Architecture at the Edge

Child Protection and Welfare Policy and Procedures 2021

Architecture at the Edge

Truskey West, Barna, Co.Galway, Ireland

+353 87 676 4040

architecture.edge@gmail.com | www.architectureattheedge.com

Date: January 2021

Contents: • Introduction

• AATE’s Policy Statement

• Promoting Good Practice

• What is Good Practice?

• Defining Child Abuse o Definitions of Abuse o Indicators of Abuse • Responding to Suspicions and Allegations o Receiving Evidence of Possible Abuse o Recording Information

o Reporting the Concern

o Confidentiality

o Internal Inquiries and Suspension • Recruiting and Selecting Personnel with Children o Controlling Access to Children o Interview and Induction

o Training

o Code of conduct • Guidelines for workshops, events and activities

• Summary

• Glossary

• Appendix

Child Protection Procedures Introduction Introduction

Everyone who participates in events and workshops at Architecture at the Edge is entitled to do so in an enjoyable and safe environment. Architecture at the Edge have a moral and legal obligation to ensure that, when given responsibility for young people, staff and volunteers provide them with the highest possible standard of care.

Architecture at the Edge is committed to devising and implementing policies so that everyone involved accepts their responsibilities to safeguard children from harm and abuse. This means to follow procedures to protect children and report any concerns about their welfare to appropriate authorities.

A child/young person is defined as a person under the age of 18

aims

The aim of this policy is to promote good practice in relation to child and vulnerable adults’ protection by providing them with appropriate safety and protection while in the care of the Architecture at the Edge; and to enable all staff and volunteers to make safe, informed and confident responses in relation to child protection issues.

The policy and procedures will be reviewed annually.

Policy Statement

AATE undertake to provide a safe environment and experience, where the welfare of the child/young person is paramount. We follow the recommendations of Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017) and adhere to the Children First Act (2015).

Architecture at the Edge is committed to the following;

• All children, whatever their age, culture, ability, gender, language, racial origin, religious belief and/or sexual identity should be able to participate in education workshops in a fun and safe environment.

• Taking all reasonable steps to protect children from harm, discrimination and degrading treatment and to respect their rights, wishes and feelings.

• All suspicions and allegations of poor practice or abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.

• Code of behaviour employees and volunteers who work with children will be recruited with regard to their suitability for that responsibility, and will be provided with guidance and/or training in good practice and child protection procedures.

• Working in partnership with parents/guardians/ primary carers is essential for the protection of children.

• Implementing and monitoring of procedures and addressing gaps and changes in procedures.

• Confidentiality in reporting process.

• All children have the right to protection from violent, threatening or degrading behaviour.

• Each child should be treated as an individual; and should be encouraged to express his or her

own needs and wishes.

• Children’s complaints and concerns will be taken seriously and dealt with accordingly.

Promoting Good Practice

To provide children with the best possible experience and opportunities at education activities everyone must operate within an accepted ethical framework.. It is not always easy to distinguish poor practice from abuse. It is therefore NOT the responsibility of employees or participants/volunteers at Architecture at the Edge to make judgements about whether or not abuse is taking place. It is however their responsibility to identify poor practice and possible abuse and act if they have concerns about the welfare of the child.

What is Good Practice?

All personnel should adhere to the following principles and action:

• Always work in an open environment (e.g. avoiding private or unobserved situations and encouraging open communication with no secrets).

• Make the experience of education workshops at Architecture at the Edge fun and enjoyable: promote fairness, confront and deal with bullying.

• Treat all young people equally and with respect and dignity.

• Always put the welfare of the young person first.

• Maintain a safe and appropriate distance with participants (e.g. it is not appropriate for staff

or volunteers to have an intimate relationship with a child or to share a room with them).

• Avoid unnecessary physical contact with young people. Where any form of manual/physical support is required it should be provided openly and with the consent of the young person. Physical contact can be appropriate so long as it is neither intrusive nor disturbing and the young person’s consent has been given.

• Request written parental/guardian consent if Architecture at the Edge staff are taking young people off site.

• Be an excellent role model, this includes not smoking or drinking alcohol in the company of young people.

• Always give enthusiastic and constructive feedback rather than negative criticism.

• Secure written parental/guardian consent for Architecture at the Edge to act in loco parentis, to give permission for the administration of emergency first aid or other medical treatment if

the need arises.

• Keep a written record of any accident or injury that occurs, along with details of any

treatment given.

Defining Child Abuse

Types of Abuse

• Physical Abuse: where adults physically hurt or injure a young person e.g. hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, biting, scalding, suffocating, drowning. Giving young people alcohol or inappropriate drugs would also constitute child abuse. This category of abuse can also include when a parent/guardians/carer reports non-existent symptoms or illness deliberately causes ill health in a young person they are looking after. This is call Munchauser’s syndrome by proxy.

• Emotional Abuse: the persistent emotional ill treatment of a young person, likely to cause severe and lasting adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve telling a young person they are useless, worthless, unloved, inadequate or valued in terms of only meeting the needs of another person. It may feature expectations of young people that are not appropriate to their age or development. It may cause a young person to be frightened or in danger by being constantly shouted at, threatened or taunted which may make the young person frightened or withdrawn. Ill treatment of children, whatever form it takes, will always feature a degree of emotional abuse.

• Bullying may come from another young person or an adult. Bullying is defined as deliberate hurtful behaviour, usually repeated over a period of time, where it is difficult for those bullied to defend themselves. There are three main types of bullying. It may be physical (e.g. hitting, kicking, slapping), verbal (e.g. racist or homophobic remarks, name calling, graffiti, threats, abusive text messages), emotional (e.g. tormenting, ridiculing, humiliating, ignoring, isolating form the group), or sexual (e.g. unwanted physical contact or abusive comments).

• Neglect occurs when an adult fails to meet the young person’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, to an extent that is likely to result in serious impairment of the child’s health or development. For example, failing to provide adequate food, shelter and clothing, failing to protect from physical harm or danger, or failing to ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment. Refusal to give love, affection and attention can also be a form of neglect.

• Sexual Abuse occurs when adults (male and female) use children to meet their own sexual needs. This could include full sexual intercourse, masturbation, oral sex, anal intercourse and fondling. Showing young people pornography or talking to them in a sexually explicit manner are also forms of sexual abuse.

Indicators of Abuse

Even for those experienced in working with child abuse, it is not always easy to recognise a situation where abuse may occur or has already taken place. Most people are not experts in such recognition, but indications that a child is being abused may include one or more of the following:

• unexplained or suspicious injuries such as bruising, cuts or burns, particularly if situated on a part of the body not normally prone to such injuries

• an injury for which an explanation seems inconsistent

• the young person describes what appears to be an abusive act involving them

• another young person or adult expresses concern about the welfare of a young person

• unexplained changes in a young person’s behaviour e.g. becoming very upset, quiet,

withdrawn or displaying sudden outbursts of temper

• inappropriate sexual awareness

• engaging in sexually explicit behaviour

• distrust of adult’s, particularly those whom a close relationship would normally be expected

• difficulty in making friends

• being prevented from socialising with others

• displaying variations in eating patterns including over eating or loss of appetite

• losing weight for no apparent reason

• becoming increasingly dirty or unkempt

Signs of bullying include:

• behavioural changes such as reduced concentration and/or becoming withdrawn, clingy, depressed, tearful, emotionally up and down, reluctance to go training or competitions

• an unexplained drop off in performance

• physical signs such as stomach aches, headaches, difficulty in sleeping, bed wetting, scratching

and bruising, damaged clothes, bingeing e.g. on food, alcohol or cigarettes

• a shortage of money or frequents loss of possessions

It must be recognised that the above list is not exhaustive, but also that the presence of one or more of the indications is not proof that abuse is taking place. It is NOT the responsibility of those working at Architecture at the Edge to decide that child abuse is occurring. It IS their responsibility to act on any concerns.

Circumstances which may make children more vulnerable to harm:

When dealing with children, you need to be alert to the possibility that a welfare or protection concern may arise in relation to children you come in contact with. Some children may be more vulnerable to abuse than others. Also, there may be particular times or circumstances when a child may be more vulnerable to abuse in their lives. The following list is intended to help you identify the range of issues in a child’s life that may place them at greater risk of abuse or neglect. It is important for you to remember that the presence of any of these factors does not necessarily mean that a child in those circumstances or settings is being abused.

• Parent or carer factors (such as drug or alcohol misuse, addiction, mental health issues, parental disability issues, conflictual relationships, domestic violence, adolescent parents)

• Child factors (age, gender, sexuality, disability, mental health issues, communication difficulties, trafficked/exploited, previous abuse, young carer)

• Community factors (cultural, ethnic, religious or faith-based norms in the family or community which may not meet the standards of child welfare or protection required in this jurisdiction, which might include female genital mutilation, forced marriage, honour-based violence or radicalisation)

• Environmental factors (housing issues, children who are out of home and not living with their parents, poverty/begging, bullying, internet and social media-related concerns)

• Poor motivation or willingness of parents/guardians to engage (avoidance of contact and reluctance to work with services, inability or unwillingness to comply with agreed plans)

You should consider these factors as part of being alert to the possibility that a child may be at risk of suffering abuse.

child protection procedures

Responding to Suspicions and Allegations

It is not the responsibility of anyone working at Architecture at the Edge in a paid or unpaid capacity to decide whether or not child abuse has taken place. However there is a responsibility to act on any concerns through contact with the appropriate authorities so that they can then make inquiries and take necessary action to protect the young person. This applies BOTH to allegations/suspicions of abuse occurring within Architecture at the Edge and to allegations/suspicions that abuse is taking place elsewhere.

Responding to allegations of abuse or inappropriate or dangerous behaviour against a member of staff, volunteer or other contracted worker

If the allegation is against a member of staff, volunteer or freelance/contract worker then the concern should be reported in the first instance to the DLP. If the DLP is not available staff members should go to the AATE Director.

Any allegation made against a member of staff or volunteer should be reported to Tusla, Child and Family Agency within one working day of the incident. The contact number for the Designated Officer in Galway is 091-546235 / 091-546228 (ask to speak to the Duty Child Protection Advisor) OR email john.donnellan@tusla.ie

Irrespective of action by Tusla or the Gardai, AATE Management must follow the organisations’s Disciplinary Procedure as appropriate.

Receiving Evidence of Possible Abuse

Abuse or suspected abuse of a child may present in two ways: a staff member or volunteer may observe abuse or a child may confide in a member of staff or volunteer (‘disclosure’).

Observation of an abusive incident requires:

• immediate action to protect the child

• immediate medical attention if necessary

• consultation with the DLP who will make contact with the appropriate services or, if

appropriate, call 999.

Disclosure: If a child confides an abusive situation to a member of staff or volunteer, they have placed that person in a position of trust to help them - even if they ask him/her not to do anything or tell anyone.

If a young person says or indicates that they are being abused, you should:

• stay calm so as not to frighten the young person

• reassure the child that they are not to blame and that it was right to tell

• listen to the child, showing that you are taking them seriously

• keep questions to a minimum so that there is a clear and accurate understanding of what has

been said. The law is very strict and child abuse cases have been dismissed where it is felt that the child has been led or words and ideas have been suggested during questioning. Only ask questions to clarify

• inform the child that you have to inform other people about what they have told you. Tell the child this is to help stop the abuse continuing.

• safety of the child is paramount. If the child needs urgent medical attention call an ambulance, inform the doctors of the concern and ensure they are made aware that this is a child protection issue

• record all information as soon as possible

• report the incident to the to the DLP** at Architecture at the Edge

In all cases if you are not sure what to do you can gain help from Tusla help line Tel No: 091- 546228

The staff member / volunteer should not:

• Make promises that cannot be kept (such as the ability to stop the abuse)

• Promise confidentiality: Staff members/ volunteers have a duty to report any disclosures

• Ask leading questions

If there is a serious and immediate threat to a child then the gardai must be contacted immediately.

Tusla, Child and Family Agency should also be contacted. The local Tusla services telephone number is 091-546228. They can also be contacted by email via info@tusla.ie

**It is essential that any disclosure is acted on by the relevant member of staff and reported by the organisation’s DLP to relevant authorities (tusla, school or gardai). It is NOT for the member of staff or DLP to make a judgement about the severity, nature or authenticity of the disclosure.

Reporting a disclosure might, for example, provide the information Tusla services needs to build a more complete picture of an ‘at risk’ child or vulnerable adult.

Recording an allegation of abuse

The member of staff /volunteer who receives a concern or disclosure of abuse should record the incident first hand.

To make an accurate recording of any concerns or disclosures the member of staff/volunteer should use Architecture at the Edge’s Safeguarding Incident Reporting Form and include the following:

• A timely response, write down the details as soon as possible

• Date and sign the record- if you later recall further information do not change the original record, add as addendum

• Record verbatim notes of what child/ young person says • The details of the concern: nature of any injury/ abuse

The form can be found in appendix at the end of this policy or the DLP can supply one. It is the DLP’s responsibility to pass this on to Tusla, Child and Family Agency.

The completed incident form will be passed on to the Local Tusla Designated Officer by AATE’s DLP. All forms are stored electronically until the child is 25 years of age (or for 10 years if the incident involves a vulnerable adult) before being destroyed. Access is strictly controlled to this documentation.

Note on Disclosures

In the event of a child disclosing information to a member of staff that may be of cause for concern a separate ‘disclosures’ book is kept by the Designated Liaison Person. The Designated Liaison Person is the only person with access to the ‘disclosures book’. In the event of a disclosure made to another staff member or volunteer all entries in the disclosures book will be supervised by the Designated Liaison Person.

Procedure for dealing with retrospective disclosures and allegations

Allegations of abuse are sometimes made sometime after the event. Where such allegation is made, you should follow the same procedures and have the matter reported to social services. This is because other children may be at risk from the alleged abuser. Anyone who has a previous conviction for offences related to abuse against children is automatically excluded from working with children.

Reporting the Concern

All suspicions and allegations MUST be reported appropriately. It is recognised that strong emotions can be aroused particularly in cases where sexual abuse is suspected or where there is misplaced loyalty to a colleague. It is important to understand these feelings but not allow them to interfere with your judgement about any action to take.

Architecture at the Edge expects its volunteers and staff to discuss any concerns they may have about the welfare of a child immediately with the person in charge and subsequently to check that appropriate action has been taken.

The Designated Liaison Person/ Project Manager is to be informed of the incident.

• Any information shared is to be treated with the utmost confidentiality

• Tusla may be contacted for advice and consultation prior to a report being filed. (Note: the

Designated Liaison Person/ Programme Manager is responsible for making contact with Tusla/

the Gardaí)

• If there are reasonable grounds for concern the Designated Liaison Person will contact the

Duty Social Worker in Tusla and make a report

• In case of emergencies outside of Tusla working hours the Gardaí may be contacted

Any suspicion that a child has been abused by an employee or a volunteer the Designated Liaison Person will take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of the child in question and any other child who may be at risk. This will include the following:

o Theparent/guardian/carerofthechildwillbecontactedassoonaspossiblefollowingadvice from the social services department.

o ThedirectorsofMattandFionashouldbenotifiedtodecidewhowilldealwithanymedia inquiries and implement any immediate disciplinary proceedings.

Where there is a complaint against an employee or volunteer, there may be three types of investigation.

• Criminal in which case the police are immediately involved

• Child protection in which case the social services (and possibly) the police will be involved

• Disciplinary or misconduct in which case AATE Programme Director will be involved

As mentioned previously in this document Architecture at the EDGE are not child protection experts and it is not their responsibility to determine whether or not abuse has taken place. All suspicions and allegations must be shared with professional agencies that are responsible for child protection.

NB: If there is any doubt, you must report the incident: it may be just one of a series of other incidences which together cause concern

Designated Liaison Person (DLP)

Architecture at the Edge’s designated Liaison Persons are:

1. Director: Frank Monahan architecture.edge@gmail.com // 087 676 4040

2. Head of Learning: – TBC

The DLPs contact details are available to all staff and volunteers and any concerns or queries regarding child protection issues should be reported to the DLP.

Confidentiality Statement

Architecture at the Edge is committed to ensuring people’s rights to confidentiality. However, in relation to child protection and welfare we undertake that:

Every effort should be made to ensure that confidentiality is maintained for all concerned. Information should be handled and disseminated on a need to know basis only. This includes the following people:

• The Director of Architecture at the Edge

• The Designated Liaison person / project manager for the specific project.

• The lead teacher or youth worker for the project (if a school or youth group is involved).

• The parents/guardians of the child.

• The person making the allegation.

• Social Services/police.

• The alleged abuser (and parents/guardians if the alleged abuser is a child).

Seek social services advice on who should approach the alleged abuser. All information should be stored in a secure place with limited access to designated people, in line with data protection laws.

Information will only be forwarded on a ‘need to know’ basis in order to safeguard a child or young person

Giving such information to others for the protection of a child or young person is not a breach of confidentiality

We cannot guarantee total confidentiality where the best interests of the child or young person are at risk

Primary carers, children and young people have a right to know if information is being shared and or a report made to the Health Services Executive, unless doing so could put the child at further risk

As an organisation, which develops the public’s engagement with architecture and the built environment, Architecture at the Edge frequently documents its exhibitions, education and

outreach activities. The images are used for documentation and occasionally for promotional purposes. Workshop consent forms are to be provided at the beginning of each workshop. Images including children will not be used for promotion of Architecture at the Edge unless prior consent is indicated on the workshop consent form by parents or primary carers

Internal Inquiries and Suspension

• The Director of Architecture at the Edge will make an immediate decision about whether any individual accused of abuse should be temporarily suspended pending further police and social services inquiries

• Irrespective of the findings of the social services or police inquiries the Director at Architecture at the Edge will assess all individual cases to decide whether a member of staff or volunteer can be reinstated and how this can be sensitively handled. This may be a difficult decision; especially where there is insufficient evidence to uphold any action by the gardai. In such cases the Director of AATE must reach a decision based upon the available information which could suggest that on the balance of probability, it is more likely than not that the allegation is true. The welfare of the child should remain of paramount importance throughout.

Recruitment and Selection Personnel

Architecture at the Edge undertake to ensure to the best of their ability that staff are carefully selected, trained (where necessary), and supervised to provide a safe environment for all children and young people, by observing the following principles:

• Roles and responsibilities will be clearly defined for each job

• We will endeavour to select the most suitably qualified personnel

• Candidates will be required to submit an up to date c.v. and to sign contracts in the event of being offered a position

• Staff / volunteers will be required to read and sign the Architecture at the Edge Child Protection Policy

• Staff will be interviewed by a panel of at least two representatives where necessary

• No person deemed to constitute a risk will be employed

• All employees/contractors will be subject to a 3 month probationary period or as agreed in

line with the length of the programme/activity

It is important that all reasonable steps are taken to prevent unsuitable people from working with children. This applies equally to paid staff and volunteers, both full and part time. To ensure unsuitable people are prevented from working with children the following steps should be taken when recruiting.

• All staff should complete an application form. The application form will elicit information about the applicant's past and a self-disclosure about any criminal record.

• Evidence of identity (passport or driving licence with photo).

• All volunteers should complete an application form. The application form will elicit information about the applicant's past and a self-disclosure about any criminal record.

• Two confidential references, including one regarding previous work with children should be obtained. These references MUST be taken up and confirmed through telephone contact.

• Staff recruited to do ‘relevant work’ with young people over an extended period of time will be required to consent to Garda Vetting in line with the National Vetting Bureau Guidelines.

Controlling access to children

Exclusions include:

• Any child-related convictions

• Refusal to sign an application form/declaration form

• Insufficient documentary evidence of identification

• Concealing information on one’s suitability to working with children

• All staff must agree to consent to Garda Vetting, and where required this will be sought.

Garda Vetting:

Garda vetting is the law as outlined in the Children and Vulnerable Adults Act 2012-16. The Act is fully commenced in 2017 and applied to anyone doing ‘relevant work’ over the age of 16 to 85. Garda Vetting is carried out by the National Vetting Bureau.

‘Relevant work’ is defined as a person that gives assistance on an occasional basis, other than teaching, coaching, mentoring, training. It should be noted that Garda Vetting is only required where ‘relevant work’ is occurring on a regular, ongoing or occasional basis. Where a one-off activity occurs, no vetting is required.

Garda Vetting is not portable from job to job or organisation to organisation. Garda Vetting is part of a suite of tools we use to determine suitability of a candidate to work on our programmes concerning young people or vulnerable adults. That suite of tools forms our recruitment process and includes - CV, Interview, references, training and garda vetting.

AATE and Garda Vetting:

All architects participating in the AATE activities in Schools must be vetted as they spend a period of 3 to 12 hours of class contact time with students. The fact that they work collaboratively with the teacher does not matter, they must be vetted. This constitutes as ‘relevant work’ as architects can build a relationship with the students over that time period.

Interview and Induction

• Volunteers are not garda vetted BUT:

• Volunteers are never left alone with children or vulnerable adults – under any circumstances.

All employees and volunteers will be required to attend a briefing for the project they are participating in, carried out to acceptable protocol and recommendations. All employees and volunteers should receive formal or informal induction during which:

• A check should be made that the application form has been completed in full, including sections on criminal records and self-disclosures.

• They should sign up to Architecture at the Edge’s Code of Conduct.

• Child Protection Procedures are explained and training needs identified e.g. basic child

protection awareness.

Training

In addition to pre-selection checks, the safeguarding process includes training after recruitment to help staff and volunteers to:

• Analyse their own practice against what is deemed good practice, and to ensure their practice is likely to protect them from false allegations.

• Recognise their responsibilities and report any concerns about suspected poor practice and/or abuse.

• Respond to concerns expressed by a child.

• Work safely and effectively with children.

Code of Behaviour for staff including contractors

Code of conduct

All staff are expected to adhere to a code of conduct in respect of their contact with children and vulnerable adults and will be given annual training to ensure familiarity with, and adherence to, good practice and procedures.

All Architecture at the Edge staff and volunteers in contact with children – particularly those involved in the organisation’s learning activities for children or vulnerable adults – must:

• treat all children equally and with respect and dignity

• put the welfare of each child first before any personal or organisation goals and before loyalty

to friends and colleagues

• form appropriate and respectful relationships with children

• make the activity fun and enjoyable and promote equality

• give children supportive feedback rather than negative criticism.

• plan and organise the work and workplace so as to minimise risks

• be aware of situations which may present risks and manage these.

For example, staff members and volunteers should not allow themselves to be alone in the toilets with children or at any time when administering first aid. AATE staff and volunteers should be aware of the first aiders on-site and should contact them in relation to any injury or incident requiring medical attention.

• as far as possible be visible when working with children and ensure that there are two adults present at all times

• ensure that unnecessary physical contact with children does not take place

All staff and/or volunteers must avoid action or behaviour that could be construed as poor practice or potentially abusive. Staff and/or volunteers must not:

• use language which is inappropriate, offensive or abusive.

• use bullying behaviour to control children.

• behave physically in a manner which is inappropriate or sexually provocative.

• do things for children of a personal nature that they can do themselves.

• engage in any form of illegal activity in relation to children

• act in ways intended to shame, humiliate, belittle or degrade children

Any poor practice will be dealt with through the organisation’s Disciplinary Procedure.

Designation of Liaison Person (DLP)

The Head of Learning* is the primary designated DLP. Their role is to be the point of contact in relation to any information or disclosures relating to child and vulnerable adults’ protection issues and to pass on this information on to Tusla and the Gardai when appropriate. Architecture at the Edge will ensure that the DLP are given relevant training in relation to their responsibilities in this area and are kept aware of changes to legislation.

• Designated Liaison Person

Architecture at the Edge Designated Liaison Person regarding child protection and welfare has been designated as the person to contact if you have an issue or concern about any aspect of a child’s or young persons safety and welfare. It is the responsibility of this person to support and advise staff about policy and procedures in relation to child protection and to ensure that procedures are followed. It is also the responsibility of the Designated Liaison Person to liaise with the Health Services Executive or Gardaí where appropriate.

The Designated Liaison Person’s role is to:

• Provide information and advice

• Receive and consider child protection concerns

• Consult with Tusla, the Gardaí or others as required

• Make a formal referral

• Maintain confidential records

• Inform parents/carers

*Frank Monahan, Director has been designated as Acting Designated Liaison Person and can be contacted at Architecture at the Edge, Email: architecture.edge@gmail.com

In emergencies call: 087 676 4040

Relevant Person

The Relevant Person is defined in the Children First Act 2015 as ‘a person who is appointed by a provider of a relevant service to be the first point of contact in respect of the provider’s Child Safeguarding Statement.’ In the case of Architecture at the Edge, the Relevant Person is also the Director.

Complaints policy and procedures

Architecture at the Edge assures all staff and volunteers that it will fully support and protect anyone who in good faith reports concerns regarding a colleague’s behaviour towards a child or vulnerable adult. The organisation has a grievance procedure that ensures staff and volunteers are able to share their concerns in confidence.

Architecture at the Edge takes all complaints seriously. Any complaints made in relation to child protection either by a child or vulnerable adult or by a staff member, volunteer, parent or carer should be reported to the organisation’s DLP and then acted on, in line with Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017).

Photographs and video footage

Architecture at the Edge (AATE) endeavours to ensure that any photographs or video footage taken of children and used by the organisation or by a third party, is by permission of parents, school or other responsible adults as appropriate. The organisation carries out permission procedures where photographs or video footage are taken of children in relation to any AATE activity.

Health, safety, accident and injury

Architecture at the Edge has a Health & Safety policy in relation to its activities. In addition, the organisation undertakes health & safety risk assessments in relation to all of its activities for children and vulnerable adults and these are made available to all parents and carers . In situations where children are present at the event for an extended period (such as a work related placement or attendance on an extended course), the organisation holds health, Accident & Emergency contact forms for participating children. H&S risk assessments and emergency contact forms are held by the DLP.

Architecture at the Edge requires:

• Volunteers never to be left alone with children (two staff members to be present at all times).

• All employees to undertake relevant child protection training or undertake a form of home

study, to ensure their practice is exemplary and to facilitate the development of positive

culture towards good practice and child protection.

• All staff and volunteers to receive advisory information outlining good practice and informing

them what to do if they have concerns about the behaviour of an adult towards a young person.

Guidelines for workshops, events and activities

All staff and volunteers who are leading the workshops are required to:

• Wear name badges at all times so they are easy to identify.

• Ensure children and young people are accompanied around the building and on any trips

outside the building.

• Fain signed permission forms from parents/guardians leaving their children in the care of

Architecture at the Edge agreeing for first aid to be administered on site in case of an accident

or emergency.

• Gain signed permission forms from parents/guardians leaving their children in the care of

Architecture at the Edge agreeing they are happy for their child to be photographed and

filmed taking part in the workshops.

• Ensure children are accompanied to the toilet if there is the likelihood other adults will be

using the same facilities.

• Record any accidents or emergencies with one of the Directors – they will have access to the

accidents and emergencies record book and they are a trained First Aider.

• Be aware of the risk assessment that has been completed for the workshop, event or activity

and ensure recommended actions before, during and after the session are taken to prevent

identified risks.

• Take responsibility of children and young people during fire evacuations.

• Use only tools and equipment appropriate to the skills and experience of the age group

attending the workshop, event or activity, or provide adequate training in how to use the equipment safely.

• Workshop Consent Forms

Any member of staff paid or unpaid that is conducting a workshop/event on behalf of Architecture at the Edge must ensure that workshop consent forms for each child are completed by their primary carer prior to the commencement of each workshop. The completed form must contain the following information:

• Name, address and contact details of primary carers

• Name address and contact details of child’s doctor

• Any relevant information relating to any illness, disability or sensory sensitivity that staff

should be aware of and what action is to be taken in the event of a related incident.

• Any information relating to any cultural or religious beliefs that would prevent a child from

partaking in a particular arts activity

• Option to consent to the use of photographs/film/video of my child/children taken during the

workshop by Architecture at the Edge for promotional/ publication purposes

summary

This Child & Vulnerable Adults Safeguarding Policy and guidance confirms Architecture at the Edge’s commitment to promote the welfare and safety of all those engaged in its activities. All staff members and volunteers will be supported in relation to promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults by being made aware of the procedures outlined in this document and via necessary training. All staff will be expected to read this policy, sign an agreement to comply with it, and apply the procedures in practice.

Signed and adopted:

Frank Monahan Date: January 2021 Director

Declaration

On behalf of Architecture at the Edge we, the undersigned, will oversee the implementation of the Child Protection Policy and take all necessary steps to ensure it is adhered to.

Signed: Name:

Date: Position:

glossary

Child/Children

In keeping with the Children First Guidance, ‘child’ or ‘children’ refers to young people up to 18 years of age

Vulnerable adults

This might include adults with learning or physical disabilities, asylum seekers or refugees

Abuse

A form of maltreatment of a child. Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting by those known to them or, more rarely, by others. They can also be abused by other children.

Tusla,

The Child and Family Agency was established on 01st January 2014 and is now the dedicated State agency responsible for improving wellbeing and outcomes for children. It represents the most comprehensive reform of child protection, early intervention and family support services ever untaken in Ireland.

Designation of Liaison Person (DLP)

In Loco Parentis (person acting)

A person who has been given explicit permission to assume parental responsibility for a child by a parent or legal guardian.

Last reviewed by: Director, January 2020 Next due for review: January 2021

Appendices (attached)

1. Garda Vetting invitation form

2. Workshop consent forms

3. Tusla — Child Protection and Welfare Report Form

4. AATE Child Safeguarding Statement

5. AATE Safeguarding Incident reporting and recording form

Appendix 1.1: Garda Vetting invitation form – Confidential

Invitation form for all those working on a regular, ongoing or occasional basis with children and young people

(This form will be emailed to all staff and/or volunteers who required Garda Vetting)

Appendix 1.2: Workshop Consent Forms: To be filled in by parents/guardians of all those participating in workshops/activities for children and young people (This form has been sent to participating schools)Architecture at the Edge

Child Protection and Welfare Policy and Procedures 2021

Architecture at the Edge

Truskey West, Barna, Co.Galway, Ireland

+353 87 676 4040

architecture.edge@gmail.com | www.architectureattheedge.com

Date: January 2021

Contents: • Introduction

• AATE’s Policy Statement

• Promoting Good Practice

• What is Good Practice?

• Defining Child Abuse o Definitions of Abuse o Indicators of Abuse • Responding to Suspicions and Allegations o Receiving Evidence of Possible Abuse o Recording Information

o Reporting the Concern

o Confidentiality

o Internal Inquiries and Suspension • Recruiting and Selecting Personnel with Children o Controlling Access to Children o Interview and Induction

o Training

o Code of conduct • Guidelines for workshops, events and activities

• Summary

• Glossary

• Appendix

Child Protection Procedures Introduction Introduction

Everyone who participates in events and workshops at Architecture at the Edge is entitled to do so in an enjoyable and safe environment. Architecture at the Edge have a moral and legal obligation to ensure that, when given responsibility for young people, staff and volunteers provide them with the highest possible standard of care.

Architecture at the Edge is committed to devising and implementing policies so that everyone involved accepts their responsibilities to safeguard children from harm and abuse. This means to follow procedures to protect children and report any concerns about their welfare to appropriate authorities.

A child/young person is defined as a person under the age of 18

aims

The aim of this policy is to promote good practice in relation to child and vulnerable adults’ protection by providing them with appropriate safety and protection while in the care of the Architecture at the Edge; and to enable all staff and volunteers to make safe, informed and confident responses in relation to child protection issues.

The policy and procedures will be reviewed annually.

Policy Statement

AATE undertake to provide a safe environment and experience, where the welfare of the child/young person is paramount. We follow the recommendations of Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017) and adhere to the Children First Act (2015).

Architecture at the Edge is committed to the following;

• All children, whatever their age, culture, ability, gender, language, racial origin, religious belief and/or sexual identity should be able to participate in education workshops in a fun and safe environment.

• Taking all reasonable steps to protect children from harm, discrimination and degrading treatment and to respect their rights, wishes and feelings.

• All suspicions and allegations of poor practice or abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.

• Code of behaviour employees and volunteers who work with children will be recruited with regard to their suitability for that responsibility, and will be provided with guidance and/or training in good practice and child protection procedures.

• Working in partnership with parents/guardians/ primary carers is essential for the protection of children.

• Implementing and monitoring of procedures and addressing gaps and changes in procedures.

• Confidentiality in reporting process.

• All children have the right to protection from violent, threatening or degrading behaviour.

• Each child should be treated as an individual; and should be encouraged to express his or her

own needs and wishes.

• Children’s complaints and concerns will be taken seriously and dealt with accordingly.

Promoting Good Practice

To provide children with the best possible experience and opportunities at education activities everyone must operate within an accepted ethical framework.. It is not always easy to distinguish poor practice from abuse. It is therefore NOT the responsibility of employees or participants/volunteers at Architecture at the Edge to make judgements about whether or not abuse is taking place. It is however their responsibility to identify poor practice and possible abuse and act if they have concerns about the welfare of the child.

What is Good Practice?

All personnel should adhere to the following principles and action:

• Always work in an open environment (e.g. avoiding private or unobserved situations and encouraging open communication with no secrets).

• Make the experience of education workshops at Architecture at the Edge fun and enjoyable: promote fairness, confront and deal with bullying.

• Treat all young people equally and with respect and dignity.

• Always put the welfare of the young person first.

• Maintain a safe and appropriate distance with participants (e.g. it is not appropriate for staff

or volunteers to have an intimate relationship with a child or to share a room with them).

• Avoid unnecessary physical contact with young people. Where any form of manual/physical support is required it should be provided openly and with the consent of the young person. Physical contact can be appropriate so long as it is neither intrusive nor disturbing and the young person’s consent has been given.

• Request written parental/guardian consent if Architecture at the Edge staff are taking young people off site.

• Be an excellent role model, this includes not smoking or drinking alcohol in the company of young people.

• Always give enthusiastic and constructive feedback rather than negative criticism.

• Secure written parental/guardian consent for Architecture at the Edge to act in loco parentis, to give permission for the administration of emergency first aid or other medical treatment if

the need arises.

• Keep a written record of any accident or injury that occurs, along with details of any

treatment given.

Defining Child Abuse

Types of Abuse

• Physical Abuse: where adults physically hurt or injure a young person e.g. hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, biting, scalding, suffocating, drowning. Giving young people alcohol or inappropriate drugs would also constitute child abuse. This category of abuse can also include when a parent/guardians/carer reports non-existent symptoms or illness deliberately causes ill health in a young person they are looking after. This is call Munchauser’s syndrome by proxy.

• Emotional Abuse: the persistent emotional ill treatment of a young person, likely to cause severe and lasting adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve telling a young person they are useless, worthless, unloved, inadequate or valued in terms of only meeting the needs of another person. It may feature expectations of young people that are not appropriate to their age or development. It may cause a young person to be frightened or in danger by being constantly shouted at, threatened or taunted which may make the young person frightened or withdrawn. Ill treatment of children, whatever form it takes, will always feature a degree of emotional abuse.

• Bullying may come from another young person or an adult. Bullying is defined as deliberate hurtful behaviour, usually repeated over a period of time, where it is difficult for those bullied to defend themselves. There are three main types of bullying. It may be physical (e.g. hitting, kicking, slapping), verbal (e.g. racist or homophobic remarks, name calling, graffiti, threats, abusive text messages), emotional (e.g. tormenting, ridiculing, humiliating, ignoring, isolating form the group), or sexual (e.g. unwanted physical contact or abusive comments).

• Neglect occurs when an adult fails to meet the young person’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, to an extent that is likely to result in serious impairment of the child’s health or development. For example, failing to provide adequate food, shelter and clothing, failing to protect from physical harm or danger, or failing to ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment. Refusal to give love, affection and attention can also be a form of neglect.

• Sexual Abuse occurs when adults (male and female) use children to meet their own sexual needs. This could include full sexual intercourse, masturbation, oral sex, anal intercourse and fondling. Showing young people pornography or talking to them in a sexually explicit manner are also forms of sexual abuse.

Indicators of Abuse

Even for those experienced in working with child abuse, it is not always easy to recognise a situation where abuse may occur or has already taken place. Most people are not experts in such recognition, but indications that a child is being abused may include one or more of the following:

• unexplained or suspicious injuries such as bruising, cuts or burns, particularly if situated on a part of the body not normally prone to such injuries

• an injury for which an explanation seems inconsistent

• the young person describes what appears to be an abusive act involving them

• another young person or adult expresses concern about the welfare of a young person

• unexplained changes in a young person’s behaviour e.g. becoming very upset, quiet,

withdrawn or displaying sudden outbursts of temper

• inappropriate sexual awareness

• engaging in sexually explicit behaviour

• distrust of adult’s, particularly those whom a close relationship would normally be expected

• difficulty in making friends

• being prevented from socialising with others

• displaying variations in eating patterns including over eating or loss of appetite

• losing weight for no apparent reason

• becoming increasingly dirty or unkempt

Signs of bullying include:

• behavioural changes such as reduced concentration and/or becoming withdrawn, clingy, depressed, tearful, emotionally up and down, reluctance to go training or competitions

• an unexplained drop off in performance

• physical signs such as stomach aches, headaches, difficulty in sleeping, bed wetting, scratching

and bruising, damaged clothes, bingeing e.g. on food, alcohol or cigarettes

• a shortage of money or frequents loss of possessions

It must be recognised that the above list is not exhaustive, but also that the presence of one or more of the indications is not proof that abuse is taking place. It is NOT the responsibility of those working at Architecture at the Edge to decide that child abuse is occurring. It IS their responsibility to act on any concerns.

Circumstances which may make children more vulnerable to harm:

When dealing with children, you need to be alert to the possibility that a welfare or protection concern may arise in relation to children you come in contact with. Some children may be more vulnerable to abuse than others. Also, there may be particular times or circumstances when a child may be more vulnerable to abuse in their lives. The following list is intended to help you identify the range of issues in a child’s life that may place them at greater risk of abuse or neglect. It is important for you to remember that the presence of any of these factors does not necessarily mean that a child in those circumstances or settings is being abused.

• Parent or carer factors (such as drug or alcohol misuse, addiction, mental health issues, parental disability issues, conflictual relationships, domestic violence, adolescent parents)

• Child factors (age, gender, sexuality, disability, mental health issues, communication difficulties, trafficked/exploited, previous abuse, young carer)

• Community factors (cultural, ethnic, religious or faith-based norms in the family or community which may not meet the standards of child welfare or protection required in this jurisdiction, which might include female genital mutilation, forced marriage, honour-based violence or radicalisation)

• Environmental factors (housing issues, children who are out of home and not living with their parents, poverty/begging, bullying, internet and social media-related concerns)

• Poor motivation or willingness of parents/guardians to engage (avoidance of contact and reluctance to work with services, inability or unwillingness to comply with agreed plans)

You should consider these factors as part of being alert to the possibility that a child may be at risk of suffering abuse.

child protection procedures

Responding to Suspicions and Allegations

It is not the responsibility of anyone working at Architecture at the Edge in a paid or unpaid capacity to decide whether or not child abuse has taken place. However there is a responsibility to act on any concerns through contact with the appropriate authorities so that they can then make inquiries and take necessary action to protect the young person. This applies BOTH to allegations/suspicions of abuse occurring within Architecture at the Edge and to allegations/suspicions that abuse is taking place elsewhere.

Responding to allegations of abuse or inappropriate or dangerous behaviour against a member of staff, volunteer or other contracted worker

If the allegation is against a member of staff, volunteer or freelance/contract worker then the concern should be reported in the first instance to the DLP. If the DLP is not available staff members should go to the AATE Director.

Any allegation made against a member of staff or volunteer should be reported to Tusla, Child and Family Agency within one working day of the incident. The contact number for the Designated Officer in Galway is 091-546235 / 091-546228 (ask to speak to the Duty Child Protection Advisor) OR email john.donnellan@tusla.ie

Irrespective of action by Tusla or the Gardai, AATE Management must follow the organisations’s Disciplinary Procedure as appropriate.

Receiving Evidence of Possible Abuse

Abuse or suspected abuse of a child may present in two ways: a staff member or volunteer may observe abuse or a child may confide in a member of staff or volunteer (‘disclosure’).

Observation of an abusive incident requires:

• immediate action to protect the child

• immediate medical attention if necessary

• consultation with the DLP who will make contact with the appropriate services or, if

appropriate, call 999.

Disclosure: If a child confides an abusive situation to a member of staff or volunteer, they have placed that person in a position of trust to help them - even if they ask him/her not to do anything or tell anyone.

If a young person says or indicates that they are being abused, you should:

• stay calm so as not to frighten the young person

• reassure the child that they are not to blame and that it was right to tell

• listen to the child, showing that you are taking them seriously

• keep questions to a minimum so that there is a clear and accurate understanding of what has

been said. The law is very strict and child abuse cases have been dismissed where it is felt that the child has been led or words and ideas have been suggested during questioning. Only ask questions to clarify

• inform the child that you have to inform other people about what they have told you. Tell the child this is to help stop the abuse continuing.

• safety of the child is paramount. If the child needs urgent medical attention call an ambulance, inform the doctors of the concern and ensure they are made aware that this is a child protection issue

• record all information as soon as possible

• report the incident to the to the DLP** at Architecture at the Edge

In all cases if you are not sure what to do you can gain help from Tusla help line Tel No: 091- 546228

The staff member / volunteer should not:

• Make promises that cannot be kept (such as the ability to stop the abuse)

• Promise confidentiality: Staff members/ volunteers have a duty to report any disclosures

• Ask leading questions

If there is a serious and immediate threat to a child then the gardai must be contacted immediately.

Tusla, Child and Family Agency should also be contacted. The local Tusla services telephone number is 091-546228. They can also be contacted by email via info@tusla.ie

**It is essential that any disclosure is acted on by the relevant member of staff and reported by the organisation’s DLP to relevant authorities (tusla, school or gardai). It is NOT for the member of staff or DLP to make a judgement about the severity, nature or authenticity of the disclosure.

Reporting a disclosure might, for example, provide the information Tusla services needs to build a more complete picture of an ‘at risk’ child or vulnerable adult.

Recording an allegation of abuse

The member of staff /volunteer who receives a concern or disclosure of abuse should record the incident first hand.

To make an accurate recording of any concerns or disclosures the member of staff/volunteer should use Architecture at the Edge’s Safeguarding Incident Reporting Form and include the following:

• A timely response, write down the details as soon as possible

• Date and sign the record- if you later recall further information do not change the original record, add as addendum

• Record verbatim notes of what child/ young person says • The details of the concern: nature of any injury/ abuse

The form can be found in appendix at the end of this policy or the DLP can supply one. It is the DLP’s responsibility to pass this on to Tusla, Child and Family Agency.

The completed incident form will be passed on to the Local Tusla Designated Officer by AATE’s DLP. All forms are stored electronically until the child is 25 years of age (or for 10 years if the incident involves a vulnerable adult) before being destroyed. Access is strictly controlled to this documentation.

Note on Disclosures

In the event of a child disclosing information to a member of staff that may be of cause for concern a separate ‘disclosures’ book is kept by the Designated Liaison Person. The Designated Liaison Person is the only person with access to the ‘disclosures book’. In the event of a disclosure made to another staff member or volunteer all entries in the disclosures book will be supervised by the Designated Liaison Person.

Procedure for dealing with retrospective disclosures and allegations

Allegations of abuse are sometimes made sometime after the event. Where such allegation is made, you should follow the same procedures and have the matter reported to social services. This is because other children may be at risk from the alleged abuser. Anyone who has a previous conviction for offences related to abuse against children is automatically excluded from working with children.

Reporting the Concern

All suspicions and allegations MUST be reported appropriately. It is recognised that strong emotions can be aroused particularly in cases where sexual abuse is suspected or where there is misplaced loyalty to a colleague. It is important to understand these feelings but not allow them to interfere with your judgement about any action to take.

Architecture at the Edge expects its volunteers and staff to discuss any concerns they may have about the welfare of a child immediately with the person in charge and subsequently to check that appropriate action has been taken.

The Designated Liaison Person/ Project Manager is to be informed of the incident.

• Any information shared is to be treated with the utmost confidentiality

• Tusla may be contacted for advice and consultation prior to a report being filed. (Note: the

Designated Liaison Person/ Programme Manager is responsible for making contact with Tusla/

the Gardaí)

• If there are reasonable grounds for concern the Designated Liaison Person will contact the

Duty Social Worker in Tusla and make a report

• In case of emergencies outside of Tusla working hours the Gardaí may be contacted

Any suspicion that a child has been abused by an employee or a volunteer the Designated Liaison Person will take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of the child in question and any other child who may be at risk. This will include the following:

o Theparent/guardian/carerofthechildwillbecontactedassoonaspossiblefollowingadvice from the social services department.

o ThedirectorsofMattandFionashouldbenotifiedtodecidewhowilldealwithanymedia inquiries and implement any immediate disciplinary proceedings.

Where there is a complaint against an employee or volunteer, there may be three types of investigation.

• Criminal in which case the police are immediately involved

• Child protection in which case the social services (and possibly) the police will be involved

• Disciplinary or misconduct in which case AATE Programme Director will be involved

As mentioned previously in this document Architecture at the EDGE are not child protection experts and it is not their responsibility to determine whether or not abuse has taken place. All suspicions and allegations must be shared with professional agencies that are responsible for child protection.

NB: If there is any doubt, you must report the incident: it may be just one of a series of other incidences which together cause concern

Designated Liaison Person (DLP)

Architecture at the Edge’s designated Liaison Persons are:

1. Director: Frank Monahan architecture.edge@gmail.com // 087 676 4040

2. Head of Learning: – TBC

The DLPs contact details are available to all staff and volunteers and any concerns or queries regarding child protection issues should be reported to the DLP.

Confidentiality Statement

Architecture at the Edge is committed to ensuring people’s rights to confidentiality. However, in relation to child protection and welfare we undertake that:

Every effort should be made to ensure that confidentiality is maintained for all concerned. Information should be handled and disseminated on a need to know basis only. This includes the following people:

• The Director of Architecture at the Edge

• The Designated Liaison person / project manager for the specific project.

• The lead teacher or youth worker for the project (if a school or youth group is involved).

• The parents/guardians of the child.

• The person making the allegation.

• Social Services/police.

• The alleged abuser (and parents/guardians if the alleged abuser is a child).

Seek social services advice on who should approach the alleged abuser. All information should be stored in a secure place with limited access to designated people, in line with data protection laws.

Information will only be forwarded on a ‘need to know’ basis in order to safeguard a child or young person

Giving such information to others for the protection of a child or young person is not a breach of confidentiality

We cannot guarantee total confidentiality where the best interests of the child or young person are at risk

Primary carers, children and young people have a right to know if information is being shared and or a report made to the Health Services Executive, unless doing so could put the child at further risk

As an organisation, which develops the public’s engagement with architecture and the built environment, Architecture at the Edge frequently documents its exhibitions, education and

outreach activities. The images are used for documentation and occasionally for promotional purposes. Workshop consent forms are to be provided at the beginning of each workshop. Images including children will not be used for promotion of Architecture at the Edge unless prior consent is indicated on the workshop consent form by parents or primary carers

Internal Inquiries and Suspension

• The Director of Architecture at the Edge will make an immediate decision about whether any individual accused of abuse should be temporarily suspended pending further police and social services inquiries

• Irrespective of the findings of the social services or police inquiries the Director at Architecture at the Edge will assess all individual cases to decide whether a member of staff or volunteer can be reinstated and how this can be sensitively handled. This may be a difficult decision; especially where there is insufficient evidence to uphold any action by the gardai. In such cases the Director of AATE must reach a decision based upon the available information which could suggest that on the balance of probability, it is more likely than not that the allegation is true. The welfare of the child should remain of paramount importance throughout.

Recruitment and Selection Personnel

Architecture at the Edge undertake to ensure to the best of their ability that staff are carefully selected, trained (where necessary), and supervised to provide a safe environment for all children and young people, by observing the following principles:

• Roles and responsibilities will be clearly defined for each job

• We will endeavour to select the most suitably qualified personnel

• Candidates will be required to submit an up to date c.v. and to sign contracts in the event of being offered a position

• Staff / volunteers will be required to read and sign the Architecture at the Edge Child Protection Policy

• Staff will be interviewed by a panel of at least two representatives where necessary

• No person deemed to constitute a risk will be employed

• All employees/contractors will be subject to a 3 month probationary period or as agreed in

line with the length of the programme/activity

It is important that all reasonable steps are taken to prevent unsuitable people from working with children. This applies equally to paid staff and volunteers, both full and part time. To ensure unsuitable people are prevented from working with children the following steps should be taken when recruiting.

• All staff should complete an application form. The application form will elicit information about the applicant's past and a self-disclosure about any criminal record.

• Evidence of identity (passport or driving licence with photo).

• All volunteers should complete an application form. The application form will elicit information about the applicant's past and a self-disclosure about any criminal record.

• Two confidential references, including one regarding previous work with children should be obtained. These references MUST be taken up and confirmed through telephone contact.

• Staff recruited to do ‘relevant work’ with young people over an extended period of time will be required to consent to Garda Vetting in line with the National Vetting Bureau Guidelines.

Controlling access to children

Exclusions include:

• Any child-related convictions

• Refusal to sign an application form/declaration form

• Insufficient documentary evidence of identification

• Concealing information on one’s suitability to working with children

• All staff must agree to consent to Garda Vetting, and where required this will be sought.

Garda Vetting:

Garda vetting is the law as outlined in the Children and Vulnerable Adults Act 2012-16. The Act is fully commenced in 2017 and applied to anyone doing ‘relevant work’ over the age of 16 to 85. Garda Vetting is carried out by the National Vetting Bureau.

‘Relevant work’ is defined as a person that gives assistance on an occasional basis, other than teaching, coaching, mentoring, training. It should be noted that Garda Vetting is only required where ‘relevant work’ is occurring on a regular, ongoing or occasional basis. Where a one-off activity occurs, no vetting is required.

Garda Vetting is not portable from job to job or organisation to organisation. Garda Vetting is part of a suite of tools we use to determine suitability of a candidate to work on our programmes concerning young people or vulnerable adults. That suite of tools forms our recruitment process and includes - CV, Interview, references, training and garda vetting.

AATE and Garda Vetting:

All architects participating in the AATE activities in Schools must be vetted as they spend a period of 3 to 12 hours of class contact time with students. The fact that they work collaboratively with the teacher does not matter, they must be vetted. This constitutes as ‘relevant work’ as architects can build a relationship with the students over that time period.

Interview and Induction

• Volunteers are not garda vetted BUT:

• Volunteers are never left alone with children or vulnerable adults – under any circumstances.

All employees and volunteers will be required to attend a briefing for the project they are participating in, carried out to acceptable protocol and recommendations. All employees and volunteers should receive formal or informal induction during which:

• A check should be made that the application form has been completed in full, including sections on criminal records and self-disclosures.

• They should sign up to Architecture at the Edge’s Code of Conduct.

• Child Protection Procedures are explained and training needs identified e.g. basic child

protection awareness.

Training

In addition to pre-selection checks, the safeguarding process includes training after recruitment to help staff and volunteers to:

• Analyse their own practice against what is deemed good practice, and to ensure their practice is likely to protect them from false allegations.

• Recognise their responsibilities and report any concerns about suspected poor practice and/or abuse.

• Respond to concerns expressed by a child.

• Work safely and effectively with children.

Code of Behaviour for staff including contractors

Code of conduct

All staff are expected to adhere to a code of conduct in respect of their contact with children and vulnerable adults and will be given annual training to ensure familiarity with, and adherence to, good practice and procedures.

All Architecture at the Edge staff and volunteers in contact with children – particularly those involved in the organisation’s learning activities for children or vulnerable adults – must:

• treat all children equally and with respect and dignity

• put the welfare of each child first before any personal or organisation goals and before loyalty

to friends and colleagues

• form appropriate and respectful relationships with children

• make the activity fun and enjoyable and promote equality

• give children supportive feedback rather than negative criticism.

• plan and organise the work and workplace so as to minimise risks

• be aware of situations which may present risks and manage these.

For example, staff members and volunteers should not allow themselves to be alone in the toilets with children or at any time when administering first aid. AATE staff and volunteers should be aware of the first aiders on-site and should contact them in relation to any injury or incident requiring medical attention.

• as far as possible be visible when working with children and ensure that there are two adults present at all times

• ensure that unnecessary physical contact with children does not take place

All staff and/or volunteers must avoid action or behaviour that could be construed as poor practice or potentially abusive. Staff and/or volunteers must not:

• use language which is inappropriate, offensive or abusive.

• use bullying behaviour to control children.

• behave physically in a manner which is inappropriate or sexually provocative.

• do things for children of a personal nature that they can do themselves.

• engage in any form of illegal activity in relation to children

• act in ways intended to shame, humiliate, belittle or degrade children

Any poor practice will be dealt with through the organisation’s Disciplinary Procedure.

Designation of Liaison Person (DLP)

The Head of Learning* is the primary designated DLP. Their role is to be the point of contact in relation to any information or disclosures relating to child and vulnerable adults’ protection issues and to pass on this information on to Tusla and the Gardai when appropriate. Architecture at the Edge will ensure that the DLP are given relevant training in relation to their responsibilities in this area and are kept aware of changes to legislation.

• Designated Liaison Person

Architecture at the Edge Designated Liaison Person regarding child protection and welfare has been designated as the person to contact if you have an issue or concern about any aspect of a child’s or young persons safety and welfare. It is the responsibility of this person to support and advise staff about policy and procedures in relation to child protection and to ensure that procedures are followed. It is also the responsibility of the Designated Liaison Person to liaise with the Health Services Executive or Gardaí where appropriate.

The Designated Liaison Person’s role is to:

• Provide information and advice

• Receive and consider child protection concerns

• Consult with Tusla, the Gardaí or others as required

• Make a formal referral

• Maintain confidential records

• Inform parents/carers

*Frank Monahan, Director has been designated as Acting Designated Liaison Person and can be contacted at Architecture at the Edge, Email: architecture.edge@gmail.com

In emergencies call: 087 676 4040

Relevant Person

The Relevant Person is defined in the Children First Act 2015 as ‘a person who is appointed by a provider of a relevant service to be the first point of contact in respect of the provider’s Child Safeguarding Statement.’ In the case of Architecture at the Edge, the Relevant Person is also the Director.

Complaints policy and procedures

Architecture at the Edge assures all staff and volunteers that it will fully support and protect anyone who in good faith reports concerns regarding a colleague’s behaviour towards a child or vulnerable adult. The organisation has a grievance procedure that ensures staff and volunteers are able to share their concerns in confidence.

Architecture at the Edge takes all complaints seriously. Any complaints made in relation to child protection either by a child or vulnerable adult or by a staff member, volunteer, parent or carer should be reported to the organisation’s DLP and then acted on, in line with Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017).

Photographs and video footage

Architecture at the Edge (AATE) endeavours to ensure that any photographs or video footage taken of children and used by the organisation or by a third party, is by permission of parents, school or other responsible adults as appropriate. The organisation carries out permission procedures where photographs or video footage are taken of children in relation to any AATE activity.

Health, safety, accident and injury

Architecture at the Edge has a Health & Safety policy in relation to its activities. In addition, the organisation undertakes health & safety risk assessments in relation to all of its activities for children and vulnerable adults and these are made available to all parents and carers . In situations where children are present at the event for an extended period (such as a work related placement or attendance on an extended course), the organisation holds health, Accident & Emergency contact forms for participating children. H&S risk assessments and emergency contact forms are held by the DLP.

Architecture at the Edge requires:

• Volunteers never to be left alone with children (two staff members to be present at all times).

• All employees to undertake relevant child protection training or undertake a form of home

study, to ensure their practice is exemplary and to facilitate the development of positive

culture towards good practice and child protection.

• All staff and volunteers to receive advisory information outlining good practice and informing

them what to do if they have concerns about the behaviour of an adult towards a young person.

Guidelines for workshops, events and activities

All staff and volunteers who are leading the workshops are required to:

• Wear name badges at all times so they are easy to identify.

• Ensure children and young people are accompanied around the building and on any trips

outside the building.

• Fain signed permission forms from parents/guardians leaving their children in the care of

Architecture at the Edge agreeing for first aid to be administered on site in case of an accident

or emergency.

• Gain signed permission forms from parents/guardians leaving their children in the care of

Architecture at the Edge agreeing they are happy for their child to be photographed and

filmed taking part in the workshops.

• Ensure children are accompanied to the toilet if there is the likelihood other adults will be

using the same facilities.

• Record any accidents or emergencies with one of the Directors – they will have access to the

accidents and emergencies record book and they are a trained First Aider.

• Be aware of the risk assessment that has been completed for the workshop, event or activity

and ensure recommended actions before, during and after the session are taken to prevent

identified risks.

• Take responsibility of children and young people during fire evacuations.

• Use only tools and equipment appropriate to the skills and experience of the age group

attending the workshop, event or activity, or provide adequate training in how to use the equipment safely.

• Workshop Consent Forms

Any member of staff paid or unpaid that is conducting a workshop/event on behalf of Architecture at the Edge must ensure that workshop consent forms for each child are completed by their primary carer prior to the commencement of each workshop. The completed form must contain the following information:

• Name, address and contact details of primary carers

• Name address and contact details of child’s doctor

• Any relevant information relating to any illness, disability or sensory sensitivity that staff

should be aware of and what action is to be taken in the event of a related incident.

• Any information relating to any cultural or religious beliefs that would prevent a child from

partaking in a particular arts activity

• Option to consent to the use of photographs/film/video of my child/children taken during the

workshop by Architecture at the Edge for promotional/ publication purposes

summary

This Child & Vulnerable Adults Safeguarding Policy and guidance confirms Architecture at the Edge’s commitment to promote the welfare and safety of all those engaged in its activities. All staff members and volunteers will be supported in relation to promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults by being made aware of the procedures outlined in this document and via necessary training. All staff will be expected to read this policy, sign an agreement to comply with it, and apply the procedures in practice.

Signed and adopted:

Frank Monahan Date: January 2021 Director

Declaration

On behalf of Architecture at the Edge we, the undersigned, will oversee the implementation of the Child Protection Policy and take all necessary steps to ensure it is adhered to.

Signed: Name:

Date: Position:

glossary

Child/Children

In keeping with the Children First Guidance, ‘child’ or ‘children’ refers to young people up to 18 years of age

Vulnerable adults

This might include adults with learning or physical disabilities, asylum seekers or refugees

Abuse

A form of maltreatment of a child. Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting by those known to them or, more rarely, by others. They can also be abused by other children.

Tusla,

The Child and Family Agency was established on 01st January 2014 and is now the dedicated State agency responsible for improving wellbeing and outcomes for children. It represents the most comprehensive reform of child protection, early intervention and family support services ever untaken in Ireland.

Designation of Liaison Person (DLP)

In Loco Parentis (person acting)

A person who has been given explicit permission to assume parental responsibility for a child by a parent or legal guardian.

Last reviewed by: Director, January 2020 Next due for review: January 2021

Appendices (attached)

1. Garda Vetting invitation form

2. Workshop consent forms

3. Tusla — Child Protection and Welfare Report Form

4. AATE Child Safeguarding Statement

5. AATE Safeguarding Incident reporting and recording form

Appendix 1.1: Garda Vetting invitation form – Confidential

Invitation form for all those working on a regular, ongoing or occasional basis with children and young people

(This form will be emailed to all staff and/or volunteers who required Garda Vetting)

Appendix 1.2: Workshop Consent Forms: To be filled in by parents/guardians of all those participating in workshops/activities for children and young people (This form has been sent to participating schools)

Appendix 1.3

Tusla Child Protection and Welfare Report Form

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Appendix 1.4

AATE Child Safeguarding Statement

Appendix 1.5

AATE Safeguarding Incident reporting and recording form

Appendix 1.3

Tusla Child Protection and Welfare Report Form

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Appendix 1.4

AATE Child Safeguarding Statement

Appendix 1.5

AATE Safeguarding Incident reporting and recording form