Support for children, young people and adults at risk

The Safeguarding Service recommends the following best practices for supporting and ensuring the safety of children, young people and adults at risk.

Involving parents and carers

Parents and carers should be fully involved in discussions relating to the child, young person, or adult's needs. They will be able to provide important information and advice and, in many instances, will want to be directly involved in supporting the child, young person, or adult in activities and learning.

Health and medical issues

Some children, young people and adults may require regular and frequent medication. Where possible, the administration of medication during church activities should be avoided. If it is required, the parents/carers should attend to this or should nominate another responsible person to do this. It is not appropriate for workers to administer medication.

Workers who are worried about a child, young person, or adult's medical or health issues should speak with their parent or carer.

Where required, the medication needs should be recorded using the SG16 General Information and Consent Form.

Disabilities

Appropriate consideration should be given to persons with disabilities. Issues to consider include how specific disabilities may be catered for during the event or activity. This is also applicable to days out, camps and residential holidays.

• Is the venue suitable for wheelchair access?
• If an external event, are the ground conditions suitable for wheelchair users?
• Are induction loops available for those with hearing impairment?
• How will those with disabilities be alerted to an emergency evacuation?
• Are access routes clear and unobstructed to provide clear routes for the visually impaired?
• Are mentors assigned to assist those with disabilities as required?

Supporting children, young people and adults who have behavioural difficulties

The following pointers may help workers to support and include service users who have behavioural difficulties.

Whenever possible, try to involve the parents or carer in the planning of activities and, where appropriate, in the supervision of the child, young person or adult.

Work together to consider the kind of support a child, young person or adult may need to engage purposefully in activities. Are there sufficient workers to allow this to happen?

Every Kirk Session will want their congregation to be welcoming to everyone. However, Kirk Sessions may sometimes have to decide not to allow a child, young person, or adult to join/continue in an activity if, after every effort and idea has been exhausted by church workers, the well-being of the child, young person, or adult (and that of others) continues to be put at risk.

Individuals using the service as a learning experience

Young people or adults wishing to help in a church group who do not have capacity to provide the service, undertake a PVG check/Basic Disclosure, or attend training can use the service as a learning experience.

We would advise that the individual is supervised by a recruited PVG checked worker at all times. The individual must not be allowed to take on worker responsibilities.

The individual should receive a role description which outlines the boundaries of the role.

The Safeguarding Service can provide further advice and guidance.