THE PARISH OF WONERSH
WITH BLACKHEATH
The Churches of
Child
Protection Policy Statement and Procedures.
2008
Click here for Whos
Who in the Youth Team, including the Parish Child Protection Officer.
Our parish Policy is based upon
that of the Guildford
Diocese. Advice can be obtained from
:-
·
the
Diocesan Child Protection Adviser, Janet Hind 01243 780684
·
the
Incumbent (Rev Ian Scott-Thompson),
·
the
Parish Child Protection Officer (Co-Ordinator –see page 18/19 Section G2), Mrs Mary Thompson
·
Social
Services Department, SW Area Office, Grosvenor House, Cross Lanes,
·
Police
Child Protection Team,
Home Office Guidance for voluntary organisations on the protection of children, "Safe from Harm" was produced in 1993 and based on this,Guildford Diocese issued guidance "Keeping Children Safe in the Church" and established a Child Protection Policy soon afterwards. Copies of the latest editions are provided to all in our parish who are involved with children as follows (page numbers refer to The Care and Protection of Children 2008):-
· Keeping Children Safe in the Church 2008
· Practice Guidance (pp 45 to 74) of The Care and Protection of Children 2008
The Child Protection guidelines issued by Guildford Diocese require us to make a series of checks on anyone working with children, including a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check. The church is required to hold completed Information and Confidential Declaration Forms and blank forms for these can be viewed in The Care and Protection of Children 2008 on the following pages:
· Information and Application Form for all paid and voluntary workers, together with explanatory notes (pp 115-117)
· Confidential Self Declaration Form (pp119-121)
=================================================================================================
Below is a copy of the child protection
policy statement approved by the PCC annually.
While we try to keep this copy up to date, the Master held in the Church
Office always takes precedent and any print from this page must be considered
as UNCONTROLLED.
THIS POLICY IS ACTIVELY
UNDER REVIEW – MAY 2008
Parish of Wonersh with Blackheath
Child Protection Policy Statement
We take our responsibility to protect and safeguard youth and children very seriously.
Church
This PCC recognises that work with children and young people (hereafter known as “children”) is the responsibility of the whole church community.
This Church is committed to the welfare of nurturing, protection and safekeeping of children and young people.
This Church is, therefore, committed to supporting and resourcing those who work with children.
On behalf of the Church the PCC shall nominate a Children’s Representative, other than the Youth Worker, to be responsible for implementing procedures and guidelines, particularly if any kind of abuse is suspected. He/she will also be available as an independent adult for children to talk to.
The PCC is directly responsible for the implementation of child protection procedures in the following groups: Sunday morning crèche, Chatterbox Club, Stepping Stones, Light Factory, KFC, Friday Club, Sunday morning Pathfinders, Friday evening Pathfinders and U-†urn .
Volunteers
We undertake to select all our volunteers with care, and to support and train them.
The Church will follow the guidelines adapted from “Safe from Harm” and “The Protection of Children” recommendations given by the Diocese to promote the best practice, and to minimise risk to children and youth leaders from unsafe practice.
The PCC will authorise children’s off-site activities and events annually, subject to those activities having the appropriate provision of safety equipment and supervision.
All volunteers will be asked to complete a confidential declaration form and an application to be processed by the CRB as recommended by the diocese. References will also be taken up.
Volunteers driving children anywhere in a car must be over the age of 21 except with the express permission of the child’s parents.
Records
The Church will maintain a register of all children and youth leaders.
The Church will maintain records of Information, Permission, Heath and Parental Consent forms as appropriate.
The Church will maintain a record of any concerns and unexpected incidents that occur in any of the children’s groups. This will include all overall leaders to be issued with an accident and incident book that will be checked quarterly by the youth worker and the children’s representative.
Environment
The Church is committed to providing a safe, warm and friendly environment for all.
The Church will provide adequate insurance cover for leaders and participants.
The Church will ensure that all its buildings and rooms used by the children are up to the relevant health and safety guidelines as suggested by the Diocesan guidelines.
Children
Children are part of the church today, and have as much to give as to receive. In worship, learning, teaching and evangelism we will respect the wishes and feelings of children.
External Groups using Church Property
The Church recognises that it has a responsibility to advise external groups regularly using Church property to adhere to the diocesan child protection procedures and recommended good practice.
Drink/Drug Policy
The Church is committed to a strict anti-drink and anti-drug policy amongst children whilst attending any of the groups.
The Church is strongly opposed to any of the Children’s group leaders using illicit drugs, any leader found to be doing so will be required to stop their work with children in the Church. The Church recommends that leaders should avoid drinking alcohol before leading any group.