. Do not assume that someone
else will.
What
to do if abuse is suspected
BYAFA
and its governing body BAFA will fully support and protect
anyone, who in good faith, reports his or her concern
that a colleague is, or may
be, abusing
a child.
Any
suspicion that a child has been abused by either a volunteer
or member of coaching staff should be reported to the sports
outreach officer,
who will take steps to ensure the safety of the child in question
and
any other
children
at risk.
The
designated Club/Team Child Protection Officer must report
the allegation to the social service department, who may
involve the
police, BYAFA and
the BAFA Child Protection Officer.
The
parents and carers of the child will be contacted as soon
as possible following advice from social services.
If a Club/Team Child Protection Officer is the subject of the
suspicion/allegation, the report must be made to the Manager
of the organisation who
will refer the allegation to social services, BYAFA and the BAFA
Child
Protection
Officer.
Where
there is a complaint against a member of staff there may
be 3 types of investigation: A criminal investigation, a
child protection investigation, a disciplinary or misconduct
investigation.
The following action will be taken if there are concerns:
If, following consideration, the allegation is clearly about poor practice,
it will be dealt with as a misconduct issue by Club/Team Child
Protection Officer. BYAFA and the BAFA Child Protection must be informed
of any
action taken. If the allegation is about poor practice by a Club/Team
Child Protection Officer or the matter has been handled inadequately
it should
be reported to BYAFA
or the BAFA Child Protection Officer who will decide how to
deal with the allegation. The Club/Team Child Protection
Officer will make an immediate decision about whether an individual accused
of abuse should
be temporarily
suspended pending
further enquiries.
A BYAFA disciplinary committee will assess individual cases
to decide whether a volunteer can be reinstated. The committee
will
make a
decision based on
available information. The welfare of children must always
remain paramount.
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