Our mission is to improve outcomes for children and families affected by imprisonment, creating and promoting opportunities for families to uphold and defend their rights.
As the only national charity working in Scotland working on behalf of families affected by imprisonment, we strive to safeguard the welfare of all those who come into contact with Families Outside staff, students, and volunteers.
Principles
We recognise that:
- all people, including children and young people, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.
- Some people are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, individual circumstances, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues.
- Safeguarding against harm to children and vulnerable adults is everyone’s responsibility. Any information that indicates that a child or vulnerable person may be, or is, at risk of significant harm, cannot be kept confidential and must be passed on.
Our commitment
Families Outside is committed to having procedures and processes in place to enable staff, volunteers, and students to:
- Promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
- Ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of child and vulnerable adult protection, and is provided with appropriate training to recognise, identify, and respond to signs of abuse, neglect, and other safeguarding concerns relating to children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
- Ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern.
- Ensure that confidential, detailed, and accurate records of all child protection and vulnerable adult protection concerns are maintained and securely stored.
- Prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals through safer recruitment practices.
- Ensure robust child protection arrangements and procedures are in operation;
- Protect adults at risk from harm and exploitation; and
- Respond appropriately in the event of abuse being suspected.
Downloads
Families Outside’s Child and Adult Protection Coordinator
Kerry Knox
Head of Family Support