Child Protection Policy for Home Assessors (UK)

1. Introduction

As home assessors, it’s our responsibility to safeguard the welfare of children and young people (those under 18 years of age) that we may encounter during the course of our assessments in private homes across the UK. This policy sets out the steps we need to take to ensure their safety and well-being.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is for us, as assessors, to:

  • Protect children and young people from harm or abuse.
  • Follow clear guidelines for identifying, reporting, and responding to child protection concerns.
  • Maintain professional boundaries when working in the home environment.

3. Legal Framework

Our actions should always comply with UK laws and statutory guidance, including:

  • The Children Act 1989 and 2004
  • The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)
  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (2023)
  • Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR

4. Definitions

  • Child: Any individual under the age of 18.
  • Child Abuse: This includes physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation as defined by the NSPCC.
  • Safeguarding: This involves protecting children from maltreatment, preventing harm to their health or development, and ensuring their safety.

5. Our Responsibilities as Assessors

It’s important for us to:

  • Fully understand and comply with this policy.
  • Always put the safety and welfare of the child first.
  • Maintain clear professional boundaries, avoiding unnecessary physical contact.
  • Take immediate action if we have any child protection concerns.
  • Report concerns to our business partner.

6. Identifying Child Protection Concerns

We need to be alert to signs that might indicate abuse or neglect, such as:

  • Unexplained injuries or injuries that don’t fit the explanation.
  • Signs of neglect like poor hygiene, malnutrition, or inappropriate clothing.
  • Changes in a child’s emotional state or behaviour, such as aggression, withdrawal, or fearfulness.
  • If a child discloses abuse or mistreatment, it’s our duty to respond appropriately.

7. Reporting Procedures

  • Immediate Risk: If we believe a child is in immediate danger, we must call 999 and report to the police immediately.
  • Non-Immediate Concerns: For concerns that don’t present an immediate danger, we should:
    • Report the issue to our professional body/organisation (Patoss) as soon as possible.
    • Provide detailed notes of our observations, conversations, and any other relevant information.
    • The organisation will then decide on the appropriate course of action, which might include contacting local child protection services (Children’s Social Care).

8. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

While it’s important to respect the privacy of families, the child’s welfare comes first. If there is a safeguarding concern, we may need to share information with relevant authorities. We should ensure that:

  • Information is only shared with those who need to know.
  • All records are kept securely and comply with data protection regulations.

9. Code of Conduct

When working as assessors, we must:

  • Always act in the best interests of the child.
  • Conduct ourselves professionally and appropriately within the home.
  • Refrain from engaging in any inappropriate communication with children, including via social media or texting.

10. Training and Awareness

It’s essential for us to:

  • Regularly attend training on child protection and safeguarding, including how to recognise signs of abuse and the correct reporting procedures.
  • Be familiar with the safeguarding policies of our organisation and stay up to date with local safeguarding procedures.

11. Allegations Against Us

If an allegation of inappropriate behaviour or abuse is made against one of us, it must be reported to the DSL immediately. The organisation will follow the correct procedures to investigate the allegation, which may involve the police or social services.

12. Review of Policy

This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if there are any changes in legislation, guidance, or best practices.