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Knowle Parish Church
Principles, Policies, Procedures & Practices
for
Child Protection
Reviewed and adopted by the PCC on
24 June 2009
Child Protection Co-ordinator DAVID GENTLE 01564 773568
1 Introduction
1.1 This document reflects the principles, policies, procedures and practices that are appropriate to Knowle Parish Church.
1.2 Parish Policy, Procedure and Practice follows the recommendations of the Diocese of Birmingham (2005, revised September 2007) and the National House of Bishops' Church of England Policy (2004).
1.3 The Diocese of Birmingham Policy is available from the Parish Child Protection Co-ordinator (PCPC), the Vicar and the Parish Office.
1.4 The appointment of the PCPC is approved by the Vicar and by the PCC.
1.5 Child Protection Policies apply to all aspects of the Church's work that involve children and young people who are under 18 years old. This includes Church related activities off-site and outside organisations using Church premises. Outside organisations using Church premises will sign to accept the conditions of use.
1.6 The Parish Policy is given to key personnel, is on the Church web-site and is available from the Parish Office.
1.7 Where relevant, this Policy applies to vulnerable adults.
1.8 Matters concerning this Policy should be raised with the Vicar, the PCPC, the Children's Minister or the Youth Leader as appropriate.
2 Principles
2.1 After the pattern of Jesus Christ in valuing everyone, including children and young people, we will uphold best practice in their nurture, care and protection.
2.2 We will treat all children and young people with respect and without favouritism. We will take their views seriously and take appropriate action. We will use praise and encouragement to build confidence and self-worth.
2.3 We will take care in our appointments of paid and voluntary workers, including proper use of the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB), to check the background of every adult who works with children/young people on a regular basis or could be left unsupervised in charge of children/young people.
2.4 Quick response will be made to a complaint or concern and full cooperation will be given to the Diocese and any other statutory agency in any issue concerning a member of Knowle Parish Church connected with the work of this Church. Everyone has a responsibility to report any matter of concern.
2.5 We will provide child protection training, support and ensure safe provision for those who are involved in work with children/young people.
2.6 We will ensure appropriate supervision of anyone known to have offended against a child or young person.
3 Policies
3.1 This Policy includes the Principles, Procedures and Practices and has been submitted to the Diocesan Officer for approval.
3.2 All paid and voluntary adults (over 18) working on a regular basis with children/young people must complete the appointment procedures outlined in this Policy.
3.3 Any adult who has not completed the appointment procedures must be supervised at all times when with children/young people. This includes visitors such as those carrying out a service. Parents attending with their own child are not authorised to supervise other children unless they have completed the appointment procedures.
3.4 Physical, sexual, emotional abuse and abuse by neglect are all recognised as harmful.
3.5 Adults working with children/young people are required to attend the training provided by the Diocese or Parish when appointed and subsequently every 3 years.
3.6 Organisations that hire church premises for activities with children or young people must ensure that their policies and practices follow the guidelines in `Safe from Harm' and that they are familiar with the Parish's Child Protection Policy. Any private individual hiring the church premises for an ad-hoc event takes full responsibility for the children and young people present and must sign to agree this.
3.7 Under-18 year olds cannot be regarded as responsible adults. They should not be in a position of sole responsibility and must complete a declaration form, counter signed by a parent and, for 16 and 17 year olds, stocktickerCRB clearance before helping on a regular basis with activities involving children/young people.
3.8 The Church is required to keep records of significant issues that relate to child protection. These records are confidential and monitored by the Vicar and PCPC. The Church's accident book is not for such incidents. The Vicar holds the Declaration Forms securely. In a vacancy these responsibilities fall to the Area Dean.
3.9 The PCPC will be the co-ordinator of the Policy and Procedures. The PCPC will monitor adherence and take any appropriate action.
3.10 The Policy with its associated Principles, Procedure and Practice is reviewed by the PCC annually.
4 Procedures
Appointments
4.1.1 All paid and voluntary workers with children and young people and those in regular contact (eg Wardens), will complete the confidential declaration form and application form (white). The confidential declaration form, to be kept securely by the Vicar, may be handed directly to the Vicar if required by the applicant. The incumbent may seek the advice of the Bishop's Adviser for Child Protection if in doubt about a disclosure.
4.1.2 Two references will be taken up.
4.1.3 All staff and volunteers working with children must have a new CRB clearance when appointed by the Church. A CRB clearance from another area of work is not acceptable. There is presently no requirement to re-check the CRB clearance obtained at the time of appointment. Retrospective checking applies to those appointed before March 2002 (11.2.8 of the Diocesan Policy).
4.1.4 The Vicar will refer any cause for concern regarding CRB checking to the Bishop's Child Protection Adviser. Subsequent to disclosures being acted upon, all records of such disclosures must be destroyed.
4.1.5 The incumbent has ultimate responsibility for the safe appointment of volunteers/paid staff working with children/youth. Procedures for delegating the processing of CRB checks have been approved by the Archdeacon. The Vicar (or Associate Vicar in his absence) will sign to validate the clearance process. The results of CRB checks are sent to the Vicar. Applicants may request a confidential meeting with the incumbent. The Group Leader or Line Manager will be notified by the Vicar of clearances in order for the appointment to be approved through the completion of the pink Notification Form.
4.1.6 This Parish Policy and the CCPAS Good Practice Reminder Card are explained and given to the applicant for paid or voluntary work at an interview/discussion with the Vicar, Children's Minister, Youth Leader or PCPC. The applicant will be given a job/role description.
4.1.7 The Group Leader, Line Manager or Vicar will review the appointment after 3 months.
In allegations of abuse
The CCPAS Good Practice Guide (blue card) summarises how to respond to a child's concerns:
4.2.1 Listen - and keep on listening
4.2.2 Do not ask leading questions (note variation from blue card)
4.2.3 Do not promise confidentiality
4.2.4 Accept what you hear without passing judgement
4.2.5 Tell the child/young person what you are going to do
4.2.6 Make careful notes of the conversation and hand them to the Vicar for secure keeping with the child protection files
4.2.7 Report the matter to the PCPC, Vicar, Children's Minister or Youth Leader.
Other guidelines as appropriate are:
4.2.8 Remain calm and do not look shocked
4.2.9 Offer to go with the person to the PCPC, Vicar, Children's Minister or Youth Leader
4.2.10 Discuss any immediate action with the PCPC, Vicar, Children's Minister or Youth Leader
4.2.11 Do not conduct an investigation - the authorised person will refer the matter to Social Services duty social worker for children or the Police Child Protection Team
4.2.12 Support and advice will be obtained from the Bishop's Adviser for Child Protection
4.2.13 Any restrictions on the alleged abuser's work and contact with children and young people will be applied appropriately by the Bishop's Adviser
4.2.14 Support will be given for the alleger of abuse and the person alleged to be an abuser
4.2.15 Any press enquiry will be referred to the Diocesan Director of Communications.
5 Practices
Health and safety
5.1.1 Plan all activities with due regard to compliance with health and safety issues. This includes first aid, emergency procedures and food hygiene.
5.1.2 Leaders should have regard to the recommendations regarding staffing ratios in the Diocesan Policy (section 8.2). The recommended ratio of children to authorised adults is currently as follows:
5.1.3 The stipulated minimum ratio of authorised adults to children for any organised activity is subject to a minimum of 2.
5.1.4 When a parent/carer stays with their child and remains responsible for them for the entire session then the child is not included for the purpose of calculating the staffing ratio. However, in these circumstances there must be at least two additional PCC approved adults and in the ratio of one per ten children who have their parent/carer present.
5.1.5 If a church organisation provides a babysitting service then child protection policies apply. This means that a minimum of two authorised adults must be deployed. However, if names of potential babysitters are given to the parents and the parents then approach and `engage' a person, the responsibility becomes entirely the parents'.
5.1.6 Where a child or young person has a special medical or learning need, it must be agreed between the parent and group leader that it is possible to safely accommodate the child or young person. Such an arrangement may entail, where appropriate: medical and contact agreement signed by parent; appropriate guidelines in place; at least two trained adults present where necessary.
5.1.7 An adult should try not to be alone in a car with a child or young person. Vehicles must not be overloaded and insurance must cover usage.
5.1.8 Parents/carers should be aware of the time and nature of activities and any deviation from the programme.
5.1.9 For any `off-site' trips, leaders and parents/carers must have each other's contact information. Parents/carers must be aware of travel/location details and have given written consent. Leaders must have carried out a satisfactory risk assessment.
5.1.10 Leaders/helpers should be aware of issues inherent in modern methods of communication. They should follow the guidance in the CCPAS booklet `I Want to Communicate Safely' (available from the Youth Office). No contact should be made between a leader/helper and an individual by e-mail, texting or MSN that would cause others to have concern. Inappropriate web sites must be avoided. Pictures and names of children/young people must not appear together.
5.1.11 There is a separate Policy with Guidelines on child protection from drug abuse.
5.1.12 There is a separate Policy with Guidelines on mentoring young people.
5.2 Relationships
5.2.1 Building good relationships is at the heart of Church Pastoral work. Care must be taken to avoid an over-dependent relationship. Conversations should happen in a public place or with other adults nearby. Regular private meetings alone in a house should be avoided. The same applies to praying with children/young people.
5.2.2 Any contact must be appropriate to the age of the person. Any contact should be in a public setting and only infrequently. No inappropriate or intrusive touching should be made. Contact should reflect the need of the child, not the adult.
5.2.3 Unacceptable behaviour such as bullying, swearing and vandalism must be challenged. Adults must provide a positive role model in all respects. Seek advice from the PCPC, Children's Minister or Youth Leader on how to deal with any cases of substance abuse.
5.3 Reviewing practice
5.3.1 Have discussions with other people who work with children/young people.
5.3.2 Gain feedback from children/young people.
5.3.3 Discussing plans and practices with the PCPC.
5.3.4 Refer to this Policy and discuss any issues with the PCPC.
5.4 Towards known child abusers
5.4.1 The safety of children and young people is paramount.
5.4.2 Known abusers will need support and boundaries.
5.4.3 Awareness is needed that abusers are practised in deception.
5.4.4 Confidentiality of this information is of prime importance for everyone involved.
5.4.5 Boundaries will be set with the specialist help of the Bishop's Adviser.
5.4.6 Pastoral support and the monitoring of boundaries will be put in place.
5.5 In the context of prayer ministry
5.5.1 Promises of confidentiality cannot be extended to include allegations/disclosures of abuse or confessions of abuse.
5.5.2 Prayer should be offered.
5.5.3 The procedures summarised on the CCPAS Good Practice Guide (blue) should be followed and any matter referred straight away.
5.6 Insurance
Knowle Parish Church is insured for Public Liability by Ecclesiastical Insurance Co.
Church insurance covers public liability (up to £5m), employee's liability (up to £10m) and product liability (up to £5m). The work and actions of employees and volunteers are covered where there is no deliberate act to harm or damage and the guidelines and procedures of the PCC are being followed as far as can reasonably be expected.
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