Purpose and Scope

Autistic Community Hub CIC offers a range of online and physical events and services for autistic young adults and older teenagers via their ‘Autistic Youth Hub’ brand. The purpose of this policy statement is:

• To protect children and young people who use or help to provide Autistic Youth Hub’s services. This includes any children of the adults who are involved with our services.
• To provide staff, volunteers, children, young people, and their families with the overarching principles that guide our approach to child protection.

This policy applies to all associated with Autistic Community Hub CIC and Autistic Youth Hub, including directors, paid staff, volunteers, sessional workers, agency staff, students, and interns.

Legal Framework

This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policies and guidance for the protection of children in England. A detailed review can be found at nspcc.org.uk/childprotection.

Core Beliefs

Children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind. We bear the responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, to keep them safe, and to practise in a manner that protects them.

Recognition

• The welfare of children is paramount in all the work we do and decisions we make.
• Working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers, and other agencies if appropriate, is crucial in fostering young people’s welfare.
• All children have an equal right to protection from harm regardless of age, disability, gender identity, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
• Some children, due to previous experiences or other circumstances including communication differences, may be more vulnerable and require additional protective measures.

More information can be found here:

NSPCC: Children from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities

NSPCC: D/deaf and disabled children

NSPCC: LGBTQ children and young people

NSPCC: Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

Our Commitment

To safeguard children and young people, Autistic Community Hub CIC will:

• Value, listen to, and respect them.
• Designate a nominated child protection lead and a deputy for the same.
• Adhere to child protection and safeguarding best practices through our policies, procedures, and staff/volunteer codes of conduct.