HOW TO REPORT AN INCIDENT

In all cases of reported poor practice/abuse, the following principles must always be adopted:

Listen and Reassure

DO:
 Stay calm - do not rush into inappropriate action. React calmly in order to not alarm the young person;
 Reassure the child - that they are not to blame and confirm that you know how difficult it must be to confide;
 Listen sympathetically - to what the child says and show that you take them seriously;
 Keep questions to a minimum - the law is very strict and child abuse cases have been dismissed where the child has been led or words and ideas have been suggested. Only ask questions to clarify;
 Ensure you clearly understand what the child has said - in order that the information can be passed on to the appropriate agencies;
 Consult with the club or CB Welfare Officer - ensuring that you communicate all the information accurately;
 Maintain confidentiality - complete the incident report form (see attached). All incidents will be treated with an "open mind" and be handled in a fair and equitable manner. Confidentially must be maintained until a case is proven;
 Ensure the safety of the young person - if urgent medical attention is required, then call an ambulance, inform the doctors of the concerns and ensure they are aware that this is a child protection issue.

DO NOT:
 Panic - or allow your feelings to be evident;
 Make promises you cannot keep - explain that you will need to tell other people;
 Make the child repeat the story unnecessarily;
 Delay;
 Speculate or make assumptions;
 Approach the alleged abuser;
 Take sole responsibility.

RECORD

Information passed to external agencies must be as helpful as possible. It will be necessary to make a detailed report at the time of disclosure. The report should contain the following detail:
1. The young person's name, address, date of birth, race, ethnic origin, and any disability they may have;
2. Nature of the allegation;
3. A description of any injuries/bruising;
4. Any observations about the behaviour/emotional state of the young person;
5. Times, locations, dates;
6. The young person"s account in their own words of what has happened;
7. Actions that have been taken as a result of your concerns;
8. Whether the person writing the report is expressing their own concerns or those of a third party;
9. Sign and date;
10. Keep a copy;
11. Keep a record of the name and designation of a Social Services member of staff or police officer to whom concerns were passed.

DO NOT INVESTIGATE YOURSELF.