SAFE CHURCH -- Child & Vulnerable Adult Protection
Child Protection Policy
The safety and comfort of children is of paramount importance to us. Accordingly, The Progressive Episcopal Church operates a child protection policy.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
Have an appropriate criminal records disclosure check undertaken. This is usually an Enhanced Disclosure
Be checked to ensure that they are not on the register of persons prohibited from working with children
Undertake child protection training
Protecting Vulnerable Adults
We will:
What is abuse? Abuse can take many forms and include:
SELF-INFLICTED INJURY MAY BE A SIGN THAT ABUSE IS TAKING PLACE (e.g. because someone feels disturbed)
Who can abuse?
Anyone may be an abuser, but it is often someone known to the person.
Where does abuse happen?
Abuse can happen anywhere. It may happen at home, in a Care Home, Hospital, Day Care Center, Church or in a public place.
What do we mean by abuse?
Abuse is when someone does something to another person which damages their quality of life or puts them at risk of harm. Abuse can be a criminal act when it is an offense against another person. It can happen once or repeatedly. It may be deliberate or caused by ignorance. It is sometimes referred to as bullying.
The safety and comfort of children is of paramount importance to us. Accordingly, The Progressive Episcopal Church operates a child protection policy.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
- We will treat all young people with respect
- Where possible we will plan activities so that there is more than one adult present
- We will minimize situations where one adult is working alone with a child
- We will not permit any form of bullying, physical or verbal
- We will avoid inappropriate physical or verbal contact with others
- We will endeavour to encourage an atmosphere where members feel free to talk about attitudes or behaviour
- ALL allegations or suspicions MUST be reported immediately and directly to the appropriate agency in each state in accordance to each state's statutory reporting requirements. That person must also notify other officials within the Church that the situation has been reported
- NO investigation or questioning should be undertaken
Have an appropriate criminal records disclosure check undertaken. This is usually an Enhanced Disclosure
Be checked to ensure that they are not on the register of persons prohibited from working with children
Undertake child protection training
Protecting Vulnerable Adults
We will:
- Listen to what you say
- Treat you with dignity, respect and sensitivity
- Take action as necessary
- DO stay calm and listen to them
- DO take what you are being told seriously
- DO offer support to help stop the abuse happening
- DO be aware that medical or other evidence might be needed so keep the evidence safe
- DO make a written note of what you have been told
- DO contact Social Services or Police and your bishop
- Do NOT press the person for more details (these can be taken later)
- Do NOT assume that someone else is aware of the situation and will take action
- Do NOT contact the alleged abuser
- Do NOT promise to keep it a secret
- Do NOT be afraid to contact social services or police to discuss it
What is abuse? Abuse can take many forms and include:
- Physical
- Emotional
- Sexual
- Neglect or Deprivation
- Imposed isolation/confinement
- Sensory Deprivation
- Financial/Material
- Discrimination
SELF-INFLICTED INJURY MAY BE A SIGN THAT ABUSE IS TAKING PLACE (e.g. because someone feels disturbed)
Who can abuse?
Anyone may be an abuser, but it is often someone known to the person.
Where does abuse happen?
Abuse can happen anywhere. It may happen at home, in a Care Home, Hospital, Day Care Center, Church or in a public place.
What do we mean by abuse?
Abuse is when someone does something to another person which damages their quality of life or puts them at risk of harm. Abuse can be a criminal act when it is an offense against another person. It can happen once or repeatedly. It may be deliberate or caused by ignorance. It is sometimes referred to as bullying.