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Young Man in Therapy

Safeguarding of Young People

At Aspire Pathway Group, the safety and wellbeing of the young people in our care is our top priority. We have a range of policies and procedures in place to ensure that the young people are kept safe and secure at all times. We have a dedicated team of staff that are trained in safeguarding and child protection and have an in-depth knowledge of the relevant legislation. We also have strict protocols in place to ensure that any concerns or incidents are reported and investigated promptly. We strive to provide a secure, respectful and nurturing environment for the young people in our care so that they can reach their full potential

At Aspire Pathway Group , we take the safety and wellbeing of our young people very seriously. We have a number of robust measures in place to ensure that all of our children are fully supported and are kept from any harm.

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We have a strong team of qualified and experienced staff members who have each undergone rigorous background checks, and all of our staff members are trained in the latest safeguarding practices. Our staff are also trained in recognizing indications of abuse, which helps us to identify any potential issues early on, and take the necessary action to ensure all of our young people remain safe and cared for.

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We also hold regular meetings and training sessions to ensure that all of our staff members remain up-to-date with the latest safeguarding regulations and updates. This helps us to ensure that our home remains safe and secure, and that all of our young people are well looked after.

Managing the Risk

We understand the importance of creating comprehensive risk assessments and care plans for our young people. Our plans detail how we intend to safeguard these individuals from any potential risks, both within and outside of the home. We also make sure our young people are well aware of the risks posed by all types of relationships they may form. We firmly believe that by providing clear and detailed support, our young people can learn how to make safe and healthy decisions.

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In the case that a young person puts themselves or others at significant risk through making poor choices, our staff will provide the necessary support and hold regular key worker sessions to help them recognize why this behaviour is unacceptable. Where necessary , we will also make professional decisions based on what is in the best interest of the child and their safety. 

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The risks presented to and from the young person will be assessed prior to the young person arriving so we can put the necessary controls in place to ensure their safety. We work closely with the local authority to create an agreement that outlines the best way to protect the young person, taking their preferences into account whenever possible. This agreement is regularly reviewed to ensure it is up-to-date and meets the ever-changing needs of the young person. 

Digital Technology

Digital technology has become an integral part of life in today's society, bringing with it many benefits, particularly for young people in care who may feel separated from society. However, it also presents numerous risks to young people and can make them vulnerable to many different things such as cyberbullying , exposure to inappropriate content , and also increases the risk of grooming or exploitation. We  are dedicated to educating our young people on how to stay safe online; we create a safe, secure environment where children can use technology safely and responsibly, while also gaining the knowledge and skills they need to confidently use technology in the real world. 

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When young people come to live with us, we assess the potential risks associated with digital communication, in line with the placing authority. In times of emergency, any necessary restrictions must be implemented and documented.

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Our staff are vigilant when it comes to the websites our young people access, and they are educated on the potential dangers of online chat rooms and communication sites. Each young person also has a personalised risk assessment which is regularly reviewed. All young people will take part in children's meetings and key worker sessions around the safe use of the internet , as well as how to spot someone who is behaving inappropriate online or who may be attempting to groom/exploit them.

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Our staff are trained  to ensure they understand how extremist ideologies may be presented to vulnerable young people. All films, games, and social networking sites are restricted to the age-appropriate certification. If any material deemed desensitising is found on social networking sites, such as Facebook or YouTube, our staff immediately carry out E-safety work.

 

Additionally, young people are not allowed to take photographs of employees or other residents without their permission.

Staff members may take photos of the young person whilst they are carrying out/participating in certain activities as a way of documenting their journey with us , and giving them meaningful memories that they will be able to carry with them throughout life. However , all photos that staff take of young people should be taken only on the company phone or camera - staff should never take any photos of young people on their own personal mobiles.

Missing From Home

At Aspire Pathway Group , we understand the importance of keeping our young people safe from harm, particularly when it comes to those who are missing from care. We work hard to reduce the risk of children going missing and have implemented measures to ensure that young people remain safe and secure whenever possible.

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We take a proactive approach when it comes to missing children and have created a comprehensive risk management plan. This plan involves constant monitoring, communication with local authorities, and regular strategy meetings to ensure that we can act quickly and effectively in case of an emergency. We also work in partnership with the local missing persons teams to provide the necessary support to those who are at risk of running away.

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Furthermore, we provide all young people with education on the potential risks of absconding behaviour. We strive to help them gain a better understanding of the dangers, while also equipping them with the necessary tools to reach out for help when needed

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Exploitation

We understand that young people in residential care are particularly vulnerable to exploitation for a variety of reasons. They may be coerced, enticed, or in a desperate situation, robbing them of their childhood and self-esteem, as well as positive opportunities for good health, education, and a safe future. Young people in these exploitative positions often feel powerless and unable to escape. This exploitation can take many forms, including sexual exploitation, county lines, female genital mutilation, radicalisation, modern slavery, and human trafficking. It is also important to recognise that young people often struggle to recognise that they are being exploited or groomed.

 

At Aspire Pathway Group, we are committed to ensuring the safety of our young people and protecting them from exploitation. To that end, we have adopted a number of measures to reduce the risk of exploitation and keep our young people safe. 

 

We ensure all of our staff are trained in recognising the signs of potential exploitation and they are also experienced in providing the necessary support to young people who may have suffered exploitation, or are at risk of being exploited. We create an open environment where young people are encouraged to speak with staff about any worries or concerns they may have.

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Finally, we strive to provide education and awareness to our young people around the issues of exploitation, so they are able to recognise any risks and know how to reach out for help when needed, as well as who is available to speak to outside of our service. 

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