I have become aware that a fellow cadet in my squadron has been self harming and has threatened to kill herself. I am 4 weeks from turning 18 so I feel responsible for the younger cadets. I have thought about telling my CO but she said she would only do it more if I told him however I still think I should let him know so she gets the help she needs.
What do you think should I tell the CO or not?
Self harm in and of itself doesn’t necessarily need reporting, but If she is actually threatening suicide you really need to report it.
If you want further advice there is plenty available online:
https://www.selfharm.co.uk/articles/helping-someone-who-self-harms
http://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/self-harm/
I would definitely report it your CO. There may be underlying reasons for the self harming and her parents may need to become aware of this, also she will need help to stop this, so it’s important that it is addressed appropriately.
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Cheers
You can also call Childline or the NSPCC. 0808 800 5000 is their number.
They will give you advice and can also make a referral to social services. You should still inform your OC though.
IMO telling your OC is prolonging the route to something happening and unless it is directly and solely linked to the Corps not something we can deal with appropriately or effectively and as a sqn cdr I’m not really sure how telling me (unless it was directly linked to the Corps) other than for info, would benefit the situation. I would suggest; tell social services, the police or their school. As said Childline numbers are or should be displayed in the sqn, which you could direct them to or there is always the Padre, which I know will be extremely contentious for some. You might well find the school are aware and dealing with it, not that they would tell you. The police, social services and schools are far better placed to deal with this expediently with the ability to refer to appropriate agencies we have no protocols to deal with and approach parents, nor the time. The Corps’ training for staff to deal with anything regarding safeguarding is non-existent and those staff who work professionally in this area sigh when they get the few slides the Corps’ take on it and if our wing is typical the CPO is a jobbing WSO given the job and not someone who works professionally in the area.
If as a sqn cdr I was told I would be speaking to social services, school or the police and leave it to them to deal with. I don’t have the time or training to deal with it. What we can’t because we don’t have the time, knowledge or experience to ascertain is if this is teen angst/cry for help or a real matter. Which is why referral to those that can do this and provide the proper support is paramount.
I tend to feel that safeguarding in the Corps revolves around the Corps being the sole arbiters of everything in the lives of the cadets and we somehow hold some moral high ground.
GHE2, I’ve removed your post because it wasn’t constructive to this original question but (surprise surprise) yet more moaning about life.
This is potentially a serious situation and it doesn’t need your cynicism or lack of tact. Please think about the fact that a) a cadet has asked this question, and they’re asking for advice not a moaning at and b) other people have the potential to see this post, and will tar us all with the same unsympathetic whiny old brush.
Have you done the BASIC course yet? If not, I’d speak to your squadron staff as this training offers some guidance in relation to safeguarding and welfare.
The answer to any welfare problem as a cadet (irrespective of rank or age) is to raise it with a staff member, this is to protect the cadet and yourself as if something worse happens you will feel responsible if you’ve not raised it to get support.
The ACO is supposed to be geared up, with robust systems in place, so the course action here was obvious, before it was TOO late.
ACP4 states: every adult member of the ACO is required to report any suspicion of child protection issues be that within the ACO or outside. No-one should feel, or be made to feel uncomfortable, bullied or intimidated by doing so….
I think it is reasonable to believe that Senior Cadets also have certain responsibilities towards other Cadets.
The course of action should not be in dispute, after all, each member of a squadron is a member of a team, which is only at its best when everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet, and looking out for one another.
What is a concern is the ACO. It appears that it does not like whistleblowers, despite those assurances under ACP4, and will use any means to remove them, so that they cannot damage the integrity of the perpetrators.
Having spent any amount of time with the ACO, Corps values and Ethos should be upper most
on everyone’s agenda, and that means looking after your own.
Aries
Well posting that after 8 months doesn’t make you look twisted and bitter at all…
ACP 4 isn’t worth the paper its written on.