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Section One

Introduction

The Child Protection Policy of Exchange aims to consider both the rights of the child/young person

and the rights of adult volunteers whilst also seeking to protect both groups in their association,

interaction and work with one another.

In promoting the development of children/young people, Exchange has a responsibility to

make certain that we have sufficient knowledge and confidence to reject any behaviour from their

peers or from adults which may threaten a child/young person in any way. To accomplish this,

children/young people should be helped to recognise their rights and obligations to one another and

to adults. Volunteering at Exchange recognises this requirement and the need to implement it.

Exchange relies solely on the time and commitment freely given by its volunteers and

without this the opportunities for children and young people to participate in activities and to

engage in social interaction would not exist. Volunteering at Exchange should be a mutually

beneficial, enjoyable and fun experience for both the volunteers and young people.

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Section Two

Definition of child

A child means anyone who is under 18 years of age so this includes young people.

The Rights of the Child

Childrens rights may be summarised under the following three headings:

Provision

Rights to minimum standards of health, education, social security, physical care, family life,

play, recreation, culture and leisure, and adequate standards of living;

Protection

Rights of children to be safe from discrimination, physical abuse, exploitation, substance

abuse, injustice and conflict;

Participation

Rights of children to a name and identity, to be consulted and taken account of, to have

access to information, to have freedom of speech and opinion, and to challenge decisions

made on their behalf.

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Section Three

Core Values and Principles of Youth Policy

Importance of Childhood

The importance of childhood should be understood and respected by everyone involved.

The right to happiness within childhood must be recognised and enriched through all

activities at Exchange.

Needs of the Child

All activities should be guided by what is best for young people. This means that adult

volunteers should have a basic understanding of the emotional, physical and personal needs

of young people.

Equality

All young people who enter the space should be valued and treated in a reasonable and fair

manner regardless of ability, gender, sexual orientation, religion, social and ethnic

background or political persuasion. Young people, irrespective of ability or disability should

be involved in activities in an integrated and inclusive way, whenever possible.

Integrity in Relationships

Adult volunteers interacting with young people are in a position of both trust and influence.

They should always ensure that young people are treated with integrity and respect, and the

self-esteem of young people is enhanced. All adult actions within Exchange should be guided

by what is best for young people and carried out in the context of respectful and open

relationships. Physical, emotional or sexual abuse and neglect of any kind or threat of such

abuse is totally unacceptable within Exchange, as in society in general.

Young People and Adults in Partnership

Volunteering offers a facility for adults and young people to work in partnership within the

community of Exchange. The trust which is implicit in an adult-young person relationship in

Exchange places a duty of care on all adults to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of

young people. The nature of this association allows young people the space and opportunity

to develop both personally and socially in a safe, positive and encouraging atmosphere.

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Volunteers offer vital support to young people at a crucial stage in their lives through social

interactions, listening to them and advocating on their behalf, all the time affording young

people the opportunity to participate in a range of activities in Exchange. Such relationships

have tremendous potential to help young people.

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Section Four

Young People and Adult Relationships

Responsibilities and a Duty of Care

Positive adult - young people relationships will inevitably result in growth, development and

fulfilment for all those involved in Exchange. Adults who become involved in Exchange do so

in their own free time. Given the important and responsible roles which adult volunteers

contribute on many different levels at Exchange, it is essential that their ability to deal with

young people in a fair, empathetic and ethical manner is supported, guided and continued. A

consistent method of recruiting volunteers should be in place, including a submission of

written volunteer application forms, seeking references and keeping a written record of all

relevant paperwork.

Adult and Young People Relationships in Exchange should be:

1. Open, positive and encouraging

2. Entered into by choice

3. Respectful of the creativity and autonomy of young people

4. Carried out in a context where young people are protected and where their rights are

promoted

5. Free from physical, emotional or sexual abuse and neglect or any threat of such harm

6. Respectful of the needs and developmental stage of young people

7. Mindful of the fact that children with disabilities may be more vulnerable

Young Person to Young Person Relationships

Interactions between young people should be conducted in a spirit of mutual respect and

understanding. Volunteers, who foster an environment in which healthy, open relationships

are valued and where the integrity of each individual is respected, can promote such

interactions.

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Section Five

Safe Practices in Youth Work

Volunteers at Exchange carry a duty of care in relation to the young people who use the

space and participate in the activities at Exchange.

Junior Volunteers

Records should be kept on all junior volunteers and should include parental consent, any

relevant medical details, any special needs and emergency contact telephone numbers.

Event Records

Records should be kept and logged in relation to any organised events at Exchange. A record

of the company, artist or group holding an event at Exchange should be kept along with their

relevant contact details. The number of attendees at the event should also be logged along

with a sign in book for volunteers on duty. An accident and incident report book should

record any such happenings within the space. All records should be reviewed regularly and

any irregularities must be reported by the volunteer responsible for overseeing these

records.

The Building and Facilities

Volunteers should also ensure that the building and facilities that are used for activities with

young people are safe and secure. All occupied parts of the building should be monitored

and areas not in use should be out of bounds. There should also be adequate heating and

ventilation, sanitation facilities, fire precautions, first aid facilities and access to a telephone.

Young people should never be left unattended and volunteers should be aware of members

whereabouts, and what they are doing. All activity should have constant supervision.

Adult/Young Person Ratio

The minimum adult/young person ratio ideally should be one adult per group of eight plus

one other adult, and allowing an additional adult for each group of eight thereafter. Local

circumstances, the type of event taking place, the ages of the young people and the

experience of the volunteers can also be taken into consideration. Safety, ability/disability of

young people and the nature of the events/activities taking place may require that these

ratios be considerably lower.

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Large Groups of Young People

Events/activities which involve a large number of young people using the space, it is advised

that volunteers make sure there is sufficient help on hand for such activities/events. This

ensures that young people get the best out of such events/activities in a safe and fun

environment. When dealing with group members of mixed sex, it is imperative that there

are sufficient adult volunteers of both sexes to properly manage the events/activities and

the area of the space that is in use.

Dealing with Disruptive and Challenging Behaviour

When dealing with a disruptive individual(s), it is recommended that where possible more

than one adult volunteer be present. Instances of disruptive or challenging behaviour which

requires the intervention of a volunteer and which put at risk the safety and well-being of

others must be documented in the incident report book.

The report should detail:

1. The event running at the time

2. What happened

3. Who was involved

4. Where and when it happened

5. What was said (if significant)

6. Any injury to person or property

7. How the situation was resolved

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Section Six

Policy and Procedures

Codes of Behaviour and Guidelines Between Volunteers and Young People

Adults are responsible for setting and observing the boundaries between their role as

volunteers and their friendship with young participants. In order to act as a positive role

model and to promote the safety of young people, volunteers should:

1. Be positive, encouraging and supportive

2. Put the welfare of young people first

3. Treat all young people who use the space equally

4. Understand the needs of young people

5. Foster a positive attitude among young people that respects their personal space, safety

and privacy and that of their peers

Where possible, and for their own safety, volunteers should avoid:

1. Spending excessive amounts of time with young people away from others

2. Taking young people on journeys alone in their car

Volunteers should not:

1. Use any form of physical punishment or force on a young person

2. Take young people into their home

3. Exert undue influence over a young person in order to obtain personal benefit

4. Use foul and verbally abusive language or gestures

5. Volunteers should be sensitive to the fact that jokes of a sexual nature may be offensive

to others and should never be told in the presence of children/young people

6. Engage in rough physical games, sexually provocative games or allow or engage in

inappropriate touching of any kind, and/or make sexually suggestive comments about,

or to, a child/young person

7. Use their mobile phone to take pictures or recordings of young people. Inappropriate

use of your camera phone may cause upset or offence to another person

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Physical Contact

Physical contact of a comforting and reassuring nature is a valid way of expressing concern

and care for young people, where such contact is acceptable to all persons concerned. It is

recommended that volunteers be sensitive and aware to the potential risk and vulnerability

to personal safety and false allegations which may arise when interacting with young people.

Physical contact should always be intended to meet the young persons needs and NOT the

adults. Such physical contact should be conducted in an open environment with the

permission and understanding of the young person.

Dont do something that a young person can do for themselves

Never engage in inappropriate touching on any part of the body that might cause a young

person distress or embarrassment.

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Section Seven

Guidelines for Young People

Young people have so much to gain from the events and activities in Exchange in terms of

their own personal development and enjoyment. The positive and safe atmosphere depends

on the collaboration of all involved in Exchange, including young people. Young people must

be encouraged to realise that they also have responsibilities to treat other young people and

volunteers with dignity and respect.

Young people are entitled to:

1. Be listened to

2. Be believed

3. Be safe and to feel safe

4. Participate in events and activities on an equal basis

5. Be treated with sensitivity, dignity and respect

6. Be happy, have fun and enjoy the events and activities at Exchange

7. Comment and make suggestions in a constructive manner

8. Make a complaint in an appropriate way and have it dealt with through Exchanges

complaints procedure

9. Be afforded confidentiality

10. Have a voice in the running of Exchange and be able to be part of the Collective

Young people should agree to:

1. Respect volunteers and the work that they do at Exchange

2. Respect the space and the property of the space

3. Show due consideration for local businesses and residents in the surrounding areas of

Exchange

4. Respect fellow users of the space and the events/activities which take place there

5. Exercise self-control and tolerance for other users of the space, even if others do not

Young people should not:

1. Bring alcohol or drugs of any kind into Exchange or enter the premises whilst being

under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs

2. Bring weapons or objects which may be deemed dangerous/harmful into Exchange

3. Use violence or partake in any sort of rough physical play making

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4. Shout at or verbally abuse other individuals or volunteers or use abusive physical

gestures

5. Bully or use bullying tactics to isolate another individual

6. Deface or deliberately damage property within Exchange

7. Smoke in Exchange

8. Tell lies about volunteers or other young people

9. Spread rumours

10. Keep secrets about any person(s) who may have caused them harm

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Section Eight

Guidelines for the Use of Photographic and Mobile Equipment

The purpose of such guidelines is to reduce the risk of inappropriate and unsolicited attention from

individuals. Group photographs where the Exchange is identified rather than individuals are good for

publicity without creating a risk to those in the photographs. Photographs, if they are coupled with

personal information can be used as a means of identifying children. Such occurrences can make a

young person vulnerable to an individual who may wish to groom that child/young person for

abuse. Furthermore, the content of a photograph can be altered and adapted for inappropriate use.

However, as a guide, it is important to remember the following:

1. If a person is named on Exchanges website, Twitter or Facebook page, (or any other social

networking site or blog) then avoid using their photograph

2. If a photograph is used then avoid naming the individual

3. Ask for the individuals permission to use their image to ensure that they are aware of the

way the image is to be used to represent Exchange or its events/activities

4. Ask for parental permission to use a young persons image to ensure that parents/guardians

are aware of the way the image is to be used to represent Exchange

5. To reduce the risk of inappropriate use, only use images of young people in suitable dress.

The content of the image should focus on the event/activity and not on a particular young

person

6. Photographers/film/video operators who wish to record an event should seek permission

from the Collective first

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Section Nine

Bullying

Bullying is a repeated aggression be it verbal, psychological or physical, which is conducted by an

individual or group against others. It is behaviour, which is intentionally aggravating and intimidating

and occurs mainly among children/young people in social environments such as schools, sports

clubs, activity clubs and other organisations working with children/young people. Bullying involves

behaviours such as teasing, taunting, threatening, hitting or extortion by one or more children

against a victim. It is the responsibility of volunteers to deal with bullying that may take place in

Exchange. Incidents of bullying should be dealt with immediately and not tolerated under any

circumstances. Many children are reluctant to tell adults that they are being bullied. Older children

are even more reluctant to do so. This emphasises a real need for volunteers to be constantly

vigilant and to report incidents of bullying immediately.

Tackling Bullying

Exchange aims to implement the following measures:

Raise awareness of the fact that bullying is an unacceptable form of behaviour

Foster an ethos which aims to encourage young people and volunteers to report bullying

Provide ample supervision of young people at all events and activities

Aim to provide a supportive environment for victims of bullying

Obtain the co-operation of all users of the space to deal with bullying

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Section Ten

Understanding and Recognising Child Abuse

It is not always easy to acknowledge that child abuse may take place in youth organisations or

groups or within families. It is often presumed that people who work particularly in a voluntary

capacity are caring individuals and the possibility that an individual might be capable of abusing a

young person is extremely difficult to accept.

Young people in certain situations may be particularly vulnerable to abuse. These include

young people who are separated from their parents or other family members. Young people with

disabilities and those from a minority background may also be particularly vulnerable.

Exchange like any other organisation that includes children/young people as its members is

vulnerable to the occurrence of child abuse. Unwillingness to think badly of individuals, or a lack of

awareness that such things can take place, can lead to a reluctance in recognising and dealing with

the possibility of abuse. Possessing an awareness of what constitutes abusive behaviour and a

willingness to deal with the issue is most likely to provide the safest and most enjoyable involvement

for young people within Exchange.

Volunteers may have to deal with two different contexts in which child protection concerns may

arise:

1. Situations where it becomes apparent that a child or young person is being harmed or is at

risk of harm within his or her own family context or home environment

2. Situations where an allegation of child abuse is made against a volunteer

Definition of Child Abuse

Child abuse can be categorised into four different types: child neglect, emotional abuse, physical

abuse and sexual abuse. A child may be subjected to more than one form of abuse at any given time.

1. Child Neglect

Neglect is normally defined in terms of an omission, where a child suffers significant harm or

impairment of development by being deprived of food, clothing, warmth, hygiene,

intellectual stimulation, supervision and safety, attachment to and affection from adults, or

medical care.

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Neglect generally becomes apparent in different ways over a period of time rather than one

specific point. For example a child who suffers minor injuries is not having his or her needs

for supervision and safety met. Or a child who is significantly underweight may be deprived

adequate nutrition.

2. Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is normally to be found in the relationship between and adult and a child

rather than in a specific incident or set of patterns. Emotional abuse occurs when a childs

need for affection, approval and security are not met. It is rarely revealed in terms of

physical symptoms. The threshold of significant harm is reached when abusive interactions

dominate and become typical of the relationship between the child and the

parent/guardian.

Examples of emotional abuse include:

Persistent criticism, sarcasm, hostility or blaming

Unresponsiveness, inconsistent or unrealistic expectations of a child

Emotional unavailability by the childs parent/guardian

Over or under protection of the child

Failure to provide opportunities for the childs education and development

Use of unrealistic or over-harsh disciplinary measures

Exposure to domestic violence

3. Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is any form of non-accidental injury that causes significant harm to a child,

including:

Shaking, hitting or throwing

Use of excessive force in handling

Deliberate poisoning

Suffocation or drowning

Munchausens syndrome by proxy (where parents/guardians fabricate stories of

illness about their child or cause physical signs of illness)

Allowing or creating a substantial risk of significant harm to a child

Burning or scalding

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For children with disabilities it may include confinement to a room or a cot, or

incorrectly given drugs to control behaviour

4. Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse occurs when a child is used by another individual for his or her gratification or

sexual arousal, or for that of others.

For example:

Exposure of the sexual organs or any sexual act intentionally performed in the

presence of a child

Intentional touching or molesting of the body of a child whether by a person or

object for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification

Masturbation in the presence of a child or involvement of a child in that act

Sexual intercourse with the child

Sexual exploitation of a child

It may include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at

pornographic material or watching sexual activities, or encouraging children to

behave in sexually inappropriate ways

Consensual sexual activity between an adult and a child under 17 years. In relation

to child sexual abuse, it should be noted that, for the purpose of criminal law, the

age of consent to sexual intercourse is 17 years. This means, for example, that

sexual intercourse between a 16 year old girl and her 17 year old boyfriend is illegal,

although it might not be regarded as constituting child sexual abuse. (The definition

of child sexual abuse offered here is not a legal definition and it is not intended to be

a description of the criminal offence of sexual assault)

Signs of Child Abuse

Signs of child abuse can be physical, behavioural or developmental. A cluster or pattern of signs is

the most reliable indicator of abuse. Indicators should be noted. It is important nonetheless to

realise that all of these indicators can occur in other situations where abuse has not been a factor.

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Some examples include:

Category Indicators

Abuse Physical Behavioural

Physical Unexplained

bruising, bites,

burns and scalds

Becoming withdrawn or

aggressive

Emotional Crying Regressive behaviour

Excessive clinginess

Neglect Weight loss

Untreated

fractures

Changes in attendance

Reluctance to go home

Sexual Torn or blood

stained clothing

Inappropriate

sexual

awareness,

behaviour or

language

Distrustful of adults

Other Forms of Abusive Behaviour Towards Young People

Apart from the above forms of abuse, volunteers should also be vigilant to other forms of behaviour

that may be harmful to young people. The following behaviours are unacceptable among young

people and volunteers:

1. Organised Abuse

This occurs when one individual moves into an area or organisation and steadily entraps

children for abusive purposes or when two or more adults collude to similarly abuse children

using lures.

2. Peer Abuse

In some cases of abuse the alleged perpetrator will also be a child/young person. If there is

any conflict of interest between the welfare of the alleged abuser and the victim, the

victims welfare is of utmost importance.

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3. Verbal Abuse

This includes name calling, sarcasm and criticism, making reference to some physical

characteristic, destructive criticism, derogatory remarks and gestures.

4. Bullying

As discussed in section nine.

5. Unwelcome Behaviour

This may include favouritism, exclusion, sexual harassment and sexual innuendo, humiliating

and embarrassing others, deprivation of basic rights and harsh disciplinary measures.

Grounds for Concern

Consider the possibility of child abuse if there are reasonable grounds for concern. Many indicators

of child abuse are non-specific. Alternative explanations for should always be considered.

Reasonable grounds for concern exist when there is:

Disclosure of abuse by a young person

An account by a person who saw the young person being abused

A young person appears to have suffered a suspicious injury for which no reasonable

explanation can be offered

Age-inappropriate or abnormal sexual play or knowledge

A young person appears to be distressed without obvious reason

Fearful responses to an adult who is responsible for their care at any given time

Runs away from home

Attempted suicide

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Section Eleven

Dealing with a Disclosure of Abuse from a Young Person

Exchange can provide a secure environment which may enable a young person to share their

concerns. Therefore it is paramount that a young person who discloses abuse feels supported in

what maybe a traumatic process. A young person who discloses that they have been abused is

making a profound act of trust and should be treated with respect and sensitivity.

It is important to remember the following:

1. React calmly and do not show any extreme reaction

2. Listen carefully and take the young person seriously

3. Reassure the young person

4. Do not make false promises, particularly with regard to secrecy

5. Do not ask the young person to repeat the story unnecessarily

6. Ask questions only for the purpose of clarification

7. Do not express any opinions about the alleged abuser

8. Record the conversation as soon as possible, in as much detail as possible. Sign and date

it.

9. Pass on the information to the relevant authorities

10. Treat the information confidentially

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Section Twelve

Reporting Procedures in Respect of Suspected Or Actual Child Abuse

The following steps should be followed in reporting child abuse to the Statutory Authorities:

1. Make a note of any relevant details in relation to the young person; such as their full name,

address, school

2. Observe and note dates, times, locations and contexts in which the incident occurred or

suspicion was aroused

3. Report the matter as soon as possible to the Statutory Authority local Health Service

Executive or An Garda Sochna who will investigate

Useful Contacts:

East Coast Area Health Board

Community Care Area Address Phone Number

Area 1 Tivoli Road, Dn Laoghaire, Co.

Dublin

01 284 35 79

Area 2 Vergemount Hall, Clonskeagh,

Dublin 6

01 269 82 22

Area 10 Glenside Road, Co. Wicklow 0404 68 400

Northern Area Health Board

Community Care Area Address Phone Number

Area 6 St. Josephs School for the Deaf,

Social Work Department,

Navan Road, Dublin 7

01 83 85 034

Area 7 Rose Cottage, Convent Avenue,

Richmond Road, Fairview,

Dublin 3

01 85 75 431

Area 8 Coolock Health Centre,

Cromcastle Road, Coolock,

Dublin 5

01 84 76 122

South Western Area Health Board

Community Care Area Address Phone Number

Area 3 Unit 43, The malting Business

Park, 54/55 Marrowbone Lane,

Dublin 8

01 45 44 733

Area 4 Old County Road, Health

Centre, Crumlin, Dublin 12

01 41 54 700

Area 5 Community Services, Dublin

West, Cherry Orchard Hospital,

Ballyfermot, Dublin 10

01 62 06 092