As an organisation working for the empowerment of children young people, child
protection is very important to us.
This statement sets out a policy which requires the organisation, and all adults
who seek to be involved in the Woodcraft Folk, to accept the duty to safeguard
the welfare of children and young people, and to prevent physical, sexual and
emotional abuses of all children with whom they come into contact, either directly
or indirectly through publications, letters, e-mails and use of websites.
Protecting children and young people from abuse should be an integral part
of the policy and practice of all Woodcraft Group members on all Woodcraft
Folk activities including publications and websites made available in its name.
1.1 The Woodcraft Folk has recognised the need to demonstrate to parents, to
the wider community and to young people themselves, the importance we give
to the child protection issue. We are committed to procedures and philosophies
which have been developed to protect children, but which also protect adult
members from misunderstandings and false accusations of abuse, and which promote
the reputation of the Woodcraft Folk.
1.2 The aims and objectives of the Woodcraft Folk are outlined in its constitution
and programme and these set the tone for our work. For example:
In our work with children and young people, we respect and defend their
individual rights.
1.3 This means that we do not countenance any form of physical violence or
abuse, whether committed by or inflicted upon either adults or young people.
It also means that we do not countenance verbal insults or destructive criticism.
The organisation encourages respect for others' background, appearance, personality,
abilities, opinions or preferences. Whilst the Woodcraft Folk has a social
and moral standpoint, which it seeks to promote among its members, this must
be done in a way that does not take advantage of a young person's immaturity
or trust in an adult leader.
It means that adults must accept the responsibility to exercise due care in
all activities, so that young people are not exposed to risk through adult
negligence or incompetence.
Child Protection requires good childcare, good group-work practice and good
practice in respect of all print and broadcast media. It is a requirement in
the Woodcraft Folk that all adults involved with children should create safe
and open physical and electronic environments wherein social relationships
can be confidently discussed and in which all members of the organisation may
grow.
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