All allegations, complaints or suspicions of abuse should be recorded as close as possible to the time of the incident. Details of incidents should be recorded in as much detail, and as accurately as possible. Any disclosures of abuse being made by children and young people should be a reflection of what was actually said. Do not try to interpret any of the information – just record what was said or witnessed.
It is important to reassure a child making a disclosure that they are doing the right thing by telling you, and that what has happened to them is not their fault. You must not promise to keep what they have told you a secret – instead explain that you need to share what they have told you with someone who can help. and that Further advice on responding to a disclosure by a child or young person can be found on the NSPCC website.
You should record details of the incident using the template form provided and share the completed form with your Local Safeguarding Lead.
Further guidance is available from Woodcraft Folk’s lead safeguarding officer, Owen Sedgwick-Jell (safeguarding@woodcraft.org.uk, 020 8126 8307), or from:
- Your Local Safeguarding Lead
- Your local Safeguarding Children Partnership, Child Protection Committee or Multi-Agency Service Hub (MASH)
- NSPCC (0808 800 5000)