On completion of our application to join NORTHERN IRELAND PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION (NIPA), LARNE CAMERA CLUB has adopted NIPA’s Child Protection Policy as outlined below:
NORTHERN IRELAND PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
The Northern Ireland Photographic Association (the Association) is committed to policies, which promote good practice and protect children from harm.
In the context of these policies:
A child is defined as a young person aged less than 18 years.
The Association is committed to making sure that children are protected and kept safe from harm while they are engaged in all formal or informal activities organised by affiliated clubs.
Members of clubs, which are affiliated to the Association, accept and recognise their responsibilities to develop awareness of the issues, which may cause children harm.
AIMS OF THE CHILD PROTECTION POLICY To demonstrate the commitment of the Association, and its affiliated clubs, to provide and maintain an environment that protects children from harm, as well as protecting the Association, and its members from allegations of abuse.
To ensure that affiliated clubs, and their members, are familiar with the Association’s Child Protection Policy.
To ensure affiliated clubs, and their members, adopt child protection guidelines, through a code of behaviour, detailed in appendix 1 of this document. To share information about concerns with appropriate agencies.
To take appropriate action in response to child protection issues, which involve affiliated clubs or their members.
DEFINITIONS OF ABUSE All members of affiliated clubs should be aware that ‘child abuse’ occurs when the behaviour of someone in a position of greater power than a child causes harm to the child.
There are many forms of abuse and the harm caused cannot always be easily categorised. The common denominator is that all forms of abuse make the child feel bad and worthless.
NEGLECT The actual, or likely, persistent or significant neglect of a child, or the failure to protect a child from exposure to any kind of danger.
PHYSICAL Actual or likely deliberated physical injury to a child, or wilful or neglected failure to prevent physical injury or suffering to a child.
SEXUAL Actual or likely sexual exploitation of a child. The involvement of children or adolescents in sexual activities they do not truly comprehend.
EMOTIONAL Actual or likely significant or persistent emotional ill-treatment or rejection, behaviour affecting the emotional, physical and/or behavioural development of a child.
BULLYING A child who is bullied may be suffering from any or many types of abuse.
Bullying can take many forms, but the main types are; physical (e.g. hitting, kicking, theft), verbal (e.g. sectarian/racist remarks, name-calling) and indirect, (e.g. spreading rumours, exclusion).
INTIMIDATION may involving a combination of these abuse.
APPENDIX 1CODE OF BEHAVIOUR ON CHILD PROTECTION 1.1 The Northern Ireland Photographic Association recognises that it is not practical to provide definitive instructions that would apply to all situations at all times whereby members of affiliated clubs come into contact with children and to guarantee the protection of children and staff.
1.2However, below are the standards of behaviour required of affiliated club members in order to fulfil their role in the application of a Child Protection Policy. This code should assist in the protection of both children and club members.
1.3Members of affiliated clubs MUST implement the Child Protection Policy and procedures at all times.
1.4Members of affiliated clubs must not:
Spend time alone with a lone child or children. Members must ensure that they may be clearly observed by others, at all times.
Take a child to the toilet, without the presence or knowledge of another adult which should include a parent, if present.
Have children/young people in their own vehicle.
Where circumstances require the transportation of children/young people in their vehicle another adult/parent must also travel in the vehicle.
In extreme emergencies (for medical purposes) where it is required to transport a child/young person on their own, it is essential that the parent is notified immediately.
It is essential that there is adequate insurance for the vehicle to cover transporting children/young people in connection with the activities of the club.
1.5 Members of affiliated clubs must never:
engage in rough, physical games including horseplay with children.
allow or engage in inappropriate touching of any kind.
The main principles of touch are:
touch should always be in response to the child's need
touch should always be appropriate to the age and stage of development of the child
touch should always be with a child's permission
do things of a personal nature for children that they can do for themselves or that their parent can do for them
physically restrain a child/young person unless the restraint is to prevent physical injury of the child/other children/visitors/other club members or themselves.
In all circumstances physical restraint must be appropriate and reasonable, otherwise the action can be defined as assault.
Make sexually suggestive comments to, or within earshot of, a child.
Photograph a child without the express permission, preferablywritten , of
(a) The child's parent(s) or guardian(s)
(b)"Bodies" acting "in loco parentis", which have specifically obtained prior permission to make images from the child's/children's parent(s) or guardian(s) e.g. Schools, Youth Clubs, Sports Clubs.
(c) Controlling or governing bodies of sport, use of whose grounds e.g. Windsor Park, Ravenhill, Casement Park, includes permission for third parties to make images.
Photograph a child in a suggestive pose, or a pose that may be interpreted as such.
Photograph a child/children without other adults present.