Staff may not carry caseloads but still come into contact with children, families or carers. This could be over the telephone or face to face. All staff that come into contact with children, families or carers need to have an awareness of safeguarding. This involves being able to recognise the signs and symptoms of abuse and know how to manage and record a disclosure of abuse.

This can feel overwhelming to staff who have not had training in this vital subject area.

Staff that are trained increases confidence, which ensures that procedures are understood and followed, and that safeguarding is always at the forefront of the organisation.

Module 1 - Signs and symptoms of abuse. In this module we cover the signs and symptoms of abuse, the definitions of child abuse, child protection and safeguarding and a quick overview of legislation. You will cover the different forms that child abuse can take (physical, emotional, sexual and neglect) and the signs and symptoms associated with these types of abuse.

Module 2 - Factors, situations and actions - The difference between a concern and a disclosure. The importance of recording and reporting (Duty to report). Why children may be reluctant to talk and why adults need to react appropriately advice and tips. Reporting a safeguarding concern, reporting a disclosure of abuse, handling a disclosure, what to record, who to report it to, when to report it (timescales), after the disclosure. A child- centered approach to safeguarding.

Module 3 - Responding professionally to a disclosure - we will look at responding professionally to a disclosure, how a disclosure might happen and to manage that disclosure, why there may be a reluctance to disclose and appropriate action that you must take, including reporting.