Monday 29th February isn’t just another ‘leap year’ day! The National Council for Voluntary Youth Services are making it extra special by using it to raise awareness of Safeguarding.
What is Safeguarding?
Safeguarding is all about the welfare of some of the most vulnerable people in our society; children. Safeguarding is all about protecting them from any form of abuse or inappropriate treatment. It’s about ensuring their health and development, giving them safe and effective care and it’s about making sure they have the best possible outcomes and it applies to all children and young people under the age of 18.
Stop, Look, Listen
Safeguarding day is an opportunity for people who work with children 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.
Leaping Forward on 29th February
The NCVYS chose this particular day because: “… it means that every four years we can also come together on the 29 February, taking this extra day in the calendar to really take a leap forward with our safeguarding practice and encourage organisations and individuals to make pledges to:
Make a Pledge
- Pledge to spend some time on 29 February 2016 reviewing your safeguarding policy and/or practice
- Pledge to run safeguarding sessions with young people on the 29 February 2016
- 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 e.g. webinars, or child protection training etc.
-
Pledge something else that you would like us to share with the sector
Safeguarding children is the duty of every adult
But here at Blue Sky, we believe safeguarding children and young people is the responsibility of all adults. We all have a duty to protect and help them, regardless of who we are and what jobs we do.