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
If 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 your 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• withdrawn behaviour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

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

PARISH : Parish of Gelligaer
DATE : 26/02/08

The Church inWales established its obligations to the child in 1995 (The Cure of Souls).
OUR OBLIGATIONS TO CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

There is an obligation to ensure that the following principles are at all times upheld:

1. ‘Let the children come to me; do not try to stop them; for the kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these’ (Mt. 19 14). Implicit in the words of Jesus is a recognition of the unique status of children and young people. Therefore they need to be respected as persons in their own right and given especial protection because of their vulnerability.

2. The Church inWales accepts and stresses the principle of the Children Act 1989 that the welfare of the child is paramount in all circumstances.

3. The Church and its workers,whether ordained or lay,whether acting in a paid or a voluntary capacity,must act towards children and young people responsibly and with integrity. Their
position of trust must be safeguarded. No advantage may be taken of those in their care.

4. No exploitation of this relationship of trust for purposes of self-gratification will be tolerated.The highest standards of care are to be maintained in all circumstances, such as pastoral care, counselling,worship, education and recreation.

5. Any allegation of abuse or of risk of harm to children and young people will be treated seriously. The Parish of Gelligaer is a “Safe from Harm Parish” and agrees to work within the recommendations as set in the Home Office Publication 1993 entitled ‘Safe from Harm’ and the Code of Good Practice and Guidelines adopted and recommended by the Church in Wales.

PURPOSE

To provide a safe environment for our work in the Parish with children and young people.

SIMPLE GUIDELINES FOR WORKING WITH CHILDREN
AND YOUNG PEOPLE

1. At all times and in every way possible arrange activities to reassure parents, children and young people and to protect workers, paid and volunteers, from wrongful allegation.

2. As far as possible an adult should never be left alone with a child or young person in a place or room which cannot be observed easily by others.

3. Workers with children and young people must not arrange to meet a child or young person off church premises except in the presence of a parent or other adult.

4. Consider carefully the use of premises and the access to the built environment e.g. is it well lit? The PCC should ensure special attention is given to arrangements for the hire of Church premises including Church Halls for Childrens groups.

5. Consider carefully the use of modern technologies and safe communication and all Church workers should follow the guidelines at Annex 5 and distribute the guide designed for children and young people entitled Keeping Safe on the Internet - Annex 5a.

6. Groups of children or young people should never be taken off site with fewer than two adults. Always plan carefully when considering taking children or young people to day activities and residential events away from the parish. Follow the guidelines at Annex 6

7. Always ensure that there is adequate public liability insurance, particularly when a group goes off site. The EIG block policy provides cover. EIG 0845 777 3322.

8. Incidents concerning conduct of children and young people should be recorded.

9. Consent forms signed by a parent or guardian should always be obtained when an activity takes place away from the normal meeting place. A sample form can be found at Annex 7.

NBWhere adventure activities are involved then the specific requirements of The Activity Centre (Young Persons’ Safety) Act 1995 and The Adventure Licensing Regulations 1996 must be applied.

10. Where children and young people are to be transported by car or minibus arrange to have more than one adult passenger in the vehicle and follow the specific guidelines at Annex 8.

11. Casual visitors should on no account have access to group activities of children and young people without the presence of an adult who is authorised as being responsible for the group.

12. When publishing information about or advertising Church events involving children and young people particular care should be exercised when making and using images of children or young people. Practical guidelines and general rules can be found at Annex 9.

13. A first aid kit must be available.Accidents must be recorded and parents or guardians notified. All workers should know where the nearest telephone is situated.

SIGNED ON BEHALF OF P.C.C. …………………………………………………………..

POSITION HELD………………………………………………..DATE……………………

Children andYoung People
Page

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

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 in 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 mobile telephone is available for use.
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 ____________________ (Church in Wales Code of Good Practice page 14)

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

[Parish Child Protection Policy] [Disclaimer] [Home Page]

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*