3.7.2 Countering Bullying |
SCOPE OF THIS CHAPTER
This procedure primarily applies to children placed in children's homes but the principles apply equally to children placed in foster care and in other Looked After placements. Therefore, where Looked After Children are placed with parents, relatives or friends or in placements outside the authority, the social worker must ensure these or other adequate procedures are applied.
OTHER DOCUMENTS
‘Kidscape’ provide good value books, videos, posters, booklets, leaflets and training on bullying. They can be contacted at KIDSCAPE, 2 Grosvenor Gardens, London, SW1W ODH. Alternatively, phone 020 7730 3300 or e mail info@kidscaape.org.uk
Contents
1. Definition of Bullying
Bullying is defined as behaviour or actions of a child, member of staff or other adult; group of people or a whole organisation, designed to cause distress or to hurt a young person or group of young people.
A precise definition is difficult but a key factor is distress or fear of harassment caused to the recipient rather than the intentions of the bully. Research indicates that the most distressing aspects of living away from your own family are the impact of the behaviour and actions of other children and young people.
2. Placement Planning
If there is a risk that a child is likely to be bullied or may be the perpetrator of bullying behaviour, the Strategies for managing and reducing the risks must be outlined in his/her Placement Plan/Placement Information Record.
In the absence of any such strategy, the following must be applied.
3. Notifications and Management Review
There are different notification procedures depending on the persistence and seriousness of the bullying:
Notifications of Minor or Non-Persistent Bullying
Where bullying is not persistent or not serious, it should be notified to the manager or Supervising Social Worker at the first opportunity; they will decide what action to take in the circumstances. The manager/Supervising Social Worker should decide whether to notify the social worker/parent(s).
Notifications and Management Review of Persistent or Serious Bullying
Serious or persistent episodes of bullying must be notified to the manager and Supervising Social Worker without delay, but within 1 working day. The manager/Supervising Social Worker must ensure the social worker is notified.
The social worker should decide whether to inform the child’s parent(s).
It will also be necessary to decide whether the bullying constitutes Significant Harm; if so, a referral with a view to undertaking a Section 47 Enquiry may be necessary.
End