Child abduction and community safety incidents

162. We recognise child abduction as the unauthorised removal or retention of a minor from a parent or anyone with legal responsibility for the child. Child abduction can be committed by parents or other family members; by people known but not related to the victim (such as neighbours, friends and acquaintances); and by strangers.

163. We know that other community safety incidents in the vicinity of our setting can raise concerns amongst children and parents, for example, people loitering nearby or unknown adults engaging children in conversation.

164. As children get older and are granted more independence (for example, as they start walking to school on their own) we will give them practical advice on how to keep themselves safe. This may include outdoor-safety lessons run by teachers or other professionals. We will aim to build on building children’s confidence and abilities rather than simply warning them about all strangers.

Children and the court system 

165. We recognise that sometimes children are required to give evidence in criminal courts, for crimes committed against them or for other crimes they have witnessed. We will follow the age appropriate guides to support children 5-11 year-olds and 12-17 year-olds.

166. We will follow these guides to ensure the correct process is followed and support and special measures are made available.

167. We understand that when child arrangements via the family courts are made following separation this can be a stressful and entrench conflict in families and this can be stressful for children. We will follow the guidance of the Ministry of Justice in managing these situations.

Children with family members in prison

168. We recognise that children who have a parent in prison are at risk of poor outcomes including poverty, stigma, isolation and poor mental health. We will use the information from NICCO, to help mitigate negative consequences for those children.