hcr Safeguarding Children Policy

Policy Statement

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Child protection is a crucial part of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This refers to actions undertaken to protect children who are suffering or at risk of suffering significant harm. As adults, professionals, or volunteers, everyone associated with HCR has a duty to safeguard children and promote their welfare.

Effective joint working between agencies and professionals with different roles and expertise is essential in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, especially those who are most vulnerable or at risk of social exclusion. Coordinated help may be required from health, education, children’s social care, the voluntary sector, and other agencies, including youth justice services.

For children at risk of or suffering significant harm, joint working is vital to safeguard their welfare and, where necessary, to bring perpetrators of crimes against children to justice. All agencies and professionals involved should:

1.
Be vigilant to potential indicators of abuse or neglect.
2.
Assess risks posed by individual abusers or potential abusers.
3.
Share and analyse information to assess the child’s needs and circumstances.
4.
Contribute to actions required to safeguard and promote the child’s welfare.
5.
Participate in reviews of the child’s outcomes against specific plans.
6.
Collaborate with parents, unless inconsistent with ensuring the child’s safety.

Definitions of Abuse and Neglect

Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment. A person may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm or by failing to act to prevent harm. Abuse can occur within the family, in an institutional setting, or in the community; by known individuals or, more rarely, by strangers. It can involve adults or other children.

Physical Abuse: Includes hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, scalding, drowning, suffocating, or otherwise causing physical harm. It also covers situations where a parent or caregiver fabricates or induces illness in a child.
Emotional Abuse: Persistent maltreatment causing severe adverse effects on emotional development. It may involve conveying that a child is worthless, inadequate, or valued only in meeting the needs of another. This also includes age-inappropriate expectations, overprotection, preventing normal social interaction, and serious bullying.
Sexual Abuse: Involves forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, whether the child is aware of what is happening or not. It includes physical contact acts, and non-contact activities like viewing pornographic material or encouraging inappropriate sexual behaviour.
Neglect: Persistent failure to meet a child’s basic needs, risking serious impairment to health or development. This can include a lack of adequate food, clothing, shelter, protection from harm, supervision, medical care, or emotional needs.

Staff Awareness and Training

All HCR staff will be informed of this policy during their induction and receive regular briefings and updates. Staff will be encouraged to attend appropriate training courses to enhance their understanding and ability to safeguard children effectively.

Reviewing the Policy and Procedure

This policy and procedure will be reviewed annually to ensure accuracy, update contact information, and reflect changes in local or national policy.

    Procedures for Handling Concerns

    If you have concerns about a child, due to something seen, heard, or disclosed, follow these steps:

        1.
        Do not promise confidentiality; inform the child that the information must be shared.
        2.
        Listen carefully, without shock or disbelief.
        3.
        Accept what is said and reassure the child honestly.
        4.
        Do not interrogate; avoid leading questions.
        5.
        Document the conversation immediately, noting the date, time, and specifics.
        6.
        Report your concerns to your manager or designated safeguarding officer.

        If concerns persist, contact the appropriate safeguarding organization. Provide as much information as possible, but report concerns even if details are incomplete. Follow-up verbal referrals in writing within 48 hours.

        Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

        HCR is committed to safe recruitment and human resources practices, including checking the suitability of staff and volunteers to work with children. Allegations of abuse by staff or volunteers must be reported immediately to the Child Protection Officer. The following steps will be followed:

          1.
          Assess the allegation to determine the necessary actions, including consulting with external agencies.
          2.
          Consider the three key aspects: police investigation, social care assessment, and potential disciplinary action.
          3.
          Immediate referral to appropriate authorities if there is cause to suspect significant harm.

          All allegations must be handled objectively and in accordance with safeguarding procedures, ensuring appropriate action is taken to protect children.

          Save Lives with Your Sadaqah & Zakat

          We are a UK-based international relief and development charity. Inspired by Islamic teachings of empathy, generosity, and selflessness, we focus on alleviating poverty and suffering across the world. We operate a 100% Zakat Policy, which means every single penny of your Zakat will go to the victims of poverty, wars, and natural disasters.

          Before you support our Food Appeal, Water Appeal, Gaza Emergency Appeal, Syria Emergency Appeal, Pakistan Floods Appeal, or any Emergency Appeal, remember to make the intention that you are donating for the sake of Allah first and helping your fellow Muslim brothers and sisters second. This is very important because as Muslims, whatever act of worship we do, we do it for the sake of Allah.

          Along with our emergency appeals, we are working on some amazing projects which will, Insha’Allah, bring prosperity to many Muslim homes from around the world. Donate your Sadaqah and Zakat to our projects like Build a Masjid, Livelihoods for the Poor, Sponsor a Widow, Sponsor an Orphan, Sponsor a Nikah, Donate a Sewing Machine, or help educate the Ummah by donating towards education projects, Sponsoring a Hafiz, Sponsoring a Child in Education, or supporting young people in university and Islamic education. Donate with confidence, Insha’Allah, every penny of your donation is your Amanah, and we will try our best to spend it on people who are in need.

          Every year, we as Muslims celebrate two seasons the most: one, Ramadan, and two, the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. During these blessed days, we put all our efforts into pleasing Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى by performing good deeds. Here at HCR, we provide you with the platform to perform an important act of worship: charity. In Ramadan, you can donate to the Ramadan Food Appeal, and Ramadan Zakat Appeal, Donate Your Fidyah, Donate Your Fitrana, and Pay Your Kaffarah for Breaking Oath or Breaking Fast, especially during the blessed nights of Laylatul Qadr. In Dhul Hijjah, we are here to help fulfil your duty of performing Qurbani. Whichever cause you choose, choose it with confidence. Insha’Allah.