Safeguarding Spotlight: Safeguarding Red Flags

This month, our Safeguarding Spotlight focuses on Safeguarding Red Flags – a selection of indicators that may suggest a child, young person, or family is at risk and may require additional support. These factors are often present in families involved in serious case reviews, highlighting the importance of awareness and early identification in sport.

This article covers sensitive topics – please take care when reading.

Note: Many factors can indicate that an individual or family may be at risk. The themes outlined below are examples only and are not an exhaustive list.

Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is defined as a pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading, or violent behaviour – including sexual violence – most commonly by a partner or ex-partner, but it can also be carried out by a family member or carer.

It is more common than many people realise and can affect anyone, regardless of background. While every situation is different, there are often common patterns that can help identify when abuse may be taking place.

Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to:

• Physical abuse
• Psychological and/or emotional abuse
• Coercive control
• Financial and economic abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Technology-facilitated abuse
• Harassment and stalking

Recognising these behaviours is an important step in supporting individuals who may be affected and ensuring appropriate safeguarding action is taken.

Parental Mental Health

Many parents and carers with mental health difficulties are able to provide safe, stable, and loving care for their children. However, in some circumstances, additional support may be needed from family, friends, community networks, or professionals.

In this context, ‘parental mental health problems’ refers to diagnosable mental health conditions, including those experienced during pregnancy and after birth (perinatal mental health).

These may include:

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Personality disorders

When parents are managing multiple pressures alongside mental health challenges, it can become more difficult to consistently meet a child’s needs.

Early identification and access to appropriate support is vital. Anyone working with families should maintain a clear focus on the wellbeing and safety of children and young people.

Substance Misuse

Parental alcohol and drug misuse can have a significant impact on children’s safety, development, and emotional wellbeing.

Impacts may include:

• Physical harm, neglect, or maltreatment
• Poor physical and mental health outcomes
• Increased likelihood of health-harming behaviours later in life
• Poor school attendance due to caring responsibilities
• Lower educational attainment
• Increased risk of involvement in anti-social or criminal behaviour

It is also important to recognise that not only dependent use, but also higher-risk or problematic use of alcohol and drugs, can affect parenting capacity and family stability.

Substance misuse can impact children in different ways, but in all cases it is essential that concerns are identified early and appropriate support is accessed.

Summary

Safeguarding concerns are not always obvious, and the presence of one or more indicators does not confirm that a child or family is at risk. However, recognising potential red flags and responding appropriately is a key part of keeping children and young people safe in judo environments.

All members, coaches, and volunteers should remain alert to concerns and follow the appropriate reporting pathways where needed.

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