Child protection policy

Step 13: Ensure children have access to advice and support

All children and young people have a right to information and help when they have a problem or when they have been harmed. In this step, you’ll write down in your Child Protection Policy how you will provide this information.

• One way to achieve this is to develop lists for children and young people, giving information about how and where they can get help and support in the local community or region. Find people who are experienced in working with disabled children and who can help develop alternative information, in Braille or audio, for example.
• Research what services, authorities or organisations exist in your community or region that provide assistance to children and young people who have been abused.
• Actively seek feedback from the children and young people about these services and whether there are any concerns with the services on the list.
• Educate staff and volunteers on how to help children and young people to find the best support and advice by providing them with these lists and what each service can provide.
• Educate children and young people that they have the right to seek help, to be listened to and taken seriously, and who they can turn to when they need help or have been abused.
• Make children and young people aware that they should seek advice and support for a range of issues and not just when they have been abused. Children and young people should know where they can find someone to talk about issues such as:
  • problems with a teacher
  • problems with a parent/caretaker
  • bullying
  • mental illness and feelings of depression
  • sexual education
  • relationship problems
  • confidential medical advice
  • legal advice