The safety, protection and welfare of children and adults at risk of harm* is paramount to the Derry Search Youth Group. We are committed to safeguarding all our service users and will take all necessary steps in order to promote and maintain a safe environment for individuals participating in Derry Search Youth Group activities.
Consistent with legal obligations, we have in place effective written policies and procedures outlining the role and responsibilities of the Derry Search Youth Group.
Concerns and allegations of misconduct are to be taken seriously and dealt with strictly in line with the law. It is critical that there is a clear understanding of professional and legal responsibilities in regard to confidentiality and the exchange of information with specific reference to suspected or actual child abuse.
Any disclosure concerning suspected or actual child abuse must be shared with the relevant authorities. Giving information to authorised personnel for the protection of a child is not a breach of confidentiality. No undertaking regarding secrecy may be given concerning suspected or actual child abuse.
For further information or a full copy of our Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults Policy please contact the Designated Child Protection Officer (CPO) Clare Lafferty @ derrysearchyouthgroup@gmail.com
Children are defined as young people under 18 years of age. An ‘Adult at risk of harm’ is a person aged 18 or over, whose exposure to harm through abuse, exploitation or neglect may be increased by their: a) personal characteristics AND/OR b) life circumstances Personal characteristics may include, but are not limited to, age, disability, special educational needs, illness, mental or physical frailty or impairment of, or disturbance in, the functioning of the mind or brain. Life circumstances may include, but are not limited to, isolation, socio-economic factors and environmental living conditions’.