Child Protection Policy

THE SAFEGUARDING OF CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE AND VULNERABLE ADULTS

Prepared as a response to the Children Act, 1989, and based on the Home Office Code of Practice “Safe from Harm” 1993, the House of Bishops' Policy Document on Child Protection and publications from the St Albans Diocesan Children & Youth Work Departments. Revised June 2008.

DECLARATION OF POLICY

Following Jesus' example, the Church holds children, young people and vulnerable people in special regard. Its concern for their care, education and training is channelled through various voluntary as well as professional organisations. We wish to encourage all those who give their time to work with children and young people, and vulnerable people, and we intend that they should be able to regard this policy as an aid to doing their job well.

The procedure described is to be observed on appointing the leaders and assistants of all groups and clubs which are provided on behalf of the church for children and young people under the age of 18, typically the Sunday Schools and youth clubs, and groups including vulnerable adults, regardless of whether or not the person concerned receives payment or an honorarium for their services.

It should be noted that clergy and accredited lay ministers are subject to similar procedures in the course of their selection and training. Organisations such as the Scout and Guide Associations, the British Red Cross Society, and the St John Ambulance Brigade also have recognised procedures for ensuring that their leaders understand their responsibilities when working with young people and vulnerable adults.

For simplicity's sake, the expression ‘vulnerable persons' , when used in this document, shall be understood to include children and young people under 18 years of age and vulnerable adults .

PUTTING THE POLICY INTO PRACTICE

This document sets out the duties placed upon leaders, the procedures to be observed when leaders are appointed, and the responsibilities of the whole church, and the PCC in particular, to provide appropriate support. It is, of course, the duty of every member of the church to prevent the physical, sexual or emotional abuse of people of any age, and to report any abuse discovered or suspected.

 

1. The Child Support Group

It is the duty of the Parochial Church Council (and, for people appointed to work at St Mark's, the St Mark's Church Committee) to ensure that suitable persons are appointed for work with vulnerable persons on behalf of the church, that they have a clear understanding of what is expected from them, that they have been duly accredited and their appointment recorded.

This policy will be implemented on behalf of the PCC by a Child Support Group consisting of six members, including the incumbent ex officio. The group will include a churchwarden, a youth/Sunday-school leader and a member of the St Mark's committee and will include both men and women. Group members should be aware of the contents of publications giving the requirements of the Children Act, recommended procedures, and guidance on appropriate action to take. Two members of the Support Group will together interview prospective workers, and, after appointment, workers will be expected to meet informally at least once a year with one or more members of the group to review their work. The Support Group should appoint a co-ordinator to arrange the interviews, maintain records and ensure that the informal reviews take place. A report from the Child Support Group should be presented to the PCC each year before the APCM.

 

2. General Support

It is the duty of the Parochial Church Council (and, for people appointed to work at St Mark's, the St Mark's Church Committee) to ensure that the facilities provided for an activity to be undertaken do not place vulnerable persons or the leaders in charge of them liable to interference by third parties and that sufficient adult support is available to avoid any need to leave any vulnerable person alone, or with only one responsible person present.

Should leaders require assistance or have concerns about the equipment or facilities available they should advise a churchwarden.

The policy is subject to annual review by the PCC.

 

3. Abuse

The term abuse may cover physical abuse, where vulnerable person's bodies are hurt or injured, sexual abuse, where adults or even children use a vulnerable person to satisfy sexual desires, emotional abuse, where vulnerable persons fail to receive love and affection or may be frightened by threats or taunts, and neglect , where a vulnerable person's health or development can be impaired by failure to care for them and protect them from danger.

The church must a) exercise care when appointing leaders to work with vulnerable persons, b) take precautions to see that vulnerable persons are not subjected to abuse, and c) recognise that leaders may, in the course of their work, suspect that someone in their charge is being subjected to abuse by others.

 

4. Allegations or Suspicions of Abuse

It is expected that all vulnerable persons who come into contact with Christ Church and St Mark's will receive care and attention and not be exposed to risk of harm. However, if any member of the church should become suspicious or aware of an allegation of abuse performed against a vulnerable person it is their duty to inform the Vicar or the Bishop's Representative for Child Protection (Mr Christopher Lees, 01299 841269).

An allegation or a suspicion has to be treated seriously. If it is made by a child or vulnerable adult, the allegation should be listened to without interruption and, as soon as possible, a note made of the statement, recording time, location and the names of any other people present. Such information may be used for legal purposes.

The church will not undertake investigations but act as a reporting agency. The incumbent or other responsible person (such as churchwarden or member of the Child Support Group), will inform the Bishop's Representative for Child Protection of any allegation of abuse.

 

5. Implications for Volunteers or     Applicants

People who work with vulnerable persons as part of their contribution to the activities of the church in this parish will be asked to:

a) sign a declaration concerning whether they have ever been convicted of a criminal offence

b) be willing to meet the Child Support Group to discuss their suitability for the work being undertaken. This will be confidential, and references from two people are to be provided

c) conduct their work in a safe and responsible manner in accordance with the code of practice, and also take due care that the vulnerable persons in their charge are not subjected to the risk of misconduct by others.

 6. Procedure

The person applying or volunteering to work with vulnerable persons must be given an explanation of the responsibilities placed on him or her by the Children Act, 1989.

When the Application Form has been completed references will be followed up.

A meeting will then be arranged with two of the members of the Child Support Group to:

a) consider what the volunteer/applicant will be expected to do,

b) review their credentials and experience, and any health problems that may affect their suitability for the task,

c) agree a description of the work to be undertaken, and to whom they will be responsible,

d) consider how long the probationary period should be and what future training might be appropriate.

e) explain how the applicant is to obtain a Criminal Records Bureau enhanced declaration.

Provided the Support Panel agree that the volunteer/applicant is suitable, he/she will be appointed subject to CRB clearance and the satisfactory completion of a probationary period working under supervision as agreed at the meeting with the Child Support Group.

The Child Support Group shall subsequently meet informally with each person appointed to work with vulnerable persons to see that the work is progressing well and to ensure that appropriate support and training are being offered.

 

7. Code of Practice

The following are examples of good practice to be observed when planning activities for vulnerable persons

•  Know the number of vulnerable persons present at all times. This is essential in the event of an evacuation being necessary. Keep an attendance list. Of course, it also helps to know in advance who is expected to be attending the meeting.

•  The meeting place itself should be secure and not subject to intruders entering without warning, but be aware this can impede smooth evacuation in an emergency. Check toilets are not being used as hiding places.

•  Be aware of any other people who are authorised to use the premises at the same time.

•  Check that lighting and paths are safe.

•  Know where the First Aid box is and aim to have a trained First Aider in attendance.

•  Know where the nearest telephone is installed, and have parents' and carers' telephone numbers accessible at meetings.

•  Have an evacuation procedure for use in the event of a fire with a set marshalling point where the group will remain together.

•  Assistants must be chosen with care and accredited by the procedure given above if they are to be regular helpers. Helpers under 18 should not be given overall responsibility.

•  Plan activities to involve more than one leader/helper being present, or at least within sight or hearing. Inside doors should be left open to aid observation where possible. Always avoid one to one helper/vulnerable person situations. If someone else is present it lessens the risk of the vulnerable person feeling insecure and provides a witness should any accusation of improper behaviour be made.

•  Be careful what you say and do. Even well-intentioned words and actions can be misinterpreted. Avoid unnecessary physical contact.

•  Keep a written record of any incidents, injuries, fights, etc.

•  Take particular care when vulnerable persons move from one part of the site to another. Have a set toilet procedure.

•  Ensure there is a definite drop off and pick up procedure that parents, carers and vulnerable persons understand and observe. Vulnerable persons should not be driven home without a parent's or carer's consent.

•  Two leaders remain on premises until the last vulnerable person has left.

•  If events including vulnerable persons are arranged when meetings will be longer than usual or take place at other locations, parental permission must be sought beforehand if children and young people under 18 years of age are involved, and the PCC must be informed or the insurance conditions may be invalidated. Parental permission is of particular importance if the children concerned are under 8 years old and/or the meeting lasts more than 2 hours. Extra adult help will probably be needed too.

•  When visiting vulnerable persons at their homes, inform leader/another worker of the proposed visit, never go into the home if the parent/guardian/carer is absent, and keep a record of the visit noting date and purpose

•  Meetings run by young people themselves should still be subject to proper supervision. It is understandable that older teenagers should wish to organise their own activities from time to time, but adult leaders should be readily available in the same building, within earshot, and should contribute to the planning and review of such events

•  Do not rely on your “good name” to protect you nor believe “it could never happen here”.

 

8. Further Reading

This document is intended for use within the parish of Christ Church and St Mark's. Its contents are derived from publications of more general application. Copies of the following are kept in the Parish Office and are available for consultation when necessary:

Policy on Child Protection, by the House of Bishops. A 37-page document which gives comprehensive coverage of the reasoning behind the legislation, the churches' responsibilities, and guidance on handling allegations of abuse. It is rather wordy but members of the Child Support Group should be aware of its contents.

Guide to Child Protection, a Resource Pack issued by the Diocese of St Albans Children and Youth Work Departments. This set of leaflets includes much helpful guidance to anyone embarking on children's work and should be brought to the notice of volunteers/applicants at their interview with the Child Support Group.

Obtaining Clearance under the Child Protection Measure, St Albans Diocese, January 2003

 

The Parish Office, Christ Church Vicarage, Leggatts Way, Watford, Herts WD24 5NQ Phone: 01923 672240
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