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Berrow Boys FC have joined the "Child Safe" initiative, which has been set up jointly by Avon & Somerset Constabulary and the children's charity "Action on Child Exploitation".

Many parents worry that their children may suffer abuse when they are out of sight, playing sport or participating in activities away from home.

The Club believes that it is essential that all children who join us are protected from such abuse and all managers and helpers who have direct contact with them in any way have been vetted to ensure the safest possible environment. A copy of the Club's Child Protection Policy is below and is also displayed in the Club changing rooms.

 BERROW BOYS FC

PLAYER WELFARE POLICY STATEMENT

Berrow Boys FC is committed to creating and preserving the safest possible environment for children to learn, enjoy and play football.

We do this by:

Recognising that all children have the right to freedom from abuse.

Ensuring that all our volunteers are carefully selected and accept responsibility helping to prevent the abuse of children in their care.

Responding swiftly and a  appropriately to all suspicions and allegations of abuse, and by providing parents and children with the opportunity to voice any concerns they may have.

Appointing a Child Protection Officer who will take specific responsibility for child safety and act as the main point of contact for parents, children and outside agencies.

Ensuring access to confidential information is restricted to the Child Protection Officer or the appropriate external authorities.  Reviewing the effectiveness of our Child Protection Policy and activities each year at the Annual General Meeting.

Our Child Protection Officer is BOB COTGROVE

WARNING

Some of the information contained in the following text is sexually explicit. Some parents may feel this is unsuitable to be read by children.

1     Protecting your child from abuse

Many parents worry that their children may suffer abuse when they are out of their sight - playing sport or participating in activities away from home.

This guide has been written to help you protect your children when they are involved in organised clubs and groups. Developed by Avon and Somerset Constabulary and children's charity "ACHE", it is part of a child safety information pack which has been distributed to the organisers of sports clubs and children's activities.

The Child Safe guidelines contained in this booklet are designed to help you feel more secure and to keep your children safe from harm. Like road safety, you can make these simple rules part of your family's life.

 2     What is Child  abuse?

Most people who look after our children are safe.  But sadly, some adults are very skilled at making friends with children with the intention of harming them.

This situation can arise anywhere - in the family, at school and at sports and other children's group activities.  In fact, in the majority of cases, children are abused in the family home or by a close family friend. 

There are many different forms of child abuse but they fall into four main categories:

Sexual abuse

People who sexually abuse children fall into several categories, however, most abuse takes place in the family home.

Sex offenders, who are usually but not exclusively men, are found at all levels of society and come from every type of background.  They will often take up positions and activities which give them easy access to children such as:

     leader of a children's activity group

     a coach or volunteer in children's sport

     a worker in a school

     a member of a caring profession.

Sexual exploitation of children ranges from vaginal and anal intercourse, masturbation, oral sex, fondling, 'flashing', showing them pornographic videos and other material, to sometimes inappropriate touching.

Abusers often 'groom' children for sexual purposes by taking a strong interest in a child and gaining their trust over a long period of time.

Physical abuse

Children who are hurt or injured and who display signs of unusual bruising may have been physically abused.  This kind of abuse also includes giving children alcohol and drugs.  Signs to look for include changes in a child's demeanour and behaviour, flinching when adults come near, and being in a state of 'frozen watchfulness'.

In a sporting or activities situation physical abuse can occur when children are bullied by their peers or adults.  For example, overly rigorous training or exercise routines are seen by some people as bullying.  And bullied children often show signs of fear, such as mood swings, withdrawn behaviour or sudden changes in performance.

Neglect

When adults fail to meet a child's basic needs, such as for food, warm clothing, or falling to provide appropriate medical attention.  This also includes leaving young or vulnerable children alone inside or outside the home.

Neglect might also occur during organised activities if young people are exposed to risk of injury or there is a failure to ensure their safety and well-being.

Emotional abuse 

This form of abuse includes persistently subjecting a child to emotional ill-treatment, bullying or deliberate rejection.  All abuse involves emotional ill-treatment of some kind.

The Child-safe approach

Remember, it is important to keep a sense of perspective about child abuse:

     most adults will never hurt a child

     children should be allowed to become independent and learn to look after themselves - there is no need to wrap them up in cotton wool.

3    How do I recognise if my child is being abused?

Child abuse can manifest itself in physical, emotional and medical symptoms.  Your child may also tell you about aspects of the abuse in order to test your reaction.  They may, for example, talk about being asked to 'keep a secret'.  

Here are some of the most common signs you should look for:

     Unexplained or untreated bruising or injuries.

     Suffering continual stomach pains or other physical ailments without any medical explanation.

     Aggressive or withdrawn behaviour and refusal to talk about the injuries. 

     Refusal to attend school or suddenly doing badly at school.

     Refusing to take part in normal social activities.

     Unexpected fear of an adult and flinching when touched.

     Sexually explicit behaviour and language.

     Unaccounted for sources of money.

     Changes over time in manner and appearance such as losing weight and becoming dirty and dishevelled.

It is important to be alert for signs of abuse.  However, even where your child is displaying some or all of these signs it does not necessarily mean they are being abused - there may be other causes.  Also, none of these signs may be present but you may just feel something is wrong. You should also be aware of any adult who pays too much attention to your child - this is a classic sign of a potential abuser.  For example; 

     Giving gifts, toys or favours.

     Offering to take your child on holidays or outings.

     Looking for opportunities to be alone with your child.

4    What  can I do to protect my children?  

The Child Safe Rules for keeping your children safe are basically an extension of good parenting. 

Always:

      Know where your children are.

     Know who they are with.

     Know when they will be home.

     Be sure your children know where you are and how to contact you. 

     Listen carefully to their concerns.

Other useful tips are to have a family code word.  If someone tries to collect them - no code, no go!  Also buying your children a travel pass and/or a phone card means they will always be able to contact you or get home unaided.  

You should also teach your children to :

     Know the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touching.

     Know the difference between 'safe' secrets which are fun to keep and 'unsafe' secrets which they are concerned or unhappy about.  A secret about a surprise birthday party is fine, but no one should ask them to keep quiet about secret touches.  

     Feel confident about refusing to do anything they feel is wrong or frightening and to tell you if anyone - even someone they know - touches them in a way which alarms or confuses them.  Most abusers are not strangers.  

     Always tell you if something bad has happened to them - even if they have broken a rule - and you will sort it out.  Children often conceal abuse because they are worried about getting into trouble. 

     Make a fuss!  Tell them that if someone tries to touch or grab them, shout 'No' and run away as quickly as they can.  Then to tell you or another adult. 

Remember - keeping your child safe is the most important thing - breaking rules to keep safe is OK. 

Joining clubs or groups

Before letting your child join any club or group, or sending them on any other kind of organised activity, these points should be kept in mind:

     Talk to other parents about their experience of the group - are they confident their children are in safe hands?

     Ask the staff and volunteers if they have been police checked and how long they have been involved with the club/group.

     Ask the police or local authority if they have any links with the group.  

     Is the club/group well known in the local community?  How long has it existed?  Is it know to local schools, churches, health centres, youth and community services?

     Ask how many adults will supervise the children.  Will your child always be with other children and never left alone with an adult or adults?

     What are the changing and toilet arrangements?  

     Does the group encourage parents to get involved? 

     Has the group produced a written policy which clearly states its commitment to protect the children in its care from abuse?  Is it part of a bigger organisation with clear child protection rules?  Does it state the qualifications and responsibilities of the staff and volunteers?  Is there a qualified first aider on hand? 

If you know any of the other parents well, some of these tasks can be shared.  If you still have doubts, contact Social Services or the caring organisations listed at the end of this booklet. 

Once your child has joined the group. . . .

     Call in from time to time to see what is going on.

     Talk to your child about the activities and listen carefully if your child seems reluctant to attend.

     Talk to other parents.

5    What  do I do if my child tells me he/she has been abused?

     Most importantly, stay calm and listen to your child.

     You will be stressed - do not react in a way which will upset your child even more.  And do not them off if the abuse occurred because they were disobeying you.  

     Make sure your child knows that you believe them and that they are not to blame in any way for what has happened. 

     Let your child say as much - or as little -as they like.  Do not try to get more information than he/she is willing to give. 

     Contact Social Services or the Police directly about your concerns. 

If you suspect your child has been abused you will be feeling very upset and may be feeling anger towards someone you trusted.  

Do not confront the abuser by breaking the law yourself.

Remember - these guidelines are about making you feel comfortable about your child's safety.  Most adults are not abusers so you need not be frightened - or frighten your children unduly.