Staff Accusations of Child Abuse

Procedures to follow if a staff member/volunteer is accused of child abuse.

• Chairperson of group, to be informed, they then inform CSSIW and children and young peoples service (social services) duty officer.
• If staff or volunteers leave because of a child protection matter, CSSIW and children and young peoples service (social services) still need to be informed.
• Person accused to be suspended from duties while investigation is carried out, if staff they must be paid.
• If they are found to be guilty they must be instantly dismissed.
• If the accusation is found to be untrue then they must be reinstated.
• All details of the investigation MUST be kept completely confidential for the sake of the child and the member of staff.
• The investigation would be carried out by the relevant authorities' e.g. children and young people's service (social services child protection unit,) CSSIW.

A child protection strategy meeting would be held chaired by a child protection officer this will look at the allegation and decide what steps to take regarding investigation and gathering evidence etc.