Youth Federation is committed to safeguarding all children and young people whom it comes into contact with and promotes their welfare by actively working with staff, volunteers, voluntary youth organisations and statutory agencies.

In meeting our duty of care Youth Federation works in line with guidance set out in ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ (HM Government, 2006). The following safeguards are in place to ensure children and young people can expect the best care and support from the Youth Federation:

§          Policies which protect children & young people from harm and abuse

§          Guidance and training for staff and volunteers to know what to do when they are worried

§          Procedures for dealing with concerns and sharing information with statutory agencies

Support for Voluntary Youth Groups

Youth Federation currently delivers the NSPCC developed ‘Child Protection Awareness Course’ designed to raise awareness of child abuse and how to keep children and young people safe. Our capacity building team can also help youth groups to develop their own safeguarding policies and access help and support from their local statutory agencies.

As an umbrella body Youth Federation can also support voluntary youth groups access Criminal Record Bureau Checks (CRB). These checks are designed to help groups make safer recruitment decisions about staff or volunteers wishing to work with children and young people.

Sources of Support

Whether you are worried if a child is being abused or how to ensure young people in your group are safe there is support at hand. When dealing with a concern groups can access their Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB)at the following locations:

Cheshire LSCB

Halton LSCB

Warrington LSCB

www.safeguardingwarringtonchildren.org.uk

Wirral LSCB

www.wirral.gov.uk

Other Useful Weblinks

NSPCC

Every Child Matters Change for Children

Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP)

Independent Safeguarding Authority