Chosen

September 2008

The script contains details of organisations offering information and support to anyone whose life has been affected by child abuse, and information on current legislation.

Regulations for teachers have changed since the schooldays described in Chosen. Today, anyone applying for a job or voluntary position that involves working with children, young people or vulnerable adults can be asked to apply for a Criminal Records Bureau or CRB check. School Governors regard this check as vital for teachers and others working in contact with children. You can find out more at www.crb.gov.uk.

The Government have announced the setting up of four pilot schemes which give parents the right to check whether anyone with direct access to their children is a sex offender. The pilot schemes are to start in Southampton, Stockton-on-Tees, Peterborough and across Warwickshire. Home Office ministers say that while anyone can raise their suspicions about an individual with the police, disclosure will only be for those directly responsible for a child's care. Grandparents, for example, can raise their concerns about an offspring's boyfriend with the police but the mother, not them, will be told the outcome of any police investigation.

In the trial areas a parent can check on any criminal background of a new partner, and they will be told in confidence if the police have knowledge of a history of sex offending, domestic violence or child neglect.

The phone lines to some of the following organisations are very busy, but please keep trying. Please note that some free numbers may be charged for by a few mobile phone networks.

NAPAC - The National Association for People Abused in Childhood provides support no matter how long ago the incident took place, pointing people in the right direction to take control of their own recovery. Call their helpline 0800 085 3330 (free & confidential, Mondays - Fridays 10.30am - 3pm & 6 - 8pm). There's more information and a list of regional support services on their website www.napac.org.uk.

Stop It Now! advises anyone who has abused, or thought about abusing a child. They also support the family and friends of abusers. They encourage abusers to recognise their behaviour problems and seek help to change. Call the helpline 0808 1000 900 (free & confidential on Mondays - Thursdays 9am - 9pm & Fridays 9am - 7pm). Or check out their website www.stopitnow.org.uk.

Survivors UK support men who have been raped or sexually abused however long ago it took place and men trying to cope with the abuse of someone close to them, the Survivors UK helpline 0845 1221 201 (local rate, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings 7pm - 10pm). You can also email to info@survivorsuk.org or check their website www.survivorsuk.org.

If you're concerned about the safety of a child the NSPCC Child Protection Helpline on 0808 800 5000 (free & confidential, open 24 hours a day, every day). A free textphone service is in place for people who are hard of hearing on 0800 056 0566. There's also an email helpline, send messages to help@nspcc.org.uk.

If you're a young person whose been approached or abused ChildLine is free and confidential for anyone up to the age of 18. Call 0800 11 11 (free and open 24 hours a day every day). If you have difficulty in hearing or in using a regular phone try the textphone service on 0800 400 222. ChildLine phone lines can be very busy but do keep trying and you will get through. More information is on the website www.childline.org.uk.

Voice UK provides telephone support for adults and children with learning disabilities who have been abused, and for their families and carers. Call 0845 122 8695 (local rate, Mondays - Fridays 9am - 5pm). Or you can look at their website www.voiceuk.org.uk.

If you're feeling distressed and need someone to talk to, Samaritans are there for you at any time of day or night on 08457 90 90 90, or text to 07725 90 90 90 or you can email to jo@samaritans.org.

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