GIFT Volunteer Registration Form Under 18 – For parents to complete with child

Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer with GIFT; we hope that we can work together to make a real difference.

In order for you to become a volunteer with us please complete this form.

Personal Info

Emergency contact

Parent's contact

Please provide the details of one referee such as a Professional or Teacher. (This should not be a relative)

Other info:

Information will be recorded in line with all current legislation and will only be used by GIFT for its operational requirements.

Parental Declaration

Name of Volunteer: D.o.B

I agree for the above-named person to (please tick as appropriate)




A risk assessment is undertaken in all homes where volunteers may be asked to go. Volunteers must comply with our Safeguarding and Child Protection protocols and the GIFT Rules & Regulations. Volunteers are expected to abide by any training or instructions given by any member of the GIFT staff, and are expected to exercise good common sense and judgement whilst volunteering for GIFT.

GIFT is here to ensure the smooth running of all volunteering opportunities; if at any point volunteers need assistance, please contact our office with any queries where we will do our best to assist.

Parent/Guardian Signature:


(please use mouse if completing this form on a PC or your fingernail if on a mobile device to sign)

Print Name:

Declaration

I will not disclose any details of the families and their circumstances to another person/organisation without GIFT’s permission. I agree to participate in any training sessions arranged for me and to observe all safety, security and other rules explained to me. I undertake to keep all information regarding GIFT’s families strictly confidential.

Signed by Volunteer:


(please use mouse if completing this form on a PC or your fingernail if on a mobile device to sign)

Print Name:

All the information you give us is kept strictly confidential and we keep it for a period of six years. GIFT may use the information to contact you in case of an emergency. From time to time GIFT may contact you to inform you about our other activities. Please tick here if you do not wish to be contacted in this manner.

Please ensure you read each of the drop down sections below and confirm via the tick box that you have discussed the information with your child.


Safeguarding & Child Protection Information

**Parents / guardians of children who will be visiting families MUST read and discuss the information below with their children and then both parent / guardian MUST sign below**

**Please mark N/A at the signature if your child will ONLY be volunteering for warehouse / food related activities. If your child decides they want to visit families at a later point in time you will be required to complete this form before visits will be arranged**

Introduction

GIFT’s twin objectives are to educate people to live a life of giving and to help those in the community for whom our volunteers can make an immediate difference.

Before your child starts volunteering there are some key areas we require you to discuss with them. Please ensure that you discuss with your child the following information.

GIFT is providing you with this information to ensure that you have information regarding safeguarding and child protection so that you can make informed decisions regarding your child’s volunteering for GIFT and to help you raise their awareness of these issues. The rules and regulations are to be adhered to by volunteers at all times.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is a widely used term in organisations such as GIFT which works with families, young people and children. It’s a generic term that describes responsible adults doing what is necessary to protect children in their different environments such as home, schools etc.

We undertake a risk assessment in each family home that you may visit, however it is important that you are aware that some children, no matter what faith or level of religiosity may suffer from abuse.

The Children Act 1989 – Child Protection, Section 47 states a Local Authority has a duty to investigate where a child in their area is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm, and to decide on appropriate action to safeguard or promote the child’s welfare.

Abuse comes in a variety of forms:

  • Neglect
  • Emotional
  • Physical
  • Intimate
  • Verbal

Abuse can impact a child’s life severely. If at any time, during the time you are volunteering visits you have any serious concerns about the how a child in the family is being treated, you must report it to Keren Heller 07541 417 768 or Shira Joseph 07801953207 from GIFT. They will automatically report it to GIFT’s Managing Director and the JFT’s (Jewish Futures Trust) Designated Safeguarding Officer who will make a decision about what to do next.

Your child must be aware that the welfare and safety of any child within a home they visit as well as their own safety is of paramount importance. Should your child feel uncomfortable about any situation they must leave immediately and report their concerns. Reporting concerns is the right thing to do – whatever the outcome, your child will not be treated any differently by GIFT and they will be able to continue to volunteer for a different family.



Child Protection

Child Protection is the term used for keeping individual children under the age of 18 safe from harm.

It is also very important that your child is aware of what to look out for to keep them safe. You can do this by following some simple guidelines.

  • Families are instructed to keep doors in the house open at all times – this not only affords some protection for your child but additionally for parents to minimise the risk of a false allegations. Families sign an agreement to confirm they abide by this rule. If either of the parents consistently close the door, especially after being reminded, your child must report this to Keren Heller 07541 417 768 or Shira Joseph 07801953207.
  • If your child feels that any member of the household is looking at them strangely then they must leave the room and if they feel appropriate, leave the house and report it. If they feel that any member of the household (except for children) invade their personal space (standing too close to you whilst talking to them) they should report the incident to Keren Heller 07541 417 768 or Shira Joseph 07801953207 or any other member of the GIFT team.
  • Most parents will be friendly and grateful to receive your help. Be aware of any member of the household (apart from children) being particularly and consistently overly friendly. If you feel at any time that the questions they ask you about yourself make you feel uncomfortable then politely say ‘I’d prefer not to talk about that’. Examples of this might be asking questions about private matters that you would normally only expect to discuss with your own parents.
  • Apart from a child, if any other member of the household asks you to keep a secret – say that you are not happy about that and you do not want to do that. If you feel uncomfortable, leave the house.
  • If any member of the household asks for your mobile number do not give it to them – explain that all communications and arrangements have to be made through GIFT. You must tell your GIFT coordinator this has occurred.

GIFT Volunteering – Rules & Regulations

The following rules are in place to ensure your child’s safety. Our families have been made aware of these rules and have signed a contract to ensure they have understood and will keep to these rules. It is important that we are made aware of any families who do not adhere to these rules.

Visiting Families

  • All family’s details are confidential and should not be discussed with any other parties besides the GIFT coordinators and the volunteers’ parents.
  • Volunteers should not:
    • Change Nappies
    • Bath Children
    • Do any housework
  • Doors must be kept open in the house when the volunteer is inside the room.
  • To take a child outside of the house or be left alone at home with the child, the volunteer must have permission from the child's parents, their own parent’s and GIFT. This is only allowed with full consent from all three parties.
  • Volunteers must not take pictures of the children or families unless parents/carers have provided written consent.
  • Do not give out your personal information including mobile numbers to the families.

Helpful Advice & Tips

Helping Families

We help a variety of families Before you go to a family we will do our best to brief you on the family situation, how many children, their age etc. and what help they require. Make sure you respect the home and be as helpful as you can.

General Guidelines:

  • Have your phone on you and plan your route to get there.
  • If you are unwell please phone your coordinator. If it is Shabbat please try to get a message to the family to let them know you will not be there. If that is not possible, let your coordinator know as soon as possible after Shabbat.
  • Make sure your parents know where you are and when you are expected to come home.
  • Do not judge our families or make assumptions about their status and whether or not they need help.
  • Important numbers:
    • Hatzola:  0300 9994 999
    • Taxi number: 020 8809 4444 - EMESS – Please ask your coordinator for the account number.
  • We encourage all feedback; both positive and negative and will take it seriously.

When you arrive at the house:

  • Be punctual, be polite and introduce yourself when you arrive.
  • Specify to the family what time you will need to leave.
  • Ask the parents what they would like you to do and details of what their children enjoy. Ask parent how best to interact with special needs child if you are not sure. If a child is misbehaving, ask the parent for help.
  • Remember, you are there for the children. Engage in activities the child enjoys rather then what you enjoy.
  • Avoid any confrontation with any family member. Even if you feel you are right, you are there to help the family so keep calm and agree. Allow the child to win at games (don’t make it obvious).
  • Project positive energy. Keep any emotional or difficult issues to yourself until after you have left (smile at all times). If you feel you need to talk to someone about anything you have experienced please contact your coordinators.
  • Pick up after yourself if you have been playing games with the children. Get the children to help you too.

In Hospitals:

  • Use hand sanitiser before and after visiting.
  • Only visit patients that you have been instructed to visit.
  • If door is closed, ask a nurse to check if patient would like a visit. Always knock before entering.
  • Be cheerful - BIG smile and a warm greeting, always introduce yourself and ask if you may sit down.
  • Offer to bring food and drink from the Shabbos room. Consult with a nurse first for permission.
  • Don't stare at any patient’s physical issues that would have caused them to be admitted to the hospital.
  • If a patient requires assistance, do not physically help/move the patient. Ask a nurse.

In Care Homes:

  • Introduce yourself, ask where they are from - the more you know about them- the more you can use to engage in conversation.
  • Never act as if elderly person is ancient or ‘obsolete’- don’t assume age related problems.

Disclaimer

Whilst GIFT can provide information of this nature to parents, it is parent’s responsibility to ensure that their children are made aware of this Safeguarding and Child Protection Information and make an informed decision regarding their volunteering. Parents should check with their children as to where they are when volunteering. Parents should contact the Volunteer Coordinator for more details if necessary.



For Parents

I confirm that I have discussed the above information regarding Safeguarding & Child Protection and GIFT’s Rules & Regulations with my child. I accept full responsibility in ensuring that my child age has a clear understanding of the Safeguarding & Child Protection information supplied and GIFT’s Rules & Regulations.

Signed:


(please use mouse if completing this form on a PC or your fingernail if on a mobile device to sign)

Print Name:



For Children

I confirm that I age have read the Safeguarding Information and GIFT’s Rules & Regulations and I have a clear understanding of the information provided. I confirm that I will act responsibly, abide by the rules and ensure I report any incidents as mentioned above.

Signed:


(please use mouse if completing this form on a PC or your fingernail if on a mobile device to sign)

Print Name:

Thank you so much for volunteering! We hope that this experience will inspire you as much as it benefits those that you are helping. If at any point you would require further advice or information please feel free to be in touch with your coordinators or a member of the GIFT Team.