Child Protection Document
St Thomas Church, Fair Oak & Horton Heath
February 2010
Version 2.0
Table of Contents
1. Nature & Purpose of Document
2. Background
3. Policy
4. Best Practice Guidelines
5. Procedures
6. Guidelines for Working with Children and Technology
1. Nature & Purpose of Document
This document has been created to fulfill the following objectives:
• To educate the PCC regarding its responsibilities towards the area of child protection/welfare.
• To provide a realistic framework upon which St Thomas Church can continue to build a safe and effective ministry to children.
• To act as a resource to all of those individuals within St Thomas Church involved in ministry to children – to offer training for best practice and to clearly communicate certain standards that will be expected when working with children.
2. Background
Over recent years St Thomas Church (STC) has worked with children according to the guidelines laid out in the “Protecting Children and Young People in Fair Oak and Horton Heath at St Thomas Church – Policy and Guidance” document published in January 2002. The application of this policy has provided a context within which STC has been able to minister safely to children. Times change, and so too must the nature of an effective policy. Lessons have been learned as the policy has been put into practice 7 days per week for 4+ years. It is now time for considered and reasonable change that will ensure both a safe context for our ministry, but also a context that does not ‘stifle’ appropriate growth. Much of the original policy will of course stay in place, although there will be a few significant changes.
Recent developments that require thought and new policy include:
• An increase in STC’s ministry away from the traditional building and in many and varied settings.
• The information revolution – particularly the impact of mobile ‘phones, MSN, email, MYSPACE etc.
• The growth in STC’s ministry to older teens – desiring to release them into ministry safely, but never constraining a work of the Spirit.
This document is intended to provide an overarching framework on which STC can build many different types and styles of safe and effective ministries to children. The fundamental principles and policies contained within this document must not be changed without further PCC approval.
3. Policy
When working with children on behalf of STC all workers will be required to follow these instructions:
3.1. We will do nothing in private.
3.2. We will understand the difference between confidentiality and secrecy and act accordingly, remaining totally accountable and yet completely trustworthy.
3.3. All persons aged 18 and above will have been through the CRB system.
3.4. All of us will re-do the CRB check at least once every 3 years.
3.5. All of us will undertake an Independent Safeguarding (ISA) Check once they are in operation for new workers this will be from July 2010 and for those already in post this will be phased in during 2011
3.6. All persons aged 14 and above will go through the reference procedure when applying to join the STC ministry to children.
3.7. Adults (18+) working with children under the age of 16 will always work within the line of sight of another fully-fledged team member.
3.8. An individual undergoing the application procedure will not be treated as a fully-fledged team member with regards to ‘line of sight’.
3.9. Adults (18+) working with children aged 16 & 17 may from time-to-time work on their own with them. In this instance they will:
3.9.1. Always inform the appropriate STC staff member that the meeting is taking place. The STC staff member will log all of these meetings and periodically (weekly) keep the Vicar informed of them.
3.9.2. Avoid being isolated/left alone with a member of the opposite sex.
3.9.3. Refrain from exercising the ‘ministry of laying on of hands’ for fear of confusing boundaries.
3.10. We will never use physical measures to discipline young people. We will only ever use physical restraint to deal with a situation in the most extreme of circumstances – when somebody is in immediate threat of significant physical harm.
3.11. We will not consume any alcohol for at least 10 hours before working with children at STC.
3.12. We will always work with suitable ratios of adults-to-children. These will vary greatly depending upon age, activity, location etc.
3.13. 1st Aid will only be administered by suitably qualified persons and in accordance with the information provided by their recognised training scheme. The CPA will keep a record of all such persons.
3.14. All persons endorsed by STC to minister to children (i.e. following successful CRB, references and training) will be required to carry a photo identity card so to clearly indicate their ‘license’ to minister to under 18s. These cards will be prepared and provided centrally.
3.15. We will ensure that all necessary checks and preparations have been made to ensure that all venues/facilities used for the purpose of ministry to children are suitable for that purpose. This will include an attention to:
3.15.1. Lighting.
3.15.2. Structural safety (e.g. staging).
3.15.3. Insurance.
3.15.4. Fire procedures.
3.15.6. Availability of 1st Aid facilities.
3.16. We will always pray immediately before any STC activity with children.
4. Best Practice & Guidelines
With the firm policies in mind, it is right to discuss what is considered best practice within STC when working with children. Areas of best practice include:
4.1. Transparency & Accountability
Members of STC ministering to children will undoubtedly build a number of strong relationships with children. We need to care for them in an appropriate and legal manner. There are 2 key areas to effective Child Protection - 1. Transparency, and 2. Accountability. Transparency and accountability are essential in the prevention of child abuse and also in the prevention of unhelpful allegations being made against adults working with children.
4.1.1. Transparency
This is the heading given to the area of the ministry that allows for all of the world to see who we are, what we do and how we do it. It means that both the local church and local community can build a picture in their mind of a safe and responsible attitude towards caring for children. It means that STC will become well known for excellence in the area of child protection. The fruit of this trust is seen in many ways and over many years. It is all about not only ‘doing right’, but rather ‘being seen doing right’. At the heart of this practice is the ‘line-of-sight’ principal within our ministry to children.
4.1.2. Accountability
Those around us need to know that STC team members adhere strictly to child protection policy. Without this accountability in place bad fruit can easily develop. One significant area in accountability, should it arise, is dealing with the disclosure of abuse. Details of how we should respond are below. Accountability will also be seen in the way in which appropriate and clear records are kept (e.g. registers and consent forms) when necessary.
4.2. Understanding and Responding to Abuse
As relationships with the children in our care develop, some may choose to begin telling us about personal issues in their life. There is the possibility that a child in our care may wish to tell us about abuse they have experienced.
Any mention or allegation of abuse must be taken very seriously.
Abuse can take one or more of several forms: Physical, neglect, emotional or sexual. It may have happened a long time in the past, it might be a recent event or it may have happened at STC. The abuse may have come from a person you or the child know well or a complete stranger. The abuse may have been self-inflicted. Don’t panic. Follow the procedures listed below.:
If a child wishes to talk about abuse please follow these guidelines:
• Keep calm - don’t appear shocked or disgusted.
• Accept everything they say without passing judgment or comment.
• Don’t promise to keep it a secret. Let them know that you will have to tell someone.
• Be aware that the child/young person may have been threatened with reprisals should they tell anyone.
• Reassure them that there are people who will do everything possible to make life safe from now on.
• Never push for information or ask the child closed questions. Pushing for information at this point can later be construed as pressuring the child/young person and hinder appropriate investigations.
Here are some helpful things you can say:
• I take what you are saying very seriously.
• I am pleased that you have told me.
• It isn’t your fault and you are not to blame at all.
• I’m sorry that it happened to you.
• We’ll help you. (This immediately implies a wider network – remember we operate with confidentiality and accountability – not with privacy and secrecy.)
Here are some very unhelpful things that you should try not to say:
• Why didn’t you say something before?
• I really can’t believe it! Are you sure this happened?
• Why? Where? When? Who?...
• Make sure you don’t tell a soul…
• You can trust me, I won’t tell anyone…
It is important to let the child/young person know what will happen next.
The procedure for what happens next is described in 5.3.
4.3. Appropriate Touch
Much has been said and written regarding ‘touch’ within the context of Christian ministry with children. This is an area of ongoing discussion. Some of the received wisdom in this area includes:
• Probably the best way to ‘hug’ a child is to get one of their own peers to do it for you. If this is not possible then a hug can be appropriate, but it must be seen to be open and in no way sexual in nature. If an adult needs to hug a child it might be possible to embrace them ‘sideways-on’ (arm-about-the-shoulder) and thus avoid genital/breast contact.
• Kisses should not be given in a ministry context.
• Adults should refrain from developing exclusive relationships with children.
• Adults should not engage in ‘horseplay’ with children.
• From time-to-time it might be appropriate for children to sit on the laps of adult workers. This will only ever be for a short period of time and will be carried out in an ‘open’ manner.
5. Procedures
5.1. Application by an Individual to Join Ministry to Children
5.1.1. Child Protection Administrator (CPA) guides individual through CRB process .
5.1.2. CPA applies for 2 references for individual to ascertain their suitability.
5.1.3. Individual attends a child protection training event to the satisfaction of the CPA.
5.1.4. Whilst steps 1,2 & 3 are taking place the individual may take part in ministry to children at STC but ONLY under the supervision and in the line of sight of 2 or more certified team members.
5.1.5. Subject to a satisfactory outcome from 1,2 & 3 the individual may act as full member of the STC team working with children. At this point they are issued with a STC ministry to children I.D. badge.
5.1.6. CPA keeps clear records of the process.
5.2. Ongoing Training & Supervision of All Individuals Involved in Ministry to Children
5.2.1 Following a successful application the CPA will ensure that all individuals:
5.2.1.1. Undergo the CRB process no less than once every 3 years.
5.2.1.2. Attend a child protection training event to the satisfaction of the CPA no less than once every 3 years.
5.2.1.3. The CPA will also ensure that clear records of this process are maintained.
5.2.2. Following a successful application the STC staff member(s) with responsibility for ministry to children will ensure that all persons continue to work within all of the parameters clearly laid out in this document.
5.2.3. These processes obviously apply to everyone – including all staff members and clergy.
5.3. Actions to be Taken Following Disclosure of Abuse
This policy document acknowledges the fact that disclosure can be given in one or more of several ways. It can be shown through physical symptoms, heard on ‘the grapevine’ as well as openly expressed from one person to another. It is not always obvious, but whenever there is evidence to suggest a disclosure of abuse the procedure is:
5.3.1. Child discloses abuse (e.g. verbally, physically displaying symptoms etc.) or abuse is suspected
5.3.2. Person learning of disclosure makes a written record and reports directly to STC staff member with responsibility for the particular age group . The written record should include what the child has said, as well as anything asked of the child / young person, and your observations, including any injuries or the child’s demeanour at the time.
5.3.3. STC staff member contacts Vicar to discuss appropriate way forward – (Children’s Services, Police and parents may be contacted if and when necessary/appropriate).
It is possible to foresee a situation in which the above is impracticable for one or more of several reasons. For instance, the disclosure of abuse may involve an allegation against the member of STC staff or the Vicar, or the Vicar may be on annual leave or out of the Parish on other business. If any of this (or other similar issues) arises the Curate and/or Church Warden is to be contacted instead.
5.4. Actions to be Taken to Ensure PCC is Fulfilling its Responsibilities Re: Child Protection
5.4.1. The STC PCC will appoint one person who will act as the Child Protection Tsar/Tsarina . This person will:
5.4.1.1. Check that STC staff members with responsibility for ministry to children are fulfilling all of their legal obligations.
5.4.1.2. Check that the CPA is fulfilling their responsibilities.
5.4.1.3. Attempt to identify areas of STC life that need to be brought under the influence of this document.
5.4.1.4. Report directly to the PCC no less than twice a year to indicate whether or not this policy is being fully implemented.
5.4.2. The STC PCC will review this policy document at least once per year. This will normally be at the July PCC meeting.
6. Guidelines for working with Children and Technology
We are living in a technological and ever-changing world. These guidelines are to ensure we make the most of the opportunities afforded by technology whilst retaining our commitment to the safeguarding of children.
Electronic Communication:
6.1 Adult team members should not send private emails to children.
6.2 General emails containing team information will be sent to the parent of any team member under the age of 18 until parental permission is given for the information to be sent to team members under the age of 18 directly.
6.3 Personal emails to children that are part of the team must include another team member as CC.
6.4 Adult team members should not store children’s phone numbers on their handsets.
6.5 Adult team members should not send texts to children.
6.6 Adult team members should not have an Instant Messaging conversation with a child on a social networking site.
6.7 Private messages on Facebook should be treated as email and another adult member of the team should be copied in to the message.
6.8 Wall messages on Facebook can be used as a way of communicating as these are in public view.
6.9 All parents / Guardians will be alerted if their child has requested to become a ‘friend’ on a Social Networking site.
Online Communication:
We are making increasing use of the website as a tool to communicate the life and vision of St Thomas’ Church. Our online communication will follow these guidelines.
7.0 No images (photos or videos) will be used of children without written consent from their parent / guardian.
7.1 No information, name, age, address or any other private information about children will be published on the church website.
St Thomas Church, Fair Oak & Horton Heath
February 2010
Version 2.0
Table of Contents
1. Nature & Purpose of Document
2. Background
3. Policy
4. Best Practice Guidelines
5. Procedures
6. Guidelines for Working with Children and Technology
1. Nature & Purpose of Document
This document has been created to fulfill the following objectives:
• To educate the PCC regarding its responsibilities towards the area of child protection/welfare.
• To provide a realistic framework upon which St Thomas Church can continue to build a safe and effective ministry to children.
• To act as a resource to all of those individuals within St Thomas Church involved in ministry to children – to offer training for best practice and to clearly communicate certain standards that will be expected when working with children.
2. Background
Over recent years St Thomas Church (STC) has worked with children according to the guidelines laid out in the “Protecting Children and Young People in Fair Oak and Horton Heath at St Thomas Church – Policy and Guidance” document published in January 2002. The application of this policy has provided a context within which STC has been able to minister safely to children. Times change, and so too must the nature of an effective policy. Lessons have been learned as the policy has been put into practice 7 days per week for 4+ years. It is now time for considered and reasonable change that will ensure both a safe context for our ministry, but also a context that does not ‘stifle’ appropriate growth. Much of the original policy will of course stay in place, although there will be a few significant changes.
Recent developments that require thought and new policy include:
• An increase in STC’s ministry away from the traditional building and in many and varied settings.
• The information revolution – particularly the impact of mobile ‘phones, MSN, email, MYSPACE etc.
• The growth in STC’s ministry to older teens – desiring to release them into ministry safely, but never constraining a work of the Spirit.
This document is intended to provide an overarching framework on which STC can build many different types and styles of safe and effective ministries to children. The fundamental principles and policies contained within this document must not be changed without further PCC approval.
3. Policy
When working with children on behalf of STC all workers will be required to follow these instructions:
3.1. We will do nothing in private.
3.2. We will understand the difference between confidentiality and secrecy and act accordingly, remaining totally accountable and yet completely trustworthy.
3.3. All persons aged 18 and above will have been through the CRB system.
3.4. All of us will re-do the CRB check at least once every 3 years.
3.5. All of us will undertake an Independent Safeguarding (ISA) Check once they are in operation for new workers this will be from July 2010 and for those already in post this will be phased in during 2011
3.6. All persons aged 14 and above will go through the reference procedure when applying to join the STC ministry to children.
3.7. Adults (18+) working with children under the age of 16 will always work within the line of sight of another fully-fledged team member.
3.8. An individual undergoing the application procedure will not be treated as a fully-fledged team member with regards to ‘line of sight’.
3.9. Adults (18+) working with children aged 16 & 17 may from time-to-time work on their own with them. In this instance they will:
3.9.1. Always inform the appropriate STC staff member that the meeting is taking place. The STC staff member will log all of these meetings and periodically (weekly) keep the Vicar informed of them.
3.9.2. Avoid being isolated/left alone with a member of the opposite sex.
3.9.3. Refrain from exercising the ‘ministry of laying on of hands’ for fear of confusing boundaries.
3.10. We will never use physical measures to discipline young people. We will only ever use physical restraint to deal with a situation in the most extreme of circumstances – when somebody is in immediate threat of significant physical harm.
3.11. We will not consume any alcohol for at least 10 hours before working with children at STC.
3.12. We will always work with suitable ratios of adults-to-children. These will vary greatly depending upon age, activity, location etc.
3.13. 1st Aid will only be administered by suitably qualified persons and in accordance with the information provided by their recognised training scheme. The CPA will keep a record of all such persons.
3.14. All persons endorsed by STC to minister to children (i.e. following successful CRB, references and training) will be required to carry a photo identity card so to clearly indicate their ‘license’ to minister to under 18s. These cards will be prepared and provided centrally.
3.15. We will ensure that all necessary checks and preparations have been made to ensure that all venues/facilities used for the purpose of ministry to children are suitable for that purpose. This will include an attention to:
3.15.1. Lighting.
3.15.2. Structural safety (e.g. staging).
3.15.3. Insurance.
3.15.4. Fire procedures.
3.15.6. Availability of 1st Aid facilities.
3.16. We will always pray immediately before any STC activity with children.
4. Best Practice & Guidelines
With the firm policies in mind, it is right to discuss what is considered best practice within STC when working with children. Areas of best practice include:
4.1. Transparency & Accountability
Members of STC ministering to children will undoubtedly build a number of strong relationships with children. We need to care for them in an appropriate and legal manner. There are 2 key areas to effective Child Protection - 1. Transparency, and 2. Accountability. Transparency and accountability are essential in the prevention of child abuse and also in the prevention of unhelpful allegations being made against adults working with children.
4.1.1. Transparency
This is the heading given to the area of the ministry that allows for all of the world to see who we are, what we do and how we do it. It means that both the local church and local community can build a picture in their mind of a safe and responsible attitude towards caring for children. It means that STC will become well known for excellence in the area of child protection. The fruit of this trust is seen in many ways and over many years. It is all about not only ‘doing right’, but rather ‘being seen doing right’. At the heart of this practice is the ‘line-of-sight’ principal within our ministry to children.
4.1.2. Accountability
Those around us need to know that STC team members adhere strictly to child protection policy. Without this accountability in place bad fruit can easily develop. One significant area in accountability, should it arise, is dealing with the disclosure of abuse. Details of how we should respond are below. Accountability will also be seen in the way in which appropriate and clear records are kept (e.g. registers and consent forms) when necessary.
4.2. Understanding and Responding to Abuse
As relationships with the children in our care develop, some may choose to begin telling us about personal issues in their life. There is the possibility that a child in our care may wish to tell us about abuse they have experienced.
Any mention or allegation of abuse must be taken very seriously.
Abuse can take one or more of several forms: Physical, neglect, emotional or sexual. It may have happened a long time in the past, it might be a recent event or it may have happened at STC. The abuse may have come from a person you or the child know well or a complete stranger. The abuse may have been self-inflicted. Don’t panic. Follow the procedures listed below.:
If a child wishes to talk about abuse please follow these guidelines:
• Keep calm - don’t appear shocked or disgusted.
• Accept everything they say without passing judgment or comment.
• Don’t promise to keep it a secret. Let them know that you will have to tell someone.
• Be aware that the child/young person may have been threatened with reprisals should they tell anyone.
• Reassure them that there are people who will do everything possible to make life safe from now on.
• Never push for information or ask the child closed questions. Pushing for information at this point can later be construed as pressuring the child/young person and hinder appropriate investigations.
Here are some helpful things you can say:
• I take what you are saying very seriously.
• I am pleased that you have told me.
• It isn’t your fault and you are not to blame at all.
• I’m sorry that it happened to you.
• We’ll help you. (This immediately implies a wider network – remember we operate with confidentiality and accountability – not with privacy and secrecy.)
Here are some very unhelpful things that you should try not to say:
• Why didn’t you say something before?
• I really can’t believe it! Are you sure this happened?
• Why? Where? When? Who?...
• Make sure you don’t tell a soul…
• You can trust me, I won’t tell anyone…
It is important to let the child/young person know what will happen next.
The procedure for what happens next is described in 5.3.
4.3. Appropriate Touch
Much has been said and written regarding ‘touch’ within the context of Christian ministry with children. This is an area of ongoing discussion. Some of the received wisdom in this area includes:
• Probably the best way to ‘hug’ a child is to get one of their own peers to do it for you. If this is not possible then a hug can be appropriate, but it must be seen to be open and in no way sexual in nature. If an adult needs to hug a child it might be possible to embrace them ‘sideways-on’ (arm-about-the-shoulder) and thus avoid genital/breast contact.
• Kisses should not be given in a ministry context.
• Adults should refrain from developing exclusive relationships with children.
• Adults should not engage in ‘horseplay’ with children.
• From time-to-time it might be appropriate for children to sit on the laps of adult workers. This will only ever be for a short period of time and will be carried out in an ‘open’ manner.
5. Procedures
5.1. Application by an Individual to Join Ministry to Children
5.1.1. Child Protection Administrator (CPA) guides individual through CRB process .
5.1.2. CPA applies for 2 references for individual to ascertain their suitability.
5.1.3. Individual attends a child protection training event to the satisfaction of the CPA.
5.1.4. Whilst steps 1,2 & 3 are taking place the individual may take part in ministry to children at STC but ONLY under the supervision and in the line of sight of 2 or more certified team members.
5.1.5. Subject to a satisfactory outcome from 1,2 & 3 the individual may act as full member of the STC team working with children. At this point they are issued with a STC ministry to children I.D. badge.
5.1.6. CPA keeps clear records of the process.
5.2. Ongoing Training & Supervision of All Individuals Involved in Ministry to Children
5.2.1 Following a successful application the CPA will ensure that all individuals:
5.2.1.1. Undergo the CRB process no less than once every 3 years.
5.2.1.2. Attend a child protection training event to the satisfaction of the CPA no less than once every 3 years.
5.2.1.3. The CPA will also ensure that clear records of this process are maintained.
5.2.2. Following a successful application the STC staff member(s) with responsibility for ministry to children will ensure that all persons continue to work within all of the parameters clearly laid out in this document.
5.2.3. These processes obviously apply to everyone – including all staff members and clergy.
5.3. Actions to be Taken Following Disclosure of Abuse
This policy document acknowledges the fact that disclosure can be given in one or more of several ways. It can be shown through physical symptoms, heard on ‘the grapevine’ as well as openly expressed from one person to another. It is not always obvious, but whenever there is evidence to suggest a disclosure of abuse the procedure is:
5.3.1. Child discloses abuse (e.g. verbally, physically displaying symptoms etc.) or abuse is suspected
5.3.2. Person learning of disclosure makes a written record and reports directly to STC staff member with responsibility for the particular age group . The written record should include what the child has said, as well as anything asked of the child / young person, and your observations, including any injuries or the child’s demeanour at the time.
5.3.3. STC staff member contacts Vicar to discuss appropriate way forward – (Children’s Services, Police and parents may be contacted if and when necessary/appropriate).
It is possible to foresee a situation in which the above is impracticable for one or more of several reasons. For instance, the disclosure of abuse may involve an allegation against the member of STC staff or the Vicar, or the Vicar may be on annual leave or out of the Parish on other business. If any of this (or other similar issues) arises the Curate and/or Church Warden is to be contacted instead.
5.4. Actions to be Taken to Ensure PCC is Fulfilling its Responsibilities Re: Child Protection
5.4.1. The STC PCC will appoint one person who will act as the Child Protection Tsar/Tsarina . This person will:
5.4.1.1. Check that STC staff members with responsibility for ministry to children are fulfilling all of their legal obligations.
5.4.1.2. Check that the CPA is fulfilling their responsibilities.
5.4.1.3. Attempt to identify areas of STC life that need to be brought under the influence of this document.
5.4.1.4. Report directly to the PCC no less than twice a year to indicate whether or not this policy is being fully implemented.
5.4.2. The STC PCC will review this policy document at least once per year. This will normally be at the July PCC meeting.
6. Guidelines for working with Children and Technology
We are living in a technological and ever-changing world. These guidelines are to ensure we make the most of the opportunities afforded by technology whilst retaining our commitment to the safeguarding of children.
Electronic Communication:
6.1 Adult team members should not send private emails to children.
6.2 General emails containing team information will be sent to the parent of any team member under the age of 18 until parental permission is given for the information to be sent to team members under the age of 18 directly.
6.3 Personal emails to children that are part of the team must include another team member as CC.
6.4 Adult team members should not store children’s phone numbers on their handsets.
6.5 Adult team members should not send texts to children.
6.6 Adult team members should not have an Instant Messaging conversation with a child on a social networking site.
6.7 Private messages on Facebook should be treated as email and another adult member of the team should be copied in to the message.
6.8 Wall messages on Facebook can be used as a way of communicating as these are in public view.
6.9 All parents / Guardians will be alerted if their child has requested to become a ‘friend’ on a Social Networking site.
Online Communication:
We are making increasing use of the website as a tool to communicate the life and vision of St Thomas’ Church. Our online communication will follow these guidelines.
7.0 No images (photos or videos) will be used of children without written consent from their parent / guardian.
7.1 No information, name, age, address or any other private information about children will be published on the church website.