SAFEGUARDING
Whether you’re a teacher or a professional working with children, when someone mentions threats to safeguarding you will likely assume perpetrators of abuse, yet the threats to children we discuss in this workshop involve those within the chain of responsibility. Negligence, apathy and contempt are the biggest dangers and threats to young people from those in authority.
For a young person to feel comfortable to speak up requires tremendous courage, yet this can be in vain and in some cases lead to one’s detriment if those responsible fail to act appropriately.
As advocates for children’s welfare, it’s imperative as much as spotting the signs of abuse, or potential abuse from arising, we do not succumb to harmful BVEMPA’s (Beliefs, values, ethics, morals, principles, attitudes) that can and lead to compromising children’s welfare.
Bad actors, either acting as lone wolfs and those connected to organised criminal gangs, on with standing those who operate within religious groups is more common and widespread than one might think. Failing to mention those who may work in positions of authority such as the police and/or are members of secluded groups.
Unfortunately, we live in a world where the truth is stranger than fiction. It’s estimated most victims of child abuse, specifically sexual personally know their abuser, with the perpetrator being a family member.
As strange as it may sound, the people in positions to protect children are the very ones who can make the situation worse.
During this workshop, you will be able to identify;
- Cultural issues that present a risk to safeguarding
- How to develop & maintain the courage and resilience to stand up/speak up when required.
- Understand and recognise information that threatens safeguarding, specifically conflict of interest
- Understand and reporting child protection concerns that mitigate the threat of witnesses/victims being character assassinated and not being believed.
The ability to critically analyse safeguarding information is necessary, even if it involves calling into question the integrity & credibility of other professionals even if they are friends or colleagues.
The purpose of this workshop is to give you the skills so as to not just spot the signs of abuse but how best to respond when children are in danger.
About the Facilitator
My name is Alfie, I have studied psychology and security in later years, yet my real expertise comes from my lived experience of CPTSD. The people, places and situations I’ve found myself in from religious upbringing (where I still had been a member till not long ago) as well as time spent in local authority/criminal justice system has given me an insight into understanding complex, charismatic and devious characters. Thus, correlating how people manipulate others whilst in positions of influence as well as using systems is something I know too well. In my experience I can say ‘The Truth is quite often stranger than fiction’.
In addition, I also understand the complex nature and impact of those affected by abuse.
It is why I am so passionate about championing The Wellness Model and The Wellness Pledge, specifically within schools as from a safeguarding perspective it eliminates conflict of interest and the nurturing environment created, helps to heal those who have experienced past abuse. And for those who are currently being abused which might not be known about, a nurturing environment aids in encouraging a young person to come forward with full understanding & belief that they will be supported.