1. Purpose of the Policy
This policy outlines Compass Family Time Service’s commitment to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. It sets out how concerns are identified, responded to and reported, ensuring that all supervised contact is delivered safely, ethically and in line with statutory guidance.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. The welfare of the child is always the paramount consideration.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All supervised contact sessions
- Home visits, escorted visits and handovers
- Communication with parents/carers and professionals
- Any future staff, sessional or agency workers
- All children, young people and vulnerable adults involved with the service
3. Legal and Policy Framework
Compass Family Time operates in line with:
- Children Act 1989 & 2004
- Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)
- Care Act 2014 (adult safeguarding)
- Domestic Abuse Act 2021
- Serious Crime Act 2015 (Coercive Control)
- Prevent Duty (Counter‑Terrorism & Security Act 2015)
- Modern Slavery Act 2015
- Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 (as amended 2015)
- Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007
- NACCC Standards
- Local Safeguarding Partnership Procedures
4. Safeguarding Principles
Compass Family Time is committed to:
- Protecting children and vulnerable adults from harm
- Promoting welfare and emotional wellbeing
- Recognising and responding to abuse, neglect and exploitation
- Working in a trauma‑informed, child‑centred way
- Maintaining professional boundaries
- Sharing information lawfully and proportionately
- Recording concerns factually and promptly
- Working collaboratively with safeguarding partners
5. Types of Abuse
Compass Family Time recognises all forms of abuse:
- Physical
- Emotional
- Sexual
- Neglect
- Domestic abuse
- Child sexual exploitation (CSE)
- Criminal exploitation (CCE)
- Financial abuse (adults)
- Modern slavery
- Online abuse
- Honour‑based violence
- Forced marriage
- Female genital mutilation (FGM)
6. Roles and Responsibilities
6.1 Service Lead (Designated Safeguarding Lead)
The Service Lead is the DSL and is responsible for:
- Receiving and responding to safeguarding concerns
- Liaising with local authority safeguarding teams
- Making referrals where necessary
- Maintaining safeguarding records
- Ensuring safe practice and compliance
- Accessing safeguarding supervision
6.2 Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
The LADO must be contacted when:
- An allegation is made about the behaviour of an adult working with children
- There are concerns about conduct, boundaries or risk
- A child may have been harmed or placed at risk by a professional
Compass Family Time will immediately follow LADO procedures.
7. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns
7.1 Immediate Actions
If a child or adult is at immediate risk:
- Ensure safety
- Contact emergency services if required
- Report to the local authority
- Record the concern factually
7.2 Reporting
Concerns will be reported to:
- Local Authority Children’s Services
- Adult Safeguarding Team (if applicable)
- Police (if a crime is suspected)
- LADO (if concerns relate to a professional)
- Referrer (CAFCASS, solicitor, local authority)
7.3 Recording
Records will include:
- Date, time and location
- Factual observations
- Direct quotes where relevant
- Actions taken
- Agencies contacted
8. Specific Safeguarding Risks
8.1 Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
CSE involves manipulation, coercion or exploitation of a child for sexual purposes.
Indicators may include:
- Unexplained gifts or money
- Older “friends” or relationships
- Going missing
- Sexualised behaviour
- Fear, secrecy or withdrawal
Response: Any suspicion of CSE will be reported immediately to Children’s Services and the police.
8.2 Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
FGM is illegal in the UK and is a form of child abuse.
Indicators may include:
- Disclosure
- Talk of “special ceremonies” or travel abroad
- Difficulty sitting or walking
- Anxiety about medical examinations
Mandatory Reporting Duty: Professionals must report known cases of FGM in under‑18s to the police.
Compass Family Time will follow this duty and inform safeguarding partners.
8.3 Forced Marriage & Honour‑Based Violence (HBV)
Forced marriage is illegal and involves coercion or pressure. HBV includes violence committed to protect perceived family honour.
Indicators may include:
- Family control or surveillance
- Fear of family reactions
- Talk of being taken abroad
- Restrictions on freedom
Response: Concerns will be reported immediately to the police and safeguarding teams.
8.4 Mental Health & Self‑Harm
Children or adults may present with:
- Low mood
- Anxiety
- Self‑harm marks
- Suicidal thoughts
- Emotional dysregulation
Compass Family Time will:
- Respond sensitively
- Prioritise safety
- Contact emergency services if needed
- Report concerns to safeguarding partners
8.5 Missing Children
If a child goes missing during contact:
- Contact emergency services immediately
- Inform the referrer
- Inform parents/carers (if safe)
- Record the incident
- Follow local missing child procedures
Sessions will be paused or ended if risk cannot be managed.
8.6 Radicalisation, Prevent & Gangs
Children may be at risk of:
- Radicalisation
- Extremist influence
- Gang involvement
- County lines exploitation
Indicators may include:
- Sudden behaviour changes
- New peer groups
- Use of extremist language
- Unexplained money or items
- Fear or secrecy
Concerns will be referred to the Prevent team or Children’s Services.
9. Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
A vulnerable adult may be at risk due to:
- Disability
- Mental health needs
- Coercive control
- Domestic abuse
- Learning difficulties
- Substance misuse
Compass Family Time will:
- Report concerns to Adult Safeguarding
- Support access to emergency services
- Share information lawfully and proportionately
10. Information Sharing
Information will be shared:
- On a need‑to‑know basis
- In line with GDPR and safeguarding law
- Without consent where necessary to protect a child or adult
Safeguarding always overrides confidentiality.
11. Allegations Against the Service Lead
Because Compass Family Time is a Limited Company, allegations will be referred directly to:
- The LADO
- Local Authority Children’s Services
- Police (if a crime is suspected)
- Referrer (CAFCASS, solicitor, local authority)
The Service Lead will not investigate allegations about themselves.
12. Review of Policy
This policy will be reviewed:
- Annually
- After any safeguarding incident
- As part of NACCC accreditation
- Following updates to legislation or guidance