Children and Young People
This page has useful links to other sites if you want to know more about:
- Bullying
- Sexual Health
- Drugs and alcohol
- Abuse and neglect
- Being safe with technology
- Your rights
- How to have your say about things that matter to you
Keep an eye on this page as we are looking to provide much more information as we start involving children and young people in our work.
What is the South East Wales Safeguarding Children Board?
The Board is a group of people who work with different organisations that work with and for children, young people and their families. They plan how they can work together to protect children and young people and to prevent them from being harmed in Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport and Torfaen.
The Board discusses issues such as neglect and abuse, alcohol and drug misuse, bullying and living safely at home and in communities.
Getting the views of children and young people
The Board strongly believes that all children and young people should have safe, happy and healthy lives and therefore their values are based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). You can learn more about these rights on the Children's Commissioner for Wales website.
One of the rights in the UNCRC is about children and young people having a say on matters that affect them (Article 12) and being listened to so that informed decisions are made about them. The Board will follow the National Participation Standards to ensure that children and young people are involved in its work in a meaningful and appropriate way.
Break the Suffering; Break the Silence
Break the Suffering; Break the Silence is a short digital clip providing information on abuse and neglect. Please take the time to watch this and share the messages with your parents and friends.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTbo0BWbNdI
We also have our "What is Child Abuse" Leaflet which is a guide on how you can help to identify and report child abuse.
Road Map of the Child Protection Process
The Child Protection Process can be complicated and confusing. Therefore the South East Wales Safeguarding Children Board have produced a leaflet [downloadable pdf version below] with information to assist children and young people in understanding the purpose of:
• A referral
• Initial Assessment
• Strategy Discussion / meeting
• Section 47 Child Protection Enquiries
• Core assessment
• Initial Child Protection conference
• Core group
• Child Protection Plan
• Review Child Protection Conference
• Role of an advocate in the Child protection Process
Hard copies of the leaflet are available from your Local Authority Child Protection Coordinator
Click below for the leaflet
Thistle
Following local cases of sexual exploitation the 5 Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs) of South East Wales decided to commission a short film to raise awareness of the issues of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE). The film was designed and produced by young people for young people and has been uploaded to youtube. The film is now also being used as a training tool for professionals working with and for children and young people in the region.
Useful Links
Bereavement Services for Children and Young People:
www.winstonswish.org.uk
www.cruse.org.uk
www.2wishuponastar.org
Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP)
This website links to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection service. Maybe you've heard about CEOP in school? It provides information on how to stay safe when you use technology. www.thinkuknow.co.uk
Wisekids
Provides information and advice to children and young people about staying safe online. www.wisekids.org.uk
Kidscape
Provides advice about bullying, has a helpline, information, anti bullying resources and training. www.kidscape.org.uk
Childline
Childline is the free confidential helpline for children and young people in the UK. You can talk to Childline about anything - no problem is too big or small. If you are feeling scared or out of control or just want to talk to someone you can call them on 0800 1111. www.childline.org.uk
Children's Commissioner's Office
The Children's Commissioner for Wales speaks on behalf of children and young people in Wales, provides them with information about their rights and encourages them to have their say about the things that affect their lives. www.childcom.org.uk
CLIC
Information and advice for children and young people on a number of topics including education, health, housing, family relationships, sport and leisure. www.cliconline.co.uk
NSPCC
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children provides information for children and young people about abuse and neglect, how to stay safe and bullying, amongst other things. It also provides a confidential service to enable children and young people to report concerns they have for themselves, their brothers or sisters or friend. www.nspcc.org.uk
MEIC
This is an advocacy and advice helpline for children and young people in Wales. Providing advice on children and young people's issues on the phone, by text and online. www.meiccymru.org.uk
Young Carers Gwent - Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
Please see link to above website.