Child Protection Guidance 2021

Part 4: Specific support needs and concerns 209 National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 Version 1.0 September 2021 4.466 The best protection is prevention. For faith communities and organisations, clear, written and well-shared child protection and vulnerable adult policies and procedures are a first step to creating awareness and safety within the organisation/community. Volunteers, employees and those in positions of authority and pastoral responsibility need support in how they can recognise abuse; how they should respond to allegations or concerns about abuse; how they should record concerns and make appropriate referrals; and what behaviour towards children is acceptable and unacceptable within their role. 4.467 Fundamental preventative steps for faith organisations include: safe recruitment practices; safe practice in pastoral support with children and young people; online safety advice for appropriate use of digital and social media; child protection training for staff and volunteers; awareness raising within the faith community, for instance in relation to grooming processes; and the name and contact details for someone to speak to about any concerns. 4.468 Faith organisations should have designated child protection leads who have a role in passing on concerns about children to police or social work, and in developing and maintaining organisational policies and procedures. These individuals should undertake regular training and be aware of the local Child Protection Committee and procedures. Faith organisations have a role in promoting awareness of information, resources and helplines in relation to child protection and, for example, forced marriage and honour- based abuse. 4.469 Resilience. Faith and spirituality can be a powerful resilience factor when children and families benefit from associated community, guidance, hope and meaning, particularly in the context of feelings of isolation and insecurity. Faith and faith organisations can be a source of resilience and hope, particularly when communities face threat, loss and disaster. 4.470 Abuse of trust. Positions of power, trust and authority can provide opportunities to abuse. Gender-based oppression, coercion and control or family honour may be a feature in dynamics that keep abuse secret. 4.471 Families facing exceptional stress. Practitioners will be aware that, even when supported by faith and community, many migrating families and their children face exceptional stress, due to immigration status, poverty and accommodation concerns. They may experience feelings of isolation, separation, alienation, anxiety, disappointment, frustration and confusion. 4.472 Disabled children may be more vulnerable to victimisation and scapegoating in some cultural settings. They are likely to be less able to resist or share their experience. There is a collective responsibility to be alert, to challenge inappropriate behaviour, avoid collusion and report apparently harmful behaviour to statutory services. Response must be carefully planned, with victims’ experience and safety a central consideration. 4.473 Experience of statutory services. Statutory services will seek to ensure children’s hearings and child protection processes respond equally well in all areas and communities. Recent research highlights challenges for ethnic minority families in contact with the children’s hearings (Henderson et al 2017). These challenges include: isolation; language difference; poor translation; concerns about confidentiality; family reluctance to raise concerns and accept support; lack of awareness of services and how the law operates in Scotland; and fear of service intervention.

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjA4NTgz