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Churches Supporting Communities Across the Borough of Walsall
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.
Every Church or Organisation should have a Policy which has been accepted and approved by its governing body (PCC, Deacons, Elders or equivalent).
This document must contain information specific to your Church or Organisation. Examples include: the name of the Child Protection Officer or Officers; lists of Church groups attended by children, young people and vulnerable adults; good working practices and the measurement used to determine whether an adult is suitable to work with these groups – usually a valid enhanced CRB certificate.
Here is a sample policy that can be adapted for your Church or Organisation.
In terms of understanding the basics of child protection, every church leader or worker should consider the following:
- What is child abuse?
- Signs of possible abuse
- How to respond to concerns or allegations of abuse
- How to keep children safe
Good working practice includes:
- Treating all children and young people with dignity and respect
- Respecting personal privacy
- Being available, but also being ready to refer a situation or problem for someone more experienced to deal with
- Being sensitive to needs, likes and dislikes
- Avoiding questionable activity eg. rough/sexually provocative games and inappropriate language
- Following accepted guidelines relating to physical contact
- Challenging unacceptable behaviour
- Reporting all allegations / suspicions of abuse
©CCPAS child protection manual ‘Guidance to Churches’
