;

The four main areas of abuse are:

• physical
• sexual
• emotional
• neglect

These may come to your notice in a number of different ways

• when a young person tells you something has happened
• an adult or young person tells you about their concerns for another young person
• you observe unexplained injury, or changes in behaviour, which cause you concern
• you receive an allegation about any adult or about yourself

If a young person tells you about abuse, it is because they see you as a 'safe' person. Listen to the young person. Take what you are told seriously. You will be helping to reassure and protect the young person.

When a young person speaks to you in confidence:

• listen carefully to what the young person is saying
• show you take them seriously
• avoid asking the child to repeat the information
• explain that you cannot keep what the young person tells you a secret
• reassure the young person that they have done the right thing
• make no judgement about what you have heard and stay calm
• make an immediate, careful record of what has been said. Use the young person's actual words wherever possible.

If you suspect abuse, a young person confides in you, or a complaint is made about any adult or about yourself, it is your duty to report the concern.

If a young person tells you about abuse by someone else:

1. Allow the young person to speak without interruption, accepting what is said
2. Offer immediate understanding and reassurance, while passing no judgement
3. Advise that you will try to offer support but that you must pass the information on
4. Immediately tell your Group Scout Leader or District Commissioner
5. Write careful notes of what was said; use actual words wherever possible
6. Sign, date and pass your notes to your District Commissioner
7. Ensure that no Scouting situation arises which could cause any further concern

Note: In an emergency (young person at imminent risk of significant harm) contact police or social service/work department direct. Inform your District Commissioner of the action you have taken.

If you have a concern about a young person.s safety and well being:

1. Immediately tell your Group Scout Leader or District Commissioner
2. Write careful notes of what you witnessed, heard or was told
3. Sign, date and pass your notes to your District Commissioner
4. Ensure that no Scouting situation arises which could cause any further concern

If you receive a complaint or allegation about any adult or about yourself:

1. Immediately tell your Group Scout Leader or District Commissioner
2. Write careful notes of what you witnessed, heard or was told
3. Sign, date and pass your notes to your District Commissioner
4. Try to ensure no-one is placed in a position which could cause further compromise

Note: Any Adult in Scouting has the right to report any concerns, or suspicions about another Member in confidence and free from harassment.

You must refer; you must not investigate.

If in any doubt about policy or procedure please contact the Scout Information Centre on 0845 300 1818

www.scouts.org.uk/childprotection

Group Scout Leaders and County/Area Commissioners will also need to be aware of the procedures that a District Commissioner will follow.

All allegations or suspicion of abuse, no matter how insignificant they might seem to be or when they occur, must be referred to the District Commissioner immediately. Nothing must be withheld or filtered.

At all times the young persons welfare should be paramount. Referral will normally be made to a District Commissioner by a Group Scout Leader or other adult. If the District Commissioner is implicated in any way the referral must be made direct to the County/Area Commissioner.

No investigation or questioning is to be undertaken. We are not an investigation or intervention agency. Swift reporting will enable the correct authorities to give advice and take appropriate action.

The District Commissioner must follow the procedures set down on the flowchart. All information must be conveyed immediately to the correct agency. Nothing must be withheld or filtered. These procedures must be followed as they enable us to fulfil our legal as well as our moral responsibilities.

For more information please contact the Scout Information Centre on 0845 300 1818 or info.centre@scout.org.uk