RECOGNISING A CONCERN ABOUT A CHILD, YOUNG PERSON or ADULT
If you find yourself concerned about a child, young person or adult because of something you have seen or heard, information you have been told by others, or because someone has confided in you about things that are happening or have happened to them it is not your responsibility to prove or decide whether a child or young person has been harmed or abused.
It is, however, everyone’s responsibility to respond to and report any concerns they have. The signs of child abuse are not always obvious, and a child or young person might not feel able to tell anyone about what is happening to them. Sometimes, children may not realise that what is happening to them is abuse.
Club members, associates coaches, volunteers and staff may be informed in different ways about a concern regarding a child, young person or adult.
Here is how to look out for them.
• a direct disclosure by the child or young person
• through observation of a child or young person, or a change in their behaviour, appearance or demeanour
• information that is shared from another individual or organisation. If a child tells you about a concern, or that they or someone else is being, or has been, abused or you witness or become concerned about a child, you should follow the guidance below:
• Take their concern seriously.
• React calmly and in a manner that does not alarm the child.
• Listen to what they say and don’t show surprise or shock.
• Reassure them they are not to blame and were right to tell you.
• Allow them the space and time to talk.
• Keep questions to a minimum – only ask questions if you need to identify/clarify what the child is telling you.
• Explain that you will have to share the information with the Club Welfare Officer.
• Act swiftly to report and carry out any relevant actions (see below).
It is important NOT to:
• make assumptions or speculate
• come to your own conclusions
• probe for more information than is offered
• give personal viewpoints or opinion
• conduct your own investigation of the case
• dismiss or ridicule the disclosure
• promise to keep it a secret. You must be clear that this is important and you will have to tell someone who can help.
• make negative comments about the alleged abuser
• approach an alleged abuser to discuss the concern
• discuss the allegations with anyone who does not need to know. Disclosures are confidential
• delay in reporting the concerns to the Club Welfare Officer, or in an emergency to the Police
• ignore what has been disclosed – you have a duty to act
Full details on how to report a concern be found on the England Athletics website here