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| Child Protection & FPU |
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The vision of Tayside Police is to keep Tayside children safe from harm. Our mission is to work closely with
the local authorities of Angus, Dundee and Perth and Kinross and along with other agencies to protect
children against abuse and neglect.
We will achieve our mission through
There are however children and young people who, for various reasons and through no fault of their own are given less than the best start in life. Sometimes, this results from circumstances where all that is needed is a little help to change things for the better. There are other times however, where children suffer harm due to the behaviour of their parents, carers or others who they come into contact with. This harm can be sexual, physical or emotional and can, in many cases, if not dealt with effectively, have serious consequences for the child now and into the future. This article provides some information about what can be done to help these children and young people and in particular what the position of Tayside Police is in this. CHILDREN'S RIGHTS AND NEEDS Officers of Tayside Police work along with colleagues in other agencies to prevent harm to children, and where issues do arise protect them from further harm. Working in this field demands a clear framework of underpinning principles and this is provided by the UN Convention on the Rights of the child which is now enshrined into the Children (Scotland) Act 1995. The main principles are
PROTECTING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE : THE CHARTER Following consultation by the Scottish Executive with children and young people in Scotland, a charter was published setting out what children and young people need and expect to help protect them when they are in danger of being, or already have been, harmed by another person. Tayside Police acknowledges the Charter and commit the following pledges to children
DEDICATED FAMILY PROTECTION UNITS Tayside Police recognise the critical importance of protecting children and specially trained detective officers are located within Family Protection Teams in Dundee, Angus and Perth. These officers work closely with their colleagues in Social Work, health, Education and a range of voluntary organisations. Their job is to investigate where concerns arise regarding a child being harmed. This is carried out in a sensitive way and at all times takes account of the child's rights and needs. The units deal with all types of child abuse, including, physical, sexual, emotional abuse as well as neglect. There are also occasions where children reside in environments where domestic abuse and parental drug or alcohol abuse are issues for the child's welfare. These instances might also form part of the work within the units. Another aspect of the work carried out is in relation to adults who disclose having been sexually abused as children. More and more adults are now coming forward regarding this and the units are also sensitive to their needs within the context of an investigation. All the Family Protection Units work in plain clothes and use unmarked vehicles. Tayside Police also has a Detective Inspector and a Detective Sergeant attached to Headquarters Crime Management. Their work involves the development of child protection policy, strategy and practice. CHILD PROTECTION INVESTIGATIONS Where concerns are raised to the effect that a child might be at risk of harm, the first step of the process is for agencies to lawfully share any relevant information they might have. Based on the nature of the concern and the available information, discussions are held, primarily between police and social work but sometimes involving a police surgeon or a paediatrician. The outcome of the discussion will be to decide which course of action should be taken to represent what is considered to be in the best interests of that child. Whatever course of action is decided upon, it will encompass the most sensitive approach possible. One part of the investigation might be to interview the child. This sometimes worries adults and children. The interviews are carried out by specially trained police officers and social workers. Sometimes a supportive adult can also be present, but once again that depends on what reflects the best interests of that particular child. The objective of the interview is for the police officer and the social worker to obtain a truthful and accurate account in a way that is fair, in the child's best interests and is acceptable to a court. The interview is conducted in a place that is safe for the child. That might be the child's own house, another house, school or a specialist unit. During the interview, everything possible is done to make the child feel supported and comfortable. Another part of the investigative process might involve a medical examination of the child. Again discussion takes place to decide whether conducting an examination is going to be in that particular child's best interests. The examinations are carried out by specialist doctors who are qualified in Paediatrics and Forensic medicine. These doctors are also well versed in what is required to uphold the rights and needs of the child. As such they conduct the examinations in a sensitive manner. The examinations usually take place within a specialist unit. This is not part of a hospital, doctor's surgery or police station. There is little chance therefore that the child or family are going to meet anyone else they know. WHO CAN HELP A CHILD WHO IS AT RISK OF HARM? There are many agencies and organisations throughout Tayside which offer services to help children and young people who are at risk of harm. Tayside Police is just one of these agencies and one of the most important things is that everyone works together to achieve the best possible outcome for a child. However, sometimes a child might depend on an adult who is not a professional but is a relative, friend, neighbour or indeed anyone to do something about their plight. That adult must be firstly aware that a problem might exist. They then must do something positive in an effort to help change any harmful situation. Failure to react, delaying or even assuming that someone else will do something about it might consign the child to continuing harm with long term effects. The simple message is that it is everybody's business to protect children and young people from harm. Anybody who comes into contact with children should know what to do if they have concerns that a child is at risk of harm. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM WORRIED A CHILD IS AT RISK OF HARM? First of all - do not ignore your concern, delay taking action or assume that someone else will do something about it. If, following investigation, there is no cause for concern then little harm will be caused. If however there is cause for concern, then your action will contribute towards providing the potential for a positive outcome for that child. Tayside Police has, along with our colleagues in Social Services, a responsibility to investigate concerns where a child might be at risk of harm. All police officers discharge this responsibility but specialist Family Protection Units are based in Dundee, Perth and Forfar. Officers in these units are dedicated to the protection of children and are available for advice. What is important is that if you have a concern about a child then talk to someone about it. Contact telephone numbers are given at the end of this article. WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I TALK TO SOMEONE ABOUT A CONCERN I HAVE FOR A CHILD? In short, it depends on the circumstances. Some situations have to be dealt with as a matter of urgency whereas the majority can be dealt with in a way, which can be carefully planned. Whatever happens, the police will act together with colleagues from the social work to ensure that the matter is dealt with sensitively and thoroughly. Many people hesitate contacting child protection services due to fears that the involvement of police or social work will cause the child to be taken into care. It is only in extreme circumstances where no other options are available to protect the child that this option is taken. In the vast majority of situations, the child is protected within the family home with extra help and protective mechanisms being put into place. Remember - It will do more harm to do nothing about a child you think may be the subject of abuse or neglect than to act positively and for a sensitively conducted investigation to take place to confirm the child is not at risk. WHO SHOULD I CONTACT IF I AM CONCERNED A CHILD IS AT RISK OF HARM? If you consider that the matter is urgent then you should call Tayside Police on 0845 600 5705 or Out of Hours Social Work Department on (01382) 436430. You will be able to speak to someone there 24 hours a day. If the matter is not urgent you can speak with officers from the Family Protection Units during office hours on Dundee (01382) 665117 Angus (01241) 435741 / 2 / 3 / 4 Perth (01738) 892911 Tayside Police also believe that "child protection is everybody's business". Should anyone require further information regarding general child protection information then they should contact the Detective Sergeant, HQ Family Protection Support on (01382) 596469 or e-mail mail@tayside.pnn.police.uk Please note that this contact number or e mail address must not be utilised to refer a concern regarding an individual child. |
