All staff follow and have reference to Pathfinders safeguarding policy and the Pan Sussex child protection and safeguarding procedures

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Staff are trained in child protection and safeguarding and The Pathfinders Safeguarding Policy/Procedure is for staff to follow and recognise the signs and symptoms of abuse, criminal and sexual exploitation, digital safety concerns, online grooming, radicalisation and any other safeguarding concerns that may occur. Staff know what action to take if they have a concern or a disclosure is made by a young person. The service manager and deputy service manager are available to discuss any matter of concern regarding safeguarding and child protection. If a young person chooses to share information with a member of staff about any issue of concern, they will be supported and made to feel that they have done the “right thing. Staff will listen as opposed to questioning, to ensure they don’t impede any subsequent investigation undertaken in line with achieving best evidence. Information shared will be recorded and reported in a timely manner.

 

Criminal and sexual exploitation and modern slavery

 

Young people who come to live at Pathfinders may be at risk of being sexually/criminally exploited. Staff look out for and respond to signs of potential exploitation, including notifying the local authority of any concerns. Our staff support young people by exploring in 1 to 1 sessions, how they could be at risk and help them to put strategies into place that will safeguard against sexual/ criminal exploitation. Staff work collaboratively with other services and agencies to ensure that young people are working with the service that can best offer a safe outcome.

 

Some young people who come to live at Pathfinders are victims of modern-day slavery and have been trafficked from another country. Here at Pathfinders, we understand how young people suffer from trauma alongside the feeling of being alone. Our staff support young people by building up trusting professional relationships which in time, enables a young person to feel safe and supported.