Safeguarding at Street League

How we keep the children and young people we work with safe

Safeguarding is central to our work with vulnerable young people. It’s how we protect children, young people and vulnerable adults from harm.

As a provider of employability, education and sport services to young people in the UK, we have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. We share this duty with parents, staff, volunteers, and other agencies.

How we define abuse

Abuse is the maltreatment or exploitation of a child, young person or vulnerable adult. Abuse can be intentional harm, or the failure to prevent harm.

Abuse can happen in person or online and can be carried out by adults or other young people.

Some of the types of abuse most likely to affect children and young people include: physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse or exploitation, and neglect.

Adverse or harmful behaviour

Traumatic or stressful experiences can lead to risk-taking behaviour where young people endanger themselves, moreover, these experiences may lead to behaviour which is dangerous such as self-harm and in the worst case, suicide attempts.  We work hard to stay alert to the potential of these incidents and always work promptly to make sure our young people are kept safe and offered the best support.  

Who is responsible for safeguarding?

Street League staff share the responsibility to safeguard the wellbeing of our service users. All our staff undertake training and learning to prepare them and to help raise awareness of issues and/or intuitive ‘niggles’ about young people’s circumstances or behaviours.

There may be times when we have to refer a child, young person or an adult to statutory services, third sector services and/or specialist support. We do this when an expert intervention is the best way to keep them safe.

Where can I learn more?

To learn more about safeguarding in Scotland and England, please see the official guidance below:

Scotland: Scottish Government website

England: Department for Education