Church Links

Child Protection

Churches are often on the frontline when it comes to helping children and families, both within their congregations and the local community. Unlike most other organisations, places of worship open their doors to everyone and often when other places are closed.

Everyone has a responsibility to put children’s needs first and every church needs to set an example by safeguarding the children and vulnerable adults with whom it comes into contact.

The information given below should act as an introduction to this subject, summarising the areas that you need to be aware of and helping you to apply it to your Church or Organisation.

Every church dealing with children, young people or vulnerable adults should:

1. Have a written policy and procedures for working with children, young people and vulnerable adults.

2. Have Guidelines for running church activities with children and young people.

3. Select a child protection co-ordinator. This person will ensure that the policy and procedures are implemented and must be a suitable contact point for any concerns about the welfare of any child or young person.

4. Ensure that groups involving children or young people who simply hire their premises have an acceptable child protection policy and procedures.

5. Ensure that anyone over the age of 18 who works with children, young people or vulnerable adults has had the appropriate CRB checks.

What should a Child Protection Policy include?

Every church or organisation must do everything within its power to keep safe from harm children, young people, and vulnerable adults. More on Policies…

Child Protection Officer or Officers

Every Church should elect a Child Protection Officer. This appointment must be made with the approval of the Church or Organisation's governing body. More on Officers…

Criminal Records Bureau Checks

An Enhanced CRB certificate is required as necessary for a person having regular unsupervised contact with children or young people and is the recommended level for Vicars, Curates, Churchwardens, Deacons and other children’s and Youth leaders. More on CRB checks…

The Requirements are changing

Up until January 2009 if a paid or unpaid member of staff was required to have a CRB check, their name would be checked on three separate ‘barred’ lists maintained by three government departments. This has now changed. More on requirements…

Help is available

The issues of Child Protection, knowing what to be aware of, appointing a Child Protection Officer and getting advanced CRB checks for those working with children or vulnerable adults, can appear a daunting task. But help is available. More help…