Child Protection & Safeguarding Children

Thanet District Council Policy & Procedure, July 2011

"All organisations need to listen and be reponsive to the diverse needs of children, young people and their families, and to recognise that safeguarding children and young people is everyone's business."

The Children Act 1989 states that the child’s welfare is paramount and that every child has a right to protection from abuse, neglect and exploitation. Statutory guidance on making arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children under Section 11 of the Children Act 2004 was published in August 2005. The guidance came into force 1 October 2005 and details what is expected of District Councils. This includes:

• Senior management commitment to the importance of safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare;
• A clear statement of the Council’s responsibilities to children, made available to staff;
• Clear lines of accountability for work on safeguarding and promoting well being;
• Using the views of children and young people to help shape services;
• Safe recruitment procedures for those coming into contact with children and young people ;
• Appropriate training for staff;
• Effective working relations within the Council and with other agencies to safeguard and promote well being, and to share information effectively.

Next: Child Protection and safeguarding children policy statement

• Introduction
• Policy statement
• Principles
• Reporting Procedures

Lead Officer Child Protection

Sarah Phippin

Community Development Officer

E-mail:

sarah.phippin@
thanet.gov.uk

Tel: 01843 577092