Child Protection

youth

This policy will govern the work undertaken with children and yound people who attend church or take part in children's activities on church premises or organised by the church within the parish. Liability insurance in relation to such issues may be invalidated if such a policy is not in place and being implemented.

To assist with the drawing up of a parish Child Protection Policy, the Diocese of Newcastle has issued guidelines in the document Diocesan Child Protection Policy. Click here to download

Copies have been sent to every parish. Recommended Elements of Good Practice include:

The Diocese of Newcastle is committed to care for the spiritual, physical and emotional well-being of the children and young people with whom it has contact. With this in mind, every parish is recommended to adopt a Child Protection Policy, as outlined in the House of Bishops revised Policy document "Protecting all God's Children" (2005).

Youth &
Child Protection

The establishment of a "Responsible Caring Group" in the parish.
Adopting approved appointments procedures for volunteers and workers.
Adopting a Parish CRB Policy and incorporate it into the appointment procedures
Ensuring that volunteers and workers are aware of the guidelines and properly trained and supported.
Ensuring that those working with children and young people include a combination of men and women appropriate to the group and the appropriate staffing ratios of adults to children.
Ensuring that an adult never works alone with children or young people.
Ensuring that parents/guardians know when and where the leaders' responsibilities begin and end.
Obtaining signed parental consent forms for activities away from the Church centre.
Ensuring that full names and addresses and emergency contact details of participants, including health needs, are recorded in advance of any activity with children and young people.
Ensuring that particular attention is paid to those with Disabilities and issues of race and ethnicity.
Ensuring the Parochial Church Councils authorise activities and leaders.
Maintaining detailed records of any accidents and injuries and actions taken including the time of reporting to the parent or guardian.
Ensuring that health and safety issues are reviewed, understood and complied with.
Undertaking in advance a risk assessment of any venue, event and participants.
Ensuring that Parish Child Protection Procedures are implemented and regularly reviewed (at least annually)

Questions about Child Protection Policies and training opportunities should be addressed to the Diocesan Child Protection Officer