AIBU to be horrified and frightened by this?

[Bidgiegerr]

Actually, I know I'm not but I don't know what to do.

My friend is involved with a registered charity that does breaks for children from overseas. They pay the airfare, and they stay with host families. My friend is a host. She mentioned today that it's very easy to become a host family because the charity doesn't do any CRB (or whatever they're called now) checks, and don't ask about sleeping arrangements. The children are aged between about 6 and 17 and are in orphanages in their home country.

I felt sick at how vulnerable these children are, and also at how probably vulnerable my friend is too. She isn't sure what to do and lives the children that come to stay, she has the same ones each year, and so doesn't want to lose touch with them.

Their website is suitably vague, and there's a freetext search box on it. When I searched for things like "safeguard" or "protection" there's nothing. Not a word.

WWYD?

[Wonc]

Contact your MP? RSPCC?

Failing that, the media? A reputable one obviously - not the Daily Mail.

[Wonc]

Oh and Yanbu.

[Birdsgottafly]

Because of my job, I would have to inform the Police and my Superior, personally I would contact the NSPCC for advice, if I was a lay person.

The charity are breaking the law.

[Bidgiegerr]

Should I do it today? I'm a layperson.

[Birdsgottafly]

Just to add, the contract that the host family enters into, also protects them.

Your friend and her family/neighbours/wider community are at possible risk, without checks being done.

It works both ways.

As a potential host, though, you should be looking up the law, which includes your LA's policies.

Ignorance of the law, may not protect you from prosecution.

[MilkandCereal]

Which charity is it? I'm guess it relates to the children of Chernobyl.

If so,I've found two that that state that CRB checks must be carried out. It's incredibly worrying if this one doesn't require them.

[Wonc]

I don't think you should name the charity on here yet. Too many dodgy journos.
Look at what they did with the Peaches Geldof article .

[Birdsgottafly]

I would.

Some of these children "are at risk of significant harm".

You should be directed to the department in your LA.

[NoArmaniNoPunani]

That's very dodgy. I'm shocked that a charity is allowed to operate like that these days

[Bidgiegerr]

No it's not Chernobyl. I'll pass on this info to my friend in the first instance.

[Birdsgottafly]

If it is from the area mentioned, there is child prostitution happening, as there is from Africa/Eastern Block countries.

Someone should know the exact details of where these children are and who is in contact with them.

[greeneggsandjam]

I am more than surprised. How can this be true?!?!??!

[MilkandCereal]

Yes,please do pass it on,and well done for doing something about it. That really is horrifying.

[Mrsjayy]

No dont name the charity not even a clue anyway this charity is breaking tye lawcif the uk all people who look after vulnerable children must be crb checked the charity might have some of their own to try and cover it but individuals must have it, contact nspcc give them the details

[Birdsgottafly]

"" I'm shocked that a charity is allowed to operate like that these days""

They're not, it's just no-one has reported it yet.
Makes you wonder what has been happening to them, who have been shipped to whoever wants to get paid for the use of a child.

[greeneggsandjam]

Actually, thinking of it and reiterating what kim just said, when students come to stay with you on a school exchange from say France or Germany no one does a check on you or asks how many bedroom you have. However I think that as these are vulnerable children someone should at least be visiting the family beforehand to check to people/living arrangements out.

Maybe they do that but haven't listed all the info on their website? I just looked at a charity now doing it for Romania. No mention of any checks etc but maybe they tell you all about that when you contact them for more info?

[NoArmaniNoPunani]

They're not, it's just no-one has reported it yet.


So there isn't any kind of organisation that monitors charities? This wouldn't have been raised before they were granted charitable status? If so, that's disgraceful.

[Mrsjayy]

Is it a pipe or a pen op just to clear up the curiosity

[Mrsjayy]

Sorry

[Bidgiegerr]

Maybe that's it then - they don't need a check. But you'd think a charity would anyway wouldn't you?

[Birdsgottafly]

Don't name the charity, it will just name change, or cover it's tracks, easy done if the whole thing is illegal and in certain countries.

You naming it will not stop this, that should be the aim.

Perhaps an ad campaign is needed in the media to inform people.

Like we have fostering ads etc.

Even on FB, it will stop anyone from pleading ignorance, to get away with what they may have been planning (not your friend OP).

I've no doubt that some of these children will be caught up in the illegal sex trade.

[Bidgiegerr]

Mrsjayy

[Mrsjayy]

I think the school trips might be different its usually parents isnt it

[Bidgiegerr]

Omg Burdsgottafly! Why? Why would that be the case?