POCSA
Voluntary Sector Training Pack
And Guide

Example Grounds for Referral Scenarios

Scenario 1

Bell Town Junior Football Club has concerns about Tom’s conduct towards children who attend the club. Tom is a volunteer.

The Club decides to explore these concerns. However, before the Club completes its task, Tom resigns and leaves. Nevertheless the Club continues with the review and concludes that Tom’s behaviour was harmful and that, were he still volunteering with them, they would have asked him to leave the Club. The Club decides that there are grounds for making a referral to the List.

Scenario 2

The Kid’s Club has concerns about the conduct of Carol, a temporary child care worker. The Club decides to review their concerns and concludes that Carol’s behaviour, if left to continue, could put a child at risk of harm. However, Carol’s contract ends just at the point when the review is completed. Because of the findings of their review, the Club does not renew Carol’s contract and decides to refer her to the List.

Scenario 3

Following serious allegations about Brian’s behaviour towards children in Anytown Rugby Club it is decided to review Brian’s behaviour even though he left the Club six weeks ago. Following the review, it is decided that Brian’s behaviour was harmful to children and that, even though he has left, there are grounds for making a referral to the List. The review also shows that there could be serious child protection concerns which must be reported to the Police. The Club understands that a referral to the Police/Social Work does not prevent it from making a referral to the List.