Child Protection Policy 2009

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
King's Church Cambridge
Assemblies of God
49-53, Tenison Road
Cambridge
CB1 2DG
(In Fellowship with Assemblies of God in Gt Britain & Ireland)


PROTECT THE CHILDREN

The statement of the above church on the protection of children: 

As the people of the above church we are concerned with the wholeness of each individual within God’s purpose for everyone. 

We seek to safeguard all members of the church community, of all ages. It is the responsibility of each one of us to prevent the physical, sexual or emotional abuse of children and young people. 

It is the duty of a person working with children and young people to prevent abuse and report any abuse discovered or suspected.

Safe from harm – the Home Office Code of Practice

Safe from harm was prepared to provide voluntary organisations with guidelines for safeguarding the welfare of children and young people in their care.

It applies to all workers in voluntary organisations, including the churches, whether they are paid or voluntary.

It encourages the development of good policies and practices to prevent the physical, emotional and sexual abuse of children and young people while they are in the their care.

At the same time it protects those who work with children and young people from unfounded accusations or from behaving in ways which may be well-intentioned but inadvisable.

The Home Office guidelines are a challenge to every church: 

To shoulder responsibilities in caring for children and young people and those who work with them 

To be committed to good practice in work with children and young people 

To recognise that safeguarding the young is the responsibility of everyone, not just those who work with children and young people 

To be prepared to work in different ways, where necessary, seeing this as a new opportunity for service and mission.

THE GUIDELINES

Guideline 1
Adopt a policy statement on safeguarding the welfare of children.
This is the responsibility of the Church Council. Please see first section on page 1, Church Statement on the protection of children.

Guideline 2
Plan the work of the organisation so as to minimise situations where the abuse of children may occur. Please refer to the Children’s work policy documents, “Children at Risk” and “Discipline in Children’s Work”.

Guideline3
Introduce a system whereby children may talk with an independent person. Please refer to policy document “Children at Risk”.

Guideline 4
Apply agreed procedures for children to all paid staff and volunteers. All new leaders and helpers will be expected to show that they have knowledge of the procedures contained in this document, together with any additions agreed by the Church Council.

Guideline 5
Give all paid staff and volunteers clear roles. All leaders and helpers will be expected to work within the roles agreed to in their job description. The leader or helper and the Church Council will each retain copies of the job description.

Guideline 6
Use supervision as a means of protecting children. Leaders and helpers should regularly review with the helpers ways and means of implementing these guidelines.

Guideline 7
Treat all would-be paid staff and volunteers as job applicants for any position involving contact with children. All leaders and helpers will be expected to complete the approved application form before an interview is conducted.

Guideline 8
Gain at least one reference from a person who has experience of the applicant’s paid work or voluntary work with children. All applicants will be expected to provide a personal referee before an appointment is made.

Guideline 9
Explore the applicant’s experience of working or contact with children in an interview before appointment. All applicants will be interviewed by a member of the Church Council or another person nominated by the Council.

Guideline 10
Find out whether an applicant has any conviction for criminal offences against children.
All situations which involve work with children and young people are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This means that all convictions which relate to children and young people, however old, must be declared. Information about other convictions must also be given, as these may be relevant to the suitability of the person.

Guideline 11
Make paid and volunteer appointments conditional on the successful completion of a probationary period. Applicants for paid or volunteer work with children or young people must have the appointment confirmed by the Church Council and then begin a probationary period. This shall normally be for twelve months, but may be extended or reduced as deemed appropriate by the Church Council.

Guideline 12
Issue guidelines on how to deal with disclosure or discovery of abuse. Please refer to the children’s work policy document “Children at Risk”.

Guideline 13
Train paid staff and volunteers, their line managers or supervisors and policy makers in the prevention of child abuse. All workers with children and young people, whether paid or volunteers, shall agree to undertake training as preparation and as appropriate for the service applicable to the work they wish to do.

Please do not see “Protect the Children” as a threat to existing work, rather it is a way of making even more effective the care and love which inspires both the work and the workers.

King's Church Cambridge
Assemblies of God
Tenison Road
Cambridge
CB1 2DG
(In Fellowship with Assemblies of God in Gt Britain & Ireland)

Policy Document: Children at Risk 

Purpose of Document:

The purpose of this document is to inform those working with children that some children do get abused, and to advise them of the procedures to be carried out if abuse is disclosed to them, or it they suspect abuse. This will assist us in providing a secure environment for children.

First and most important – whether it is your first contact with suspected child abuse or not:

1. Ensure the welfare of the child

2. Talk to someone

Should you encounter any situation involving a child which gives you cause for concern, make a written note of the conversation, observations, dates, times, and names, etc. Pass on this information immediately to your line manager/church leader. Do not be afraid to be wrong.

1. What is a child? 

Any person under the age of 18 years.

2. What is abuse?

Physical abuse – including hitting, shaking, squeezing, burning, biting, administering poisonous substances, suffocating/drowning, excessive force. 

Neglect – a failure to meet basic essential needs of a child, or if a child is left unsupervised at a young age. 

Emotional abuse – children harmed by constant lack of love and affection, or threats, verbal attacks, taunting or shouting. 

Sexual abuse – involvement of dependent, developmentally immature children or adolescents in sexual activity that they do not fully comprehend, or to which they are unable to give informed consent, or which violate the social taboos of family roles.

A child may suffer more than one category of abuse.

3. Who abuses children?

Very rarely a stranger 

Often someone close to a child, eg parent, carer, baby-sitter, sibling, relative or friend of the family. 

Sometimes someone in authority such as a teacher, youth leader, childrens’ worker, or, very sadly, a church worker/leader.

Sometimes, paedophiles and others set out to join organisations (including churches) to obtain access to children.

4. How might we recognise this abuse?

Warning signs: They are only a guide, they are not necessarily proof of abuse, but may be an indication:

 
Changes or regression in mood or behaviour, particularly where a child withdraws to becomes clinging.

Nervousness/watchfulness. 

Sudden under-achievement or lack of concentration. 

Changed or inappropriate relationships with peers and/or adults. 

Attention seeking behaviour. 

Persistent tiredness. 

Running away/stealing/lying.

Other areas where leaders should be vigilant are:

Any injuries not consistent with the explanation given for them, or where differing explanations have been received.

Injuries which occur to the body in places which are not normally exposed to falls, rough games, etc.

Injuries and illnesses which have not received medical attention.

Instances where children are kept away from the group or school inappropriately.

Reluctance to change for, or participate in, games or swimming.

Any signs of neglect, under-nourishment or inadequate care.

Any allegations made by a child concerning sexual abuse.

Child with excessive preoccupation with sexual matters, and detailed knowledge or adult sexual behaviour, or who regularly engages in age inappropriate sexual play.

Sexual activity through words, play or drawing.

Child who is sexually provocative or seductive with adults.

Inappropriate bed sharing arrangements at home.

Severe sleep disturbance with fears, phobias, vivid dreams or nightmares, sometimes with overt or veiled sexual connotation.

One or more warning signs may be evident.

Many symptoms of distress in a child can point to abuse, but there are other explanations too. This (together with conflicting medical opinion), has sometimes been the reason for falsely accusing parents of sexual abuse. It is important that the above signs are not taken as indicating that abuse has taken place, but that possibility should be considered far more than in the past they should make us stop and think – not jump to conclusions inappropriately!

5. What to do if abuse is suspected

It should be noted that it is the responsibility of a voluntary agency to refer concerns to the Social Services or the police. The role of the voluntary agency is not an investigative one.

6. Responding to abuse

If a child has a physical injury or symptoms of neglect:

Contact your line manager/church leader immediately.

Speak with the parents and suggest medical help/attention is sought for the child. The doctor will then initiate further action, if necessary. Alternatively, encourage the parent to seek help from the Social Services Department.

If a parent is unwilling to seek help, then offer to go with them. If they still fail to act you may need to seek help yourself, ie via Social Services.

Where emergency medical attention is necessary then this should, of course, be sought immediately, informing the doctor of any suspicions you may have.

If there are allegations of sexual abuse:

Contact your line manager/church leader immediately or contact Social Services or the Police direct for advice. Do not speak to the parents (or anyone else) if there is a possibility that they could be involved. The fact that you may feel the child’s story is unlikely must not prevent appropriate action being taken. For example, a child may say that he/she has been abused by an older young person. In reality, the perpetrator could be a parent or close relative, but naming another person may be the only way in which this child can seek help.

It is the responsibility of the church worker to pass on the possibility of abuse to the Social Services Department. The role of the church is essentially collecting and clarifying the precise details of the allegation and providing the information to the Social Services Department, whose task it s to investigate the allegation.

Further guidance in responding to abuse

Whilst the church worker will normally consult with their line manager/church leader before reporting incidents/suspicions of child abuse to the Social Services Department, the absence of the line manager should not delay referral to the Social Services Department. Exceptionally, should there be any disagreement between the worker and line manager as to the appropriateness of such a referral, the church worker nevertheless retains the right as a member of the public to report serious matters to the Social Services Department.

All childrens’ workers should be aware that any allegations or suspicions are covered by pastoral confidentiality, and that, therefore, church members have no rights to this information. The sharing of information is therefore limited to a need to know basis. This will protect the interests of all the parties concerned.

N.B. – Church leaders will often experience difficulty in making appropriate judgements. Professionals (eg. Family doctors etc) are advised that they should discuss their suspicions with a specialist colleague first, with a view to then informing the statutory agencies. It is suggested that PCCA should be approached for advice on how to handle such disclosure and avail themselves of the follow-up support provided by the PCCA, at each stage of the process.

7. Third party/anonymous referrals/allegations

Families not known to the church:

In cases where allegations are made by a third party, the role of the church worker is to elicit as much information as possible from the referrer. Unless the person wishes to remain anonymous this should include the referrer’s details (name, address, telephone number) and as much factual detail as possible about the child and family concerned (names of family members, address, name and date of birth of subject child, ethnic origin etc.). Information as to the cause of concern/nature or injuries/observations should be included. 

The church worker much inform the referrer that information relating to any child at risk, will be shared with their church leader and may result in referral to the Social Services Department or direct to the authorities if the church leaders are implicated. 

Should a child allege sexual abuse, the parents should not under any circumstances be informed. Where a parent/carer alleges sexual abuse by another person, the parent/carer should be advised not to inform the alleged perpetrator. Should the church worker by direct observation suspect sexual abuse, they should discuss this immediately with the church leader, with a view to discussion with Social Services as to how the matter will be dealt with. 

 In the case of physical, emotional abuse or neglect where the church worker, by observation considers that such concerns exists, they should suggest to a parent that they should seek medical help. Approaching the doctor is less threatening and it is then up to the medial practitioner to decide whether there is a question of abuse which needs to be referred to Social Services. If a parent is reluctant, then the worker could consider going with them or, if they fail to co-operate, then the matter should be immediately discussed with the line manager/church leader, who will refer to the Social Services Department if appropriate. Normally in these circumstances a church worker will inform the parent of his/her duty to refer such concerns to the Social Services Department and the probability of interview by social worker and/or police officer. Of course, in cases of serious injury the church worker should summon medical help immediately.

8. How should we react if a child tells us he/she has been abused?

Children’s workers are in a unique position and your relationship with children cannot be underestimated. Your group may be providing a safe haven and perhaps the only place where a child feels comfortable and able to talk to adults. It is, therefore, possible that a child may approach you to talk about abuse.

The following guidance may be of help: 
 

Accept what they child says. 

Keep calm, do not appear to be shocked. 

Look at the child directly.

Be honest.

Let them know that you will need to tell someone else – don’t promise confidentiality.

Even when a child has broken a rule they are not to blame for the abuse.

Be aware the child may have been threatened.

Make notes as soon as possible, writing down exactly what the child said, including the child’s name, age, address, relevant family information and details of the situation and the activity that preceded disclosure.

Never push for information or question the child.

Some helpful things to say: 

"I believe you"

"I am glad you have told me"

"It’s not your fault"

"I will try to help you"

Avoid saying: 

"Why didn’t you tell anyone before?"

"I can’t believe it"

"Are you sure this is true?" 

Never make false promises

Never make statements such as “I’m shocked, don’t tell anyone else.”

Concluding 

Again reassure the child they were right to tell you and that your believe them. 

Let the child know what you are going to do next, and that you will let them know what happens. 
Immediately refer to your line manager.

Even if abuse is no longer happening it is still important to report the matter, as the adult may be abusing other children. Also it may be that the child will need guidance and help in overcoming the effects of the abuse, plus the police may wish to prosecute.

9. Practicalities for mutual protection of children and leaders involved in children’s work.

Guidance

1. Avoid being on your own with any child. This may mean groups working in one large room or adjoining rooms.

2. Never take a child home on your own – preferably have another helper with you, or else ensure that the last two children are dropped off together. (Remember an allegation could also be made against you!)

3. Be wise in your physical contact with children.

4. Be wise with your relationship with children – do not be over friendly with some at the expense of others. No favourites.

5. Male helpers need to be particularly careful in what they say, and in being around forward young females. Female helpers similarly need to be careful with forward your male children.

6. Never smack, hit or physically discipline a child except by “holding” which may be used if there is an immediate danger of personal injury to the child or another person.

7. If you feel that a child may have a “crush” on you, pray about it and talk to your line manager for advice and guidance.

8. In order to help children, we need to develop healthy relationships by listening to them and respecting them.

9. We must be mindful of the safety of the children at all times and in all circumstances.

10. Whenever possible have two adults present with a group, particularly when it is the only activity taking place on church premises with fewer than two adults.

11. Where confidentiality is important (eg counselling a young person) ensure that others know that the interview is taking place and that someone else is around the building.

12. Prayer works and helps in each and every circumstance.

Boundaries

1. The level of personal care (eg toiletting) should be appropriate and related to the age of the child – accepting that some children have special needs.

2. Guidance on touch. Eg physical contact between children and adults can be quite healthy and to be encouraged in public places, discouraged in circumstances where adult/child are one their own.

3. Workers should treat all children/young people with dignity and respect in attitude, language used and actions.

4. Respect the privacy of children, avoid questionable activity (eg rough/sexually provocative games or comments).

5. If you invite a child to your home, ensure another adult is present and the parent is aware.

6. If transporting a child on their own, then it is better that they are seated in the back seat.

Feedback

1. It should be accepted that anyone seeing another worker acting in a way that could be misinterpreted should be able to speak to the individual or the line manager about the concern.

2. Regular workers meetings should review procedures to ensure common approach, sharing concerns and identifying other matters which may need clarification and guidance.

3. It should be reported back to these meetings when departure from guidelines become necessary – this provides protection to the individual and draws the leadership’s attention to the shortcomings and problem areas.

4. Brief records should be kept of issues/decisions discussed at workers’ meetings.

Helping Children to protect themselves by:

1. Teaching safety generally/strangers/good and bad secrets and touches etc.

2. Help children develop common sense rules.

3. Talk about suspicions or situations where they feel uncomfortable.

4. Examine the way in which we present Christian truths, eg children obeying parents. This can be a real problem for a child who is being abused – are we telling the child to accept the abuse? Tell children that if they feel uncomfortable or that something may be wrong, they can always check things out with another adult. This will need to be explained – eg if someone asks you to steal sweets from a shop – it doesn’t include complaints about bedtimes!

10. Confidentiality

No childrens’ worker is permitted to divulge any information concerning a child, or his/her family or anything a child may tell them to anyone other than the designated people previously mentioned. This is in order to protect the interests of the child. This confidentiality is a continuing requirement at all times and is required when workers are “off duty” or not longer involved in the work.

Contact names and addresses

Churches' Child Protection Advisory Service
PO Box 133
Swanley
Kent
BR8 7UG
Tel: 0845 1204550
01322 667207

Social Services Child Protection Unit
Peter Wilson
Scott House
5 George Street
Huntingdon
PE29 3AD
Tel: 01480 372439
01223 718012

Police Child Protection Unit: Social Services
Tel: 01223 718215

Police: Parkside Police Station:
Tel: 01223 358966

Ask for the Police Child Protection Unit

Church Minister
Peter Cavanna
Living Waters Church
49-53 Tenison Road
Cambridge
CB1 2DG
Tel: 01223 570848
Email: info@livingwaterscambridge.org


Policy Document

Discipline in Children’s Work

1. What is discipline?

Discipline is the education of a person’s character. It includes nurturing, training, instruction, chastisement, verbal rebuke teaching and encouragement.

2. Why discipline?

It brings security, produces character, prepares for life, is evidence of love and is God’s way, see Hebrew 12:6 & Proverbs 22:6.

3. Guidance in discipline in children’s work:

We need to be insistent, consistent and persistent. 

Never smack or hit a child.

Discipline out of love, never anger. It is better to let a matter pass than discipline in anger – you may say to do something you regret, and that damage can never be repaired. 

Do not shout in anger or put down a child. 

Lay down ground rules, eg, no violence, swearing, racism, calling each other names, a respect for property.

Keep the ground rules simple and clear and make sure the children understand what procedure will be taken if they are not kept.

Talk to a child away from the “group”, not publicly. Explain that they have done wrong, encourage remorse and leave on a positive note.

Never reject a child, just the behaviour. Encourage the child you want them, but you are not willing to accept the behaviour.

Each child is unique, special and individual, and each child needs a different method of being dealt with. We, therefore, need to consider:

1. Why is the child behaving like that?

2. Ask God for wisdom, discernment and understanding.

3. What are the best methods for disciplining and encouraging that child?

4. What encourages and builds children up?

5. Work on each individual child’s positives, do not compare them to each other.

6. Work on relationships

7. Be a good role model and set a good example. (Don’t expect children to do what you don’t do and vice-versa).

8. Take care to give quieter and well-behaved children attention and don’t allow some children to take all your time and energy.

9. Don’t say something you don’t mean, and do stick to what you say, otherwise you are implying negative teaching to the children. Think before you speak.

10. Pray for and with the children.

4. Some practical ideas for the classroom and bad-behaviour discipline

Separate children who have a tendency to be disruptive when together. (These children are often friends, don’t separate them straight away, give them a chance, perhaps warn them and only separate if they are disruptive). 

Have a child sit right in front of you. 

Pay no attention to them. 

Be pro-active and encourage helpers to be pro-active and not wait to be told to deal with a situation. 

Take a child aside and talk to them, challenging them to change, whilst encouraging them on their strengths. 

Warn a child that you will speak to their parents and do so if necessary. (With some non-church children we need to be wise in this, as speaking to the parents may incur their wrath on the child and a ban from attending). 

 If a child’s behaviour is constantly disruptive, seek advice and guidance from your line manager. 

Don’t be afraid of discipline. 

Warn them, send them outside the room (care re supervision), back into the service or ban them for a week (never a total ban without reference to your line manager and ensure parents are advised in case of banning). 

Encourage good behaviour. 

Remember each child is individual and unique. We need God’s wisdom and love to recognise their needs and to encourage each one to reach their potential. 

Pray before you meet.