The Parish of Wanstead recognises the importance of its ministry to children
and young people and its responsibility to protect and safeguard the welfare
of children and young people entrusted to the church’s care.
This Policy is for
the various groups;
Creche, Sunday School, Young People’s Group, Signpost, Choir, Bellringers
and any other Parish groups with members under the age of 18.
If you have any concerns for a child/young person in relation to any child protection matter then speak to the nominated person (Rose Marsh) or the incumbent (Robert Springett) for advice about what to do. A copy of the Diocesan Child Protection Policy is available if you would like to refer to it.
MISSION STATEMENT
As part of its mission the Church is committed to;
· Valuing,
listening to and respecting children and young people as well as promoting their
welfare and protection
· Safe recruitment, supervision and training for all the children’s/youth
workers within the church
· Adopting a procedure for dealing with concerns about possible abuse
· Encouraging and supporting parents/carers
· Supporting those affected by abuse
· Giving pastoral support to those who have abused
· Make links with statutory childcare authorities and other organisations
if and when required.
CHURCH POLICY
The Parish of Wanstead recognises the need to provide a safe and caring environment for children and young people. It also acknowledges that children and young people can be the victims of physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect. This PCC has therefore adopted the procedures set out in this Policy with references to the Diocesan Child Protection Policy. If and when required, the named nominated person, with support from the PCC, will work with the statutory agencies and other organisations.
This Parish is committed
to on-going child protection training for all children/youth workers. All group
leaders will complete a CRB application form, complete the Confidential Disclosure
Form and supply names for references to be taken up. Clearance from the CRB
is required before the individual can begin working with children/young people.
Rechecking for CRB clearance will take place when advised by the Diocesan Child
Protection Advisor. Portable CRB clearance is no longer acceptable. Each person
working with children/young people must attend child protection training, organised
by the Parish, at least once every 2 years.
All other regular helpers over the age of 18 must complete the Parish Confidential
Declaration form and supply 2 references. The recruitment process will be in
line with the Diocesan Child Protection Policy section 8.
Anyone under the age of 18 years cannot be counted in the ratio as a helper and should never be left in charge of a group of children.
The adult/child ratios
are as follows: 0-2 years require 1 adult for every 3 children
2-3 years require 1 adult for every 4 children
3-5 years require 1 adult for every 6 children
5 years + require 1 adult for every 8 children
This Parish will follow
the guidelines in the Diocesan Child Protection Policy when recruiting new volunteers/employed
people to work with children and young people.
For Safe recruiting guidance please refer to Section 9 and CRB checklist Section
11 in the Diocesan Child Protection Policy.
Each group has enrolment forms for parents/carers to complete when children join a group and will give to parents/carers information about the group timings, drop off and collection procedures relevant to the age of the child. Helpers will be given information sheets about group procedures and responsibilities. All groups must keep registers of children attending.
RESPONDING TO ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE
Under no circumstances
should a church worker carry out their own investigation into the allegations
or suspicion of abuse, whether the allegation is made about someone attending
the Church or from elsewhere. The person in receipt of the information should
do the following;
· Write down what you have been told or seen as quickly as possible after
the incident. Sign and date. Do not add your thoughts or feelings. This record
must be factual and as accurate as possible. Use the words expressed by the
individual.
· Be clear that you cannot keep information secret and may need to share
information with others in the interest of the child.
· Inform the nominated person as soon as possible. If this person is
not available, speak to your incumbent (providing the allegation is not against
them or a church warden)
· If an allegation is made against anyone in the church (including the
Incumbent) do not speak to this person about the allegation
· Suspicions must not be discussed with anyone other than the nominated
person, incumbent or church warden.
· If a referral needs to be made to Social Services, do not delay if
the nominated person is not available.
· Do not question the child/young person to enable you to obtain more
information.
· Notify the Diocesan Child Protection Adviser as soon as possible after
the incident and when a referral is made to Social Services or Police.
The role of the nominated
person is to collate and clarify the precise details of the allegation or suspicion
and pass this information to Social Services and the Diocesan Child Protection
Adviser.
It is Social Services task to investigate the matter under Section 47 of the
Children Act 1989.
Guidance on taking action is found in Section 3 of the Diocesan Child protection
Policy
CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES
Any planned activities must follow the good practice and health and safety guidelines contained in the Diocesan Child protection Policy- Section 8- for activities on and off church premises. The adult/child ratio must be observed for activities involving children under 8 years of age. Section 8.2. Where appropriate, parental permission must be given in written form.
WORKING WITH OFFENDERS
Where a known offender is in the Parish, a written agreement must be in place outlining what this person is able to take part in and what is not suitable for them to take part in. The incumbent, a churchwarden Child protection Adviser and the nominated person will be required to monitor this situation. There will be regular meetings with the individual to establish that the agreement is being adhered to.
Support for those who have been abused
Pastoral care and working with statutory agencies as appropriate should be offered to these individuals. If it is not possible to offer this support the Diocesan Child Protection Adviser must be informed to establish pastoral support from another source.
HIRE OF CHURCH HALL/S
The incumbent will inform regular hirers of the church hall/s for children’s activities (by letter) of their duty to the children in their care.
This Parish Child Protection Policy was endorsed by the PCC on and will be reviewed
annually.
Every adult working with children on behalf of this parish must have a copy
of this policy.
