child protection
The Diocesan Child Protection Group is accountable to the Bishop and is convened by the Diocesan Child Protection Officer, on the behalf of the Bishop. The purpose of the group is to support the Bishop’s representative for child protection. (Diocesan Child Protection Officer)
A priority of the group is effectiveness. The group should reflect a balance of clergy and lay, and gender and should include some of the key individuals, such as the Diocesan Child Protection Officer, an Archdeacon, Bishop’s Chaplin, Children’s Officer, Education Officer, Youth officer, and representatives from the three archdeaconries. It should aim to provide a wide representation as possible of expertise in child protection.
The group has an important role in providing information, facilitating access to training and ensuring robust monitoring mechanisms for all Parishes in the Diocese, regarding the Church in Wales guidance “Children and Young People”.
OUR OBLIGATIONS 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 Child Protection 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. Recommendation 1 – Draft policy - Appendix 1 (page 12)
- Implementation of the Child Protection Policy Recommendation 2 &3 (pages 4 & 5) - Each Parish (PCC) should appoint a Parish Child Protection Co-ordinator – Job Description - Appendix 2 (page 14)
- Procedures for recruitment and selection – which apply to all, give clear roles. These roles should be understood by everyone. Recommendation 5,6,7,8,9,10,11 & 13
- CRB checks are required for all those working or who have regular unsupervised contact with children and young people– Appendix 7 (pages 21/22/23)
What are the key points to be aware of whilst caring and working with children?
Recommendation 3 page 4.
- The child's welfare is paramount.
- Another adult must be in the vicinity when dealing with one or more children.
- Inappropriate physical contact with children should be avoided.
- Children should be listened to.
- A safe, healthy and stimulating environment should be provided.
If I am concerned about a child, or what a child tells me that(s)he is being abused, what should I do?
Recommendation 12 page 9 & Appendix 9
- Always take action. Do not delay
- Serious concerns should always be reported immediately to the appropriate authority, Social Services/Police saying: "I wish to report a child at risk of abuse." Tell the informant you intend to act
- Make a dated record of what the child and/or adult says
- If it is your own observations that lead you to suspect abuse, write down and date the reasons for your suspicions
- DO NOT question the child, or try to investigate allegations of abuse - it is not your job to do so, and your action may contaminate investigation by legitimate authorities
- DO NOT discuss the issue with unauthorised persons
- For advice and support contact the Diocesan Child Protection Officer.
What are the possible signs of child abuse?
- bruises, particularly recurring bruises
- child pornography
- withdrawn behaviour
- complaining of pain
- attention seeking
- burn marks
- aggression towards other children
- constant hunger
- inadequate clothing
- fear of adults
- sexualised behaviour
The above list is not conclusive and could relate to other conditions.
In January 2005 various important amendments and additions were sent out to be incorporated into the copy of “Children and Young People - A Code of good practice for use by parishes in the Church in Wales”. These amendments included:
- Appendix 9 – Guidelines on dealing with Disclosure, suspicion or discovery of abuse.
- What to do if a questionable disclosure is received from the CRB.
- Dealing with allegations against a Church Worker.
- Sex offenders in the Church community.
- Recruitment of Ex-offenders.
- CRB Disclosure Security Policy.
“Children and Young People - A code of good practice for use by parishes in the Church in Wales” is about protecting the children and young people and those that care and work with them. We can support the care and child protection, in the way we work with children and young people, and develop their self esteem and help them develop values and the appropriate skills for life.
Links with the Local Safeguarding Children Boards (previously called Area Child Protection Committee):
- Carmarthenshire
- Ceredigion
- Pembrokeshire
- Churches Child Protection Advisory Service
- NSPC
- Childline
- Kidscape