Child Protection Policy

Child-centred approach

A child is anyone under 18. Their welfare is paramount. Papillon workers must respect the child’s voice, identity, language, disability, culture and communication needs without allowing assumptions or fear of causing offence to delay protective action.

This child-specific policy sits alongside the overarching Safeguarding Adults and Children Policy and applies whether contact is direct, remote or arises through translated or transcribed material.

Indicators and disclosures

• Be alert to physical, emotional and sexual abuse, neglect, exploitation, trafficking, harmful practices, domestic abuse, online harm, self-harm and risks outside the family.
• Listen, reassure the child that they were right to speak, do not promise confidentiality and do not ask leading or investigative questions.
• Record the child’s exact words and relevant facts promptly; do not translate or paraphrase the safeguarding meaning beyond what is required for an accurate record.
• Call 999 where there is immediate danger, then follow the agreed client safeguarding route and notify Papillon’s Managing Director without delay.

Professional boundaries and safer working

• Workers must use approved channels and must not exchange private contact details, connect through personal social media, give gifts, transport a child or arrange unsupervised contact outside the authorised assignment.
• Remote sessions must use approved platforms and agreed attendance or supervision arrangements.
• Role-appropriate identity, reference, suitability and eligible DBS checks support safer recruitment; checks do not replace ongoing professional vigilance.
• Allegations against a worker are reported immediately and managed with the client, local authority designated officer, police or regulator where applicable.

Information sharing and learning

Relevant information is shared promptly and proportionately with those able to protect the child. Fear about data protection must not prevent necessary safeguarding disclosure. Decisions, reasons and recipients are recorded, and cases are reviewed for service learning while protecting identities.