Lost & Found Children Policy
The goal of this policy is to reunite each lost or found child with their parents or carers-
It will apply throughout the event whilst attendees are onsite.
Throughout this policy the term "parent" also includes "carer".
All stewards will be briefed before the start of the event, usually by the person responsible for health and safety, on the procedure for dealing with lost children.
At any event run by Friends of Sutton Green when large numbers of people are expected to attend there will be a single designated location for dealing with lost children. This will usually be the First Aid Post.
One person (who should be DBS checked) will care for any found child in the lost child area, and when with the child must remain observable to others at all times
Lost Children
A steward finding a child (under 16) unaccompanied onsite and showing signs of distress should reassure the child and, preferably with another steward, escort the child to the Lost Child area.
There stewards will welcome the child and try to establish their name, age, address and parents' telephone number;
They will record as much identifying information as possible.
If a telephone number is given then the parents should be contacted immediately.
The person responsible for health and safety at the event or a designated other must be informed.
Unless satisfactory telephone contact with the parents has been made then a public announcement must be made as soon as possible.
Assistance must be appropriate and related to the age of the child, whilst also accepting that some children have special needs.
No food or drink, except plain water should be given to children in case of allergies.
Speed of communication is of paramount importance.
If the child is not reunited with their parents within a relatively short time ( within 30 minutes) consideration should be given to notifying the Police.
This will depend on the circumstances of the incident, age of child etc.
If there are suspicious circumstances or any doubt, the police should be called.
Parents
A steward approached by parents who have lost a child will escort them immediately to the Lost Child Area.
If the child is not there then stewards will reassure the parents and collect and record information regarding the description of the child.
The person responsible for health and safety or a designated other must be informed and will immediately communicate information to all stewards.
A public announcement must be made as soon as possible.
Speed of communication is of paramount importance.
If the child is still not reunited with their parents within a relatively short time (less than 30 minutes) consideration should be given to notifying the Police.
This will depend on the circumstances of the incident, age of child etc.
If there are suspicious circumstances or any doubt, the police should be called.
Returning Children to Parents
Children will be returned only to a competent adult.
Details of the person claiming a child should be legibly recorded, this information at a minimum to include their name, address and relationship to the child.
They should show a form of identification which should be photographed (with reassurance that this record will not be unnecessarily shared and will later be deleted if not required further)
If they have no identification then a clear photograph of the claimant and child should be taken (with reassurance that this record will not be unnecessarily shared and will later be deleted if not required further)
If the child is unsure or reluctant to be taken by the person collecting them then further confirmation will be required of the relationship to the child before handing them over.
If stewards have any doubts then the police should be contacted.
Review
The Chair will be responsible for reviewing this procedure after each event organised by the Friends and to report any perceived shortcomings to the Committee for discussion and improvement.