Brighton and Hove child protection bosses urge organisations to help stop abuse
Child protection bosses in Brighton and Hove are urging organisations across the area to “stop, look and listen” on National Safeguarding Day on Friday (28 February).
The Brighton and Hove Local Safeguarding Children Board issued a challenge to those working with children to “stop, look and listen”.
It wants them to stop abuse, by promoting awareness of child sexual exploitation, neglect and child sexual abuse.
It said: “We will encourage practitioners to look by promoting professional curiosity and challenging complacency.
“And we will encourage everyone to listen, as the child’s voice and their story must be at the centre of what we do.”
The National Youth Council for Voluntary Youth Services (NCVYS) designated Friday as National Safeguarding Day and issued a related “stop, look and listen” message.
It said that it was encouraging all organisations to
- Stop what they are doing
- Look at their safeguarding practices and
- Listen to young people, empowering them to take an active role in managing their own safety
Its national safeguarding campaign is intended to inspire and encourage children and youth organisations to show commitment to improving their safeguarding policies and standards.
The local board urged colleagues in organisations working with children to
- Pledge to spend some time on 28 February reviewing your safeguarding policy and/or practice
- Pledge to run safeguarding sessions with young people on 28 February
- Pledge to offer space on your website for free advice, guidance or signposting on safeguarding
- Pledge to tell us about any practitioner development workshops you are offering
- Pledge something else that you would like us to share with the sector
