Diocesan Safeguarding Officers:
Revd David Hammon 07825 337 437
Revd Paul Boyle 01437 710558
Child Protection Officer:
Revd Cecilia Charles 01970 871889
or call 07825 337 437
Children and Young People:
a code of good practice for use by parishes in the church in Wales
This page is not a substitute for the
Church in Wales Child Protection Policy and guidelines
– so make sure you are familiar with the details of your full policy.
safeguarding children
The Diocesan Safeguarding Committee is accountable to the Bishop and is convened by the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer on his behalf. The purpose of the group is to support the Bishop’s representative for child protection.
A new Safeguarding Committee is in the process of being formed to reflect the dual responsibilities of child protection and protection of vulnerable adults.
A priority of the group is effectiveness. The group should reflect a balance of clergy and lay, as well as gender, and should include some of the key individuals, such as the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, an Archdeacon, Bishop’s Chaplain, Children and Youth Officer, Education Officer, and representatives from the three archdeaconries. It should aim to provide as wide a representation as possible of expertise in safeguarding children.
The group has an important role in providing information, facilitating access to training and ensuring robust monitoring mechanisms for all parishes in the diocese.
OUR OBLIGATION TO CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
Let the children come to me, do not try to stop them for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.
(Matt. 19:14)
Implicit in these words of Jesus is recognition of the unique status of children and young people. We will respect children as persons in their own right and give them special protection because of their vulnerability.
- We accept and stress the main principle of the Children Act 1989 that the child's welfare is paramount in all circumstances.
- We will act responsibly and with integrity towards children and young people by not taking advantage of those in our care.
- We must act towards children and young people responsibly and with integrity in ways which will safeguard their position of trust. No advantage may be taken of those in our care.
- We will not exploit our relationship of trust for the purposes of self gratification and the highest standards of care will be maintained in all circumstances.
- Any allegations of abuse and risk of harm must be treated seriously.
“Children and Young People: A code of good practice for use by parishes in the Church in Wales" says:
- Every parish must have a Child Protection Policy.
Child Protection is the responsibility of the PCC and they must adopt a policy and review it regularly. The purpose of this is to provide a safe environment for our work in the parishes with children and young people.
- Implementation of the Child Protection Policy
Each Parish (PCC) should appoint a Parish Child Protection Co-ordinator – a job description is included in the Guide
- Procedures for recruitment and selection
These apply to all and give clear roles. These roles should be understood by everyone.
- CRB checks are required for all those working or who have regular unsupervised contact with children and young people See what the Home Office says
The code is about protecting children and young people and those that care for and work with them. We can support care and protection in the way we work with children and young people to develop their self esteem and help them develop values and appropriate life skills.
Local Safeguarding Children Boards (previously called Area Child Protection Committee) and other support organisations: