Our Child Protection Policy

Mindful of the words of Jesus ‘Let the children come to me; do not try to stop them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these’ (Matthew 19.14) the parish endeavours to provide a safe environment for work with children, young people and their leaders and to ensure that the following principles are upheld at all times:

• that children and young people are respected as persons in their own right and given especial protection because of their vulnerability.

• to accept and stress the philosophy behind the Children Act 1989, that the welfare of the child is paramount in all circumstances ,

• that the church and its workers, whether ordained or lay, whether acting in a paid or voluntary capacity, must act towards children and young people responsibly and with integrity. Their position of trust must be safeguarded. No advantage may be taken of those in their care.

• that no exploitation of this relationship of trust for purposes of self-gratification will be tolerated.

• that the highest standards of care will be maintained in all circumstances, such as in the areas of pastoral care, counselling, worship, education and recreation.

• that any allegation of abuse or of risk of harm to children and young people will be treated seriously.

The Parish of Abergele is a ‘Safe from Harm Parish’ and agrees to work within the recommendations as set out in the Home Office Publication 1993 entitled ‘Safe from Harm’ and the Code of Good Practice and Guidelines adopted and recommended by the Church in Wales:

• At all times and in every way possible arrange activities to reassure parents, children and young people and to protect workers, paid and volunteers, from wrongful allegation.

• As far as possible an adult should never be left alone with a child or young person in a place or room which cannot be observed easily by others.

• Workers with children and young people must not arrange to meet a child or young person on or off church premises except in the presence of a parent or other adult.

• Consider carefully the use of premises and the access to the built environment including whether it is well lit.

• Groups of children or young people should never be taken off site with fewer than two adults.

• Always ensure that there is adequate insurance, particularly when a group goes off site.

• Consent forms signed by a parent or guardian should always be obtained when an activity takes place away from the normal meeting place.

• Where children and young people are to be transported by car or minibus arrange to have more than one passenger in the vehicle.

• Casual visitors should not have access to group activities of children and young people without the presence of an adult who is authorised as being responsible for the group.

• A first aid kit must be available. Accidents must be recorded and parents or guardians notified. All workers should know where the nearest telephone is situated.

Furthermore, all leaders working with children will have undergone the Criminal Records Bureau enhanced disclosure procedure.