Information for Children - what is it?
In April 2006, Medway Safeguarding Children Board (MSCB) was launched. This is a group of different organisations and groups in Medway who work together to make sure that children are safe in their homes and in their community. They work together to look at the kinds of things that worry children – for example, abuse, bullying, and crime – and try to help children and their families to feel safer in Medway.
Who is it ?
MSCB is made up of lots of people from, for example, Medway Council, Kent Police, Kent Probation, the NSPCC, Medway Maritime Hospital and the Primary Care Trust. The people on the MSCB believe that keeping children safe is everybody's responsibility and that we all need to work together to make sure that children, young people and their families in Medway feel protected and are properly looked after whether they are at home with their parents or carers, in school or in the community.
What does it do?
The MSCB provides information and training for teachers, doctors, Police Officers, Social Workers and parents about the best way to look after and protect children from harm. It also helps adults and children to know what to do and who to tell if they are worried that a child (or themselves) is being hurt in some way. One of the ways it does this is by trying to raise awareness in schools and in the community about the kinds of things that worry children or that can be a danger to children – for example – adults who pretend to be children on the Internet
The Board needs some help in thinking about the best ways to help and support children in Medway and to raise awareness amongst children and young people about the work that it does. We need to make sure that young people can tell us what they think about things and about what is important to them, rather than thinking that we know what is best. We would like to set up something to help this to happen and would like to know from you what you think is the best way.
Useful links for young people
Childline
You can contact ChildLine about anything - no problem is too big or too small. Now you can ring them, text them, chat online with them or email them!
CAFCASS Children
CAFCASS Teenagers
CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service) are there to help you and give you advice if you ever have to go through the court system . So if your parents are seperating and they need to decide who you'll live with or you have been removed from their care you'll find information on the court process here.
CAMHS
The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) offer specialist mental health services to children and young people (up to age 17) and their families.
National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC)
The NSPCC's purpose is to end cruelty to children. You can find out about the services they offer and get advice about abuse, bullying and where to go for help and advice.
The hide out
The hideout is all about understanding domestic abuse and what positive action you can take if it's effecting you. There's a page for children and one for young people so you can get the right advice for you.
Kent Police for young people
Here you'll find lots of links for young people.
If you are aged 11 or over you could join the Kent police youth panel and tell the police what you think about crime and policing issues in Medway. The panel helps the police to understand the views and needs of young people across Kent and Medway. Which, helps them to improve the service provided by Kent Police.
Shadow CS
Shadow CS is a fun, interactive website aimed at young people aged 11 – 18+ all about crime . It lets you get involved in discussions about crime and the everyday things that affect you and gives you the option of seeking advice if you don't know what to do. You can also anonymously report crime.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service fun and games
Here you'll find games designed for children to highlight the dangers around the home.
BBC Safe Surfing
Here you'll find games for children about the importence of staying safe online .
Thinkuknow
There's a different site for you depending on your age where you can find the latest information on the sites you like to visit, mobiles and new technology. Find out what's good, what's not and what you can do about it. You can also report any online abuse/bullying you have come across.
Kidscape
Is working to prevent bullying and protect children. Find out what you can do to tackle bullying and how to keep yourself safe.
Tales of the road
The Department of Transports road safety campaign in aimed at 6-11 year olds but its safety message is relevant to everyone. Here you'll find games aimed at improving your road safety behaviour.
Club penguin
Club penguin is a safe social site aimed at children aged 6-14 years old but anyone can join in. The site is full of games and activities and ways of building a virtual world for your very own penguin!
Every Child Matters
The Every Child Matters website is full of information about what the government is doing to safeguard you in all the areas that may effect your life. Take a look at new rules and regulations and how they will effect you.
Your Rights
Here you can find out the Rights of Children and Young People and what the law says about you and things like education, working and children affected by divorcing or seperating parents.
The Children's society
The Children's society takes action to prevent, rescue and support children facing life trapped in a vicious circle of fear and harm. You can get advice about lots of issues that might be affecting you like starting secondary school or being in trouble with the police.
Directgov
Here you'll find all the public services for young people in one place, with information, advice and guidance.
Medway Council Young People
Find out about your local youth centre, read young people's articles in Medway Matters, find out about the Duke of Edinburge Award and your choices post 16.
Medway Youth Parliament
Medway Youth Parliament is made up of up to 3 reps from each secondary school and up to 3 from any youth groups/young people's support groups who want to be involved. The doors to parliament membership are always open; any young person interested in being involved is made welcome. Maybe you'd like to join?
Youth parliament wants every young person to have the opportunity for their voice to be heard by the decision-makers in Medway, nationally and internationally.
Connexions
Connexions offer advice and guidance to 13-19 year olds about decisions and choices in their lives. The website has loads of information, including things about relationships, money, work and health. You can talk to advisors online or find out where your local Connexions contact point is.
Education maintenance allowance (EMA)
Find out about the EMA if you can claim it for staying in education post 16. You may be entitled for up to £30 a week.