Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable People Handbook

SECTION THREE NOTIFICATION & REPORTING PROCEDURES CONT’D

3.2 To report or not to report If a member is concerned about any child or adult at risk of harm, you may naturally feel anxious about reporting it. However it is your responsibility to act. You are required to report all suspected cases of abuse as outlined in Annexure 1. Questions members may naturally ask themselves: What if I am wrong? You may be wrong, but you cannot afford to take the risk of not reporting your concerns. Not to report could represent a lost opportunity to help the child or adult at risk. “X: always seems like such a nice person – I am sure they wouldn’t hurt anyone? Abusers will do everything they can to appear normal and caring to ensure they have continued access to those they have identified as vulnerable. It’s none of my business – I only see this person once a week and I wouldn’t like it if someone interfered in my family life? It is your business and your responsibility. The protection of anyone at risk takes precedence over anything else. How could I live with myself if X found out that I was reporting them – especially if I was wrong? You are raising concerns about something which is inappropriate to protect someone who may be at risk. Imagine how you would feel if you said nothing and that person was seriously harmed. What if they took the child or adult away? A child or adult at risk will only be taken away if it is considered that there is no other way to support them while they remain at risk. What if I wait a while and see if things get better? It is vital that you act immediately. Delay could be very serious for the individual concerned. You are not in a position to make a definitive judgement and it is not your role to investigate but it is your role to report.

3.3 W hat to do if someone confides in you

Someone who is worried about what is happening or someone who has been harmed may talk to you. In most cases a person will confide in someone they know and trust. As a member of St John SA, this may be you. If a child or adult at risk of harm confides in you or anyone else, then it is your responsibility to act in accordance these reporting requirements. What you must do: Remain calm, approachable and receptive Listen carefully Make it clear that you are taking what is being said seriously Acknowledge you understand how difficult this must be Reassure them they have done the right thing by telling For children tell them why it can’t be kept a secret For vulnerable adults consider their rights and role in making their decisions and providing consent Record carefully using the words of the child or vulnerable person and sign, date and time your notes Record only what has been said, heard, seen and what you have done (do not probe or investigate yourself) Only stick to relevant questions and comments (do not make any comments about the alleged abuser) Keep the conversation confidential and only discuss with those who need to know Follow the specific procedures related to reporting a child protection or vulnerable persons incident Let the child or vulnerable person know what you are going to do next.

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Member Handbook July 2016 St John Ambulance SA Inc