Definitions

A child in the following document is a young person under the age of eighteen.(Children Act 1989)

The four categories of abuse used by every local authority in England and Wales are:-

Neglect Persistent or severe neglect of a child or the failure to protect a child from exposure to danger, including cold or starvation or failure to carry out aspects of care Physical Injury Actual or likely physical injury to a child, or failure to prevent physical injury or suffering
Sexual Abuse Actual or likely sexual exploitation of a child or adolescent. The child may be dependent and/ or developmentally immature
Emotional Abuse Actual or likely severe adverse effects of the emotional and behavioural development of a child caused by persistent and severe emotional ill treatment or rejection. All abuse involves some emotional ill treatment.

Abuse usually involves someone who is trusted and known to the child, often a family member. However, whilst child abuse is much more likely to occur within a circle of family and friends, it is known that adults with a preference for sexual relations with children often target children's organisations to gain access to children. It is therefore vital to be vigilant and check that good practice is being observed in the recruitment and appointment of volunteers working in the church.

In order to implement the policy in the parish the PCC has worked with the information and guidance provided by the Diocese and has agreed that the following basic principles will be observed in relation to all work with children and young people

The PCC will:-

1. Instigate a Plan of Work and Code of Practice for staff to minimise the risk to children (Appendix 1)
2. Introduce a system whereby children may talk to an independent person. Notices giving the telephone numbers of Childline and the NSPCC should be discreetly placed in all rooms to which children have access. A contact person from the church who is not directly involved with children's' ministry should be nominated. In extreme cases, a reciprocal arrangement should be made with a member of a local church (e.g. St Chad's) to act as contact.
3. Issue guidance how to deal initially with disclosure, discovery or recognition of abuse (Appendix 2)
4. Take further action by following the Child Protection Guidelines from the Diocese of Chester (pp. 10-11)
5. Ensure that all those called to work with children and young people will be provided with a contract agreeing procedures to all staff and volunteers as laid down in Diocesan Guidelines and asked to sign a confidential declaration. They will be asked for references and previous experience will be explored. A probationary period of six months already exists for all ministries within the church. Volunteers already in post will be also be asked to sign this confidential declaration. Volunteers will be encouraged and supervised in their work by appropriate leaders within the church.
6. Ensure that training is given to all called to children's' ministry in Best Practice and Understanding of abuse situations.
7. Ensure that all workers be given the church's policy on child protection.
8. Ensure that the work is properly covered by Insurance and regular checks be made about the adequacy of the parish insurance policy in this respect.
9. Ensure that any organisation working under the auspices of the church, eg playgroups etc., has an active child protection policy.

This policy was adopted by the PCC on ..................................................................
and will be reviewed in ...........................................................................................

Appendix 1

Sensible Work Plan and Code of Behaviour for Children's Workers

General

• If possible avoid one to one situations, especially if not same sex contact
  
• As often as is practicable, use open plan work areas
  
• Try to ensure that more than one worker is in contact with children at any time or, at least, they are in sight and hearing of others
  
• Do not play physical games with young people
  
• Be prepared for other church members to "pop-in" to see if "everything is all right"

Personal

• Do not allow yourself to be drawn into inappropriate attention seeking behaviour such as tantrums. Fetch mother or a relative if in the building. If not seek help from other workers
  
• Do not give lifts to children other than in groups
  
• Remember that others may misinterpret actions, however well intentioned
  
• Do not make inappropriate physical or verbal contact
  
• Do not make suggestive remarks or gestures
  
• Do not believe "it could never happen to me"
  
• Do not rely on your good name to protect you
  
• Encourage young people and children ( and adults!) to feel comfortable and caring enough to point out attitudes and behaviour that they do not like.

Appendix 2

How to deal with disclosure, discovery or recognition of abuse

When a child wants to talk about abuse

• It is important to reassure the child or adult that it is right to talk about it and that you will take everything they say seriously.
  
• It is wrong to promise confidentiality.

General points

• Reassure the child that you are taking what is said seriously.
  
• Keep calm.
  
• Don't prejudge anything.
  
• Tell the child you will need to talk to someone else - don't promise confidentiality.
  
• Whatever a child may have done it is not to blame for the abuse.
  
• Be aware the child may have been threatened, intimidated or made to promise secrecy.
  
• Never push for more information than has been immediately given.
  
• Hear the allegations clearly, make a written note and refer the case correctly.

Helpful things to say

• "Thank you for telling me this".
  
• "I will have to share this with someone else who can help".
  
• "You needn't tell me any more about it, I've understood what you're telling me".
  
• "I am glad you told me, it's not your fault, I will help you".

Avoid saying

• "Why didn't you tell anyone before?"
  
• "I can't believe it".
  
• "Are you sure this is true?"
  
• "Why, how, where, when, who?"
  
• "Don't tell anyone else".
  
• "This is dreadful".

Concluding the conversation

• Reassure the child that it has done the right thing to tell you.
  
• You are taking what has been said very seriously.
  
• You will tell someone who can help straight away.
  
• They are not to worry or feel they have done anything wrong.