Sligo Rowing Club
Missing or Found Child Policy
Policy Statement
Sligo Rowing Club is committed to the safety and well-being of all children in our care. This policy outlines the steps to be taken in the event that a child goes missing during club activities or is found in the club premises or event locations. The club is dedicated to providing a safe environment, and this policy aims to provide clarity on how to respond to such situations promptly and effectively.
1. Definition of "Missing Child"
A child is considered "missing" if they cannot be located at the designated time and location where they are expected to be, and their whereabouts cannot be immediately accounted for.
2. Reporting a Missing Child
- Immediate Action: Any member, volunteer, coach, or parent who notices a child is missing must immediately notify a designated club official or the event organiser.
- Designated Contacts: The on-duty coach, DLP or Children’s Officer will take charge of the situation. These individuals are responsible for leading the search and communication efforts.
- Details to Report: When reporting a missing child, provide the following information:
- Full name of the child
- Description of the child (age, appearance, clothing)
- Time and location where the child was last seen
- Any additional relevant information (e.g., any known behavior patterns or special needs)
3. Search Protocol
- Initial Search: The club will initiate a search within the area. A team of at least two adults (preferably with familiarity of the child) will conduct a thorough search of the immediate vicinity, checking bathrooms, changing rooms, common areas, and any other places the child might have gone.
- Security Check: If the child cannot be found after a short period (usually 10–15 minutes), the search will expand to a larger area, involving all available staff and volunteers. Key areas, such as exits, gates, and parking lots, will be checked for any sign of the child leaving the premises.
- Use of Technology: If applicable, staff may use communication devices or social media to alert others of the missing child. The event's location may also be monitored using CCTV footage if available.
4. Informing Authorities
- When to Contact the Gardaí: If the child is not found after 20 minutes, or if there is any suspicion of abduction or safety risk, the Gardaí (Irish police) will be immediately contacted. It is essential to provide all relevant details, including a description of the child, the time they were last seen, and the steps taken in the search.
- Parental Notification: Parents or guardians of the missing child must be contacted as soon as possible. If they are not already on the premises, efforts will be made to reach them via phone or other available communication methods.
5. Found Child Procedure
- Initial Assessment: If a child is found and appears to be lost or without an accompanying adult, the person who finds the child should remain with the child in a safe, visible location until a designated adult (safety officer or event organiser) arrives to assist.
- Reuniting with Guardians: The child will be escorted to the designated area where parents or guardians can be contacted and the child safely returned. If no immediate guardian is identified, the child will be accompanied by at least two responsible adults until the situation is resolved.
- Recording the Incident: All details of the found child, including the child’s name, description, and the time of discovery, will be recorded for safety and procedural purposes.
6. Communication and Documentation
- Incident Report: An incident report must be completed after any missing or found child situation. This report will detail the events, steps taken, people involved, and any other relevant information. This ensures that any future incidents are handled more efficiently and offers documentation for any follow-up actions that may be necessary.
- Post-Incident Review: After an incident is resolved, a review will be conducted to assess the effectiveness of the club’s response and determine whether any changes are needed to improve procedures in the future.
7. Preventative Measures
- Registration and Sign-in: Parents or guardians are required to notify coaches of the attendance of their child for all events or activities. This allows staff to maintain an up-to-date list of attendees.
- Clear Identification: Children should wear club identification (e.g., club uniforms) to make them easily identifiable during events held off-site (e.g. regattas, fund-raising activities) .
- Adult Supervision: All children will be supervised at all times by club staff, coaches, and volunteers. Adequate ratios of adults to children will be maintained, as per the club’s safeguarding policy.
8. Roles and Responsibilities
- Club Officials: Ensure the policy is implemented and communicated to all staff, volunteers, and parents. They are also responsible for conducting reviews after an incident.
- Coaches/Volunteers: Monitor the children under their care, ensuring safety at all times and responding quickly if a child is missing or found.
- Parents/Guardians: Ensure that children are dropped off and collected promptly, notify the club if the child will not be attending, and ensure children are aware of safety guidelines.
Conclusion
The safety of children attending Sligo Rowing Club is of paramount importance. This Missing or Found Child Policy ensures that there are clear, effective procedures in place to respond to any situation where a child is separated from their guardian or found unattended. It also promotes a proactive approach to prevent such incidents, providing peace of mind to all participants, families, and staff.
