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The Diocese of
LLandaff

Diocesan Diocesan Safeguarding Committee -
child protection Policy for Parishes

What are our main obligations to children?

  • The welfare of the child is paramount (Children Act 1989)
  • Abuse and risk of harm must be treated seriously
  • Care provided must be of the highest standard

What must I do before I work with children?

  • Obtain disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau
  • Complete declaration form CCP/1 (available from Incumbents)
  • Provide two referees

What are the key points to be aware of whilst caring for children?

  • The child's welfare is paramount
  • Another adult must be in the vicinity when dealing with one or more children
  • Avoid inappropriate physical contact with children
  • Listen to children
  • Provide a safe, healthy and stimulating environment

bearIf I am concerned about a child, or a child tells me (s)he is being abused, what should I do?

  • Always take action. Do not delay
  • Serious concerns should always be reported immediately to your local County Hall or to a Family Support Unit (Police) saying: "I wish to report a child at risk of abuse." Tell the informant you intend to act.
  • Make a record of what the child and/or adult says
  • If it your own observations that lead you to suspect abuse, write down the reasons for your suspicions
  • DO NOT question the child, or try to investigate allegations of abuse - it is not our job to do so, and your action may contaminate investigation by legitimate authorities
  • DO NOT discuss with unauthorised persons
  • For advice and support contact the Diocesan Child Protection Officer.

What are the possible signs of child abuse?

  • bruises, particularly recurring bruises
  • child pornography
  • withdrawn behaviour
  • complaining of pain
  • attention seeking
  • burn marks
  • aggression towards other children
  • constant hunger
  • inadequate clothing
  • fear of adults
  • sexualised behaviour
  • poor supervision

The above list is not conclusive and could relate to other conditions.

 

What is the duty of the Parish in Child Protection?

  • To provide a child-safe environment
  • To minimize risk to children and adults
  • To deal effectively with suspicion of abuse
  • To receive training.

Who needs to obtain disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau, and complete parish CPP/1 forms?

  • All clergy
  • Licensed Readers
  • Churchwardens
  • Eucharistic Assistants
  • Child Protection Co-ordinator
  • Sunday School Leaders and Assistants
  • Youth Leaders and Assistants
  • Sacristan / Servers Trainer
  • Organists and helpers
  • Choir Trainers
  • Bellringers
  • Foundation Governors of Church Schools
  • Any other person having regular, unsupervised contact with children or young people

 

Diocesan Policy for Parishes

We are a SAFE FROM HARM PARISH, and we operate within:

  • Children Act 1989
  • All Wales Child Protection Procedures
  • Safe from Harm Document
  • Church in Wales Code of Good Practice 2002
  • Any requirements of the Diocese of Llandaff

OBJECTIVE

The parish aims to protect children providing safe people, safe places and safe activities, providing the necessary expenditure, administration, training, supervision and monitoring of our procedures to enable us to nurture children in the Christian faith, and further the mission of Christ.

OUR OBLIGATIONS TO CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE.

"Let the children come to me, do not try to stop them for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these." (Matt. 19:14) Implicit in these words of Jesus is a recognition of the unique status of children and young people. We will respect children as persons in their own right and give them especial protection because of their vulnerability.
  • We will constantly pray for our work with children and young people
  • We accept and stress the main principle of the Children Act 1989 that the child's welfare is paramount in all circumstances. We also accept the recommendations of the Police Protection of Children Act 1997
  • We will act responsibly and with integrity towards children and young people by not taking advantage of those in our care. We will not exploit our relationship of trust for the purposes of self gratification
  • We will maintain the highest standards of care at all times.

PARISH GUIDELINES FOR GOOD PRACTICE

We will treat all allegations of abuse or risk of abuse, whether physical, sexual, emotional or neglect seriously (Church in Wales Code of Good Practice, pages 25-27).

Unless in an emergency there will always be more than one adult with one or more children or young persons whether on or off site. In one to one situations we will ensure that the place or room is easily observed by another adult.

We will observe the following ratios of adults to children:

0-2 years 1 adult to every 3 children

2-3 years 1 adult to every 4 children.

3-7 years 1 adult to every 8 children

7-11 years 1 adult to every 10 children

over 11 years 1 adult to every 15 children

  • When transporting one or more children in a car or minibus we will arrange to have a second adult in the vehicle.
  • We will not arrange meetings with children or young adults off church
  • premises except in the presence of a parent or other adult.
  • We will not smack or shake any child or young person in our care.
  • We will avoid touching children or young persons in an inappropriate manner
  • Casual or occasional visitors will not have access to a child or group activities
  • without an adult who is authorized as being responsible for the children's group.

ADMINISTRATION

  • All persons, as required by the Church in Wales, will complete a Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure. (Church in Wales Code of Good Practice page 22)
  • All persons who are working directly with children will complete the CCP/1 form for parish use only (Church in Wales Code of Good Practice page 17)
  • We will ensure adequate insurance for both on and off site activities.
  • When transporting children in vehicles we will ensure that the vehicle is adequately insured and that the parish is adhering to current DVLC mini bus regulations.
  • Children's names addresses and telephone numbers will be recorded and kept iin a safe place
  • Parental consent forms to be completed for camps and outings (Church in Wales Code of Good Practice page 15)
  • First Aid equipment is available and situated ____________________
  • All accidents will be recorded in the accident book to be found ________
  • A telephone is available situated ____________________
  • The Parish Child Protection Policy is displayed on ____________________

ADULTS

By following the guidelines we aim to prevent false allegations being made against our clergy and workers.

We agree to accept training from the Diocesan Child Protection Officer, the Rev'd Sally Davies Tel No.02920755418 and the Diocesan Child Protection Team.

The parish Child Protection Co-ordinator is ____________________

BUILDINGS

  • We will minimize risks to children and young people by providing a safe, secure environment for children and young people
  • The buildings will be checked for safety by the Parish Health and Safety officer in accordance with the Parish Health and Safety Policy.
  • Fire Drills will take place enabling children and young people to be aware of fire exits and assembly points.

Policy agreed by the Parochial Church Council on ____________________

Signed: ____________________ Incumbent

Churchwardens

Contacts

Diocesan Child Protection Officer: Mrs Monica Carroll, 1 Hawthorn Ave, Neath, SA11 3NW (01639 644552)

Church in Wales Child Protection Administrator:

Mrs Glenda Edwards 02920 348216