POCSA
Voluntary Sector Training Pack
And Guide

Underpinning Principles

The principles that underpin this guidance are based on legal provisions found in legislation such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) 1989 and on recommended national good practice.

They highlight important rights of children, young people, the adults who work with them and parents/carers. Organisations may find it helpful to consider these principles as they develop their care and protection practice.

Children and young people

1. The welfare of the child or young person should always be a primary consideration.

2. All children and young people have the right to be treated with respect irrespective of their gender, disability, ‘race’, sexual orientation, marital status, age, religious or political belief, offending background.

3. All children and young people should be listened to and have their views considered according to their age, maturity and understanding.

4. All children and young people have a right to be protected from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect and maltreatment.

5. All organisations have a duty of care for the children and young people for whom they provide activities and services.

6. Organisations that work with children and young people should have child protection procedures in place for responding to any concerns that a child or young person is at risk of abuse, neglect and/or harm.

It is always the responsibility of the child protection agencies (i.e. the Police and/or Social Work) to investigate any concerns or allegations that a child or young person may be a risk of abuse and/or neglect.

Workers

7. All adults who work with children and young people have a right to be treated with respect and dignity irrespective of their gender, disability, ‘race’, sexual orientation, marital status, age, religious or political belief, offending background.

8. All adults who work with children and young people have a right to know what the organisation expects of them in terms of their responsibilities and conduct towards others.

9. All adults who work with children and young people have a right to fair and just treatment whenever a concern is raised about them including their conduct towards others.

Parents/carers

Parents have a right to expect that organisations to which they entrust their children provide appropriate care and protection for them.