The Diocese of Oxford

BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY

Part 1

Policy and Guidelines

for PCC's

January 2000

FOREWORD by the Bishops of the diocese

During the past twenty years we have become increasingly aware of how extensive is the incidence of child abuse. It is a sad reflection of today's society, but one which must be faced with honesty and courage.

Modern research has revealed that most child abuse occurs within the family circle and is committed by parents or other trusted adults. Abuse by strangers is statistically uncommon. Abuse within institutions is, however, well documented.

In the past the Church has not been exempt from this general social problem and there is irrefutable evidence that, from time to time, abuse of children has occurred within the context of church activities. Such incidents are both deeply contrary to the Gospel of Christ and bring shame upon the Christian community. They cause incalculable damage to all involved.

The Church of England, along with many other parts of the Church, has adopted a formal policy on protecting children from abuse. It forms part of the wider commitment to nurturing and supporting our children. There is no single way to prevent abuse but there are ways of making it far less likely to occur. These include:

· Guidance for parishes and for those working with children and young people in order to decrease opportunities for abuse or of accidental injury.

· Procedures to be followed in parishes when appointments are made by church wardens and the PCC, whether they are of volunteers or paid staff, clergy or lay. By careful recruitment parishes can seek to prevent known previous abusers from gaining access to children for whom they are responsible. Checking criminal records and other related databases is only part of the process. It is essential to seek further references.

· Providing information on recognising the signs of possible child abuse and on how best to respond to its discovery or disclosure.

· Procedures to follow where abuse is suspected or has been disclosed.

· Continuing support and training for those who work with children.

· Educating children and young people in the ways they can protect themselves.

In the Diocese of Oxford, we are determined both to protect our children and young people, as far as we possibly can, from harm, and to do everything in our power to promote their well being. This can be achieved only by team effort involving diocesan staff and every parish playing their part. This will also require working in partnership with parents, schools and other agencies.

This fully revised document has been built upon 6 years experience and extensive consultation and we warmly commend these Guidelines to all those who are responsible for, or who work with, children and young people. These Guidelines are based on the Children Act 1989, the Home Office document Safe from Harm, and the House of Bishops Policy on Child Protection 1999. As well as building on the original Better Safe than Sorry, it is hoped that these new revised Guidelines will expand the House of Bishops' policy, make it more accessible and place these important issues into the wider arena of good practice.

We acknowledge our thanks to the Diocese of London for allowing us to use substantial parts of their Child Protection Guidelines.

In the Diocese of Oxford we commit ourselves to –

· the physical, emotional and spiritual well being of all children in our care;

· take seriously all allegations or suspicions of child abuse;

· handle allegations or suspicions of child abuse in accordance with these Guidelines.

We are fulfilling this commitment by –

· providing these Guidelines;

· reviewing them regularly in the light of usage and comments;

· inviting the Archdeacons at their visitations to ensure that each parish’s Child Protection Policy is firmly in place;

· requesting our Adviser for Child Protection to monitor the effectiveness of the working of the Guidelines;

· as a diocese, providing information on training opportunities in child protection;

· reminding parishes of the availability of the Diocesan Children’s and Youth Advisers, and the Bishops’ Adviser for Child Protection.

We cannot emphasise too much the importance of work with children in every parish. Although child protection is at the heart of these Guidelines, this must not be seen as overshadowing the importance of promoting the welfare of children in our Church communities.

To deny children the opportunity to enter into the Christian experience in a safe and loving church environment is also a form of spiritual abuse. We are deeply grateful for the generosity and commitment of so many volunteers who work throughout the Diocese so that our children and young people may grow and flourish in their Christian faith.

Better Safe than Sorry Part One

Contents

Area Covered		Page no
Introduction		5
What is Expected of PCC’s and Churchwardens	Implementing these guidelines; a Parish Policy Insurance; Outside groups using church premises and hiring agreements; Private tuition given to children and young people on church premises	7 9
Making Appointments	Children and Young People in the Parish; Good Practice - Taking Reasonable Care Elements of Responsible Enquiries and Practices in Appointments; Under 18 helpers Summary of good practice and the various checks available Job Descriptions Support and Training	10 11 12 13 14
Areas of Special Concern for PCC's	Ex-Offenders or known former abusers within the congregation; Adult Survivors of Abuse within the Congregation	15
Definitions of Child Abuse		16
When Abuse is Disclosed or Suspected		18
Action by the Bishop		19
Action Checklist for PCC's		20
Afterword by the Child Protection Task Force		21
Appendices	[A] Parish Child Protection Policy [B] Information for those Undertaking Work with Children [C] Appointment & Declaration Form [D] References: suggested questions for referees [E] Registration Requirements under the Children Act (1989) [F] Health and Safety Checklist [G] Contact Addresses	22 23 25 29 30 32 33

INTRODUCTION by the Diocesan Taskforce for Child Protection

These Guidelines are intended to help parishes make sure that the Church is a safe place for children, young people and those who work with them. Not all the material is relevant to every circumstance, and we have laid it out to help you find what you need, whether you are a member of the PCC, or someone who works with children or young people.

This document is based on the revised House of Bishops Policy on Child Protection 1999, a copy of which was sent to every parish in May 1999

The House of Bishops’ policy recommends that each Diocesan Bishop appoint a Bishop’s representative known within this Diocese as the Bishop’s Adviser for Child Protection [bacp]. The role of the BACP is to:

· ensure good practice is observed throughout the Diocese

· advise the Bishop and Area Bishop’s in individual cases

· provide advice and consultancy to parishes, clergy and diocesan staff on specific incidents or suspicions

The BACP is not employed by the Diocese, and may not always be immediately available because of work and other commitments. He will however, make very effort to be quickly available to give advice or consultation.

Parishes should not refer general questions about the diocese’s work with children and young people to the BACP – they belong with the full-time Diocesan Youth and Children’s Adviser. However, the BACP is always willing to discuss specific child protection concerns. (see contact details below)

The primary contact for implementation of these Guideline remains the responsibility of the Diocesan Youth and Children's Adviser's based at Diocesan Church House, Oxford, who act as a working link with the Senior Staff of the Diocese. They are supported by the Diocesan Taskforce which comprises representatives from Parents and Children Together (PACT), the Diocesan Board for Social Responsibility, the BACP, and a member of the Senior Staff.

Key Contacts

Diocesan Children's Adviser	Jenny Hyson	01865 208255 email: childofficer@oxford.anglican.org
Diocesan Youth Adviser	Andrew Gear	01865 208253 email: youthofficer@oxford.anglican.org
Bishop's Adviser on Child Protection	Hugh Valentine	020 7790 1884 or if urgent 01702 534610 email: hwjv@globalnet.co.uk

Better Safe than Sorry

These Guidelines aim to be a resource for all those involved with children and young people throughout the Diocese. It aims to consider and promote the welfare and nurture of children and young people in the Church’s care, and to provide a public statement of the Church’s responsibility relating to the care of children and young people, and to those who are involved with them.

These guidelines are important because:-

· children and young people matter, they should be valued, listened to and their rights respected.

· those who work with children and young people need to be adequately valued and supported.

· the Church as one of the major providers of care to children and young people, should model good practice.

· each Parish needs to know the correct procedures in handling possible cases of child abuse.

· work with children and young people is a Parish responsibility. The PCC can be legally liable if they neglect their duty of care.

In this document we use the word “volunteer”. It is important for us to remember that the vast majority of work with children and young people is still carried out by committed volunteers.

The following is a statement published by National Children’s Homes:-

· Volunteers are part of the team – continued participation depends on the feelings of welcome and involvement.

· Volunteers must feel that their contribution is important. More volunteers are lost through having too little to do than too much.

· Volunteers must not be taken for granted.

· Volunteers need support and supervision to feel valued. Make clear who is responsible and provide a contact for any problems that may occur.

· Volunteers should be kept informed, be part of the project and be involved in decision-making.

· Volunteers need opportunities to learn and grow through experience and training.

· Volunteers extend the organisation’s services.

VALUE * INVOLVE * APPRECIATE

What is Expected of PCC’s and Churchwardens

Implementing these guidelines

Each PCC/DCC should review its work with children and young people and decide how it is going to implement these procedures and guidelines. It is hoped that this will become the normal way of working for parishes and will not be seen as a burden or imposition. Small congregations may need to be especially imaginative and undertake extra planning in order to follow the guidelines of good practice. Parishes must not succumb to the temptation of treating any one volunteer as a "special case" or exception, however well known they may be, or time they have served in a church.

In law the PCC has a duty of care towards its children and young people. Each PCC/DCC should:

· Familiarise themselves with the House of Bishop’s Policy on Child Protection (1999)

· Discuss the policy, procedures and guidelines presented in this document

· Adopt a Parish Policy on Child Protection (see Model Statement – Appendix A)

· Implement and monitor appointment procedures in the parish

· Appoint a PCC member to monitor compliance with these procedures and to report to the PCC at least annually

· Make adequate training provision for those involved in work with children and young people and those who should be familiar with issues connected with youth/children’s work and child protection

· Review the Policy annually

· Ensure that the premises on which church activities with children and young people take place, comply with the necessary health and safety requirements and are safe / appropriate for those activities (please see Appendix E)

Parish Policy

A Parish Policy on child protection should be drawn up and adopted by the PCC. It should contain, as a minimum, the core points listed in the model given in Appendix A. The policy is to be signed by the parish priest and churchwardens. One copy should be kept with the PCC minutes, and one copy displayed prominently in the church.

The Parish Policy should be reviewed annually, perhaps at the first meeting of the new PCC, so that new members are aware of their responsibilities.

Insurance

The PCC should make sure that it has adequate insurance cover, including public liability insurance, to cover all their activities both on and off site.

The Diocese of Oxford offers an Insurance Scheme for Parish Children’s & Youth Groups, but with the advent of the Ecclesiastial Insurance Groups new ParishGuard policy, most parishes should be able to provide adequate cover under this policy. Those parishes still insured under the old ChurchGuard policy should check their cover directly with EIG. Details of the Diocesan scheme are available from the DiocesanYouth Adviser

There are some important points to note with regard to insurance:

¨ Never assume that Insurance cover is adequate; always check! If in doubt ask!

¨ Public Liability cover needs to be for at least £5 million in respect of any one claim.

¨ If you use your own vehicle for transporting young people you need to ask your insurers whether your policy covers this. Never carry more people than your vehicle is supposed to carry!

¨ There are specific requirements for Employer’s Liability. If someone receives remuneration for their work with children and young people they are regarded as employees.

¨ Remember that the PCC (as the insured party) must:

- agree to the specific activity taking place

- have accepted responsibility for that activity

- records in its meeting its acceptance of responsibility.

The Ecclesiastical Insurance Group has issued a document setting out the insurance implications of child abuse. It states: "Ecclesiastical considers that the implementation of the House of Bishops Policy document by all church organisations is essential for the maintenance of liability insurance in relation to the issues it addresses". As part of the terms of cover it is likely that the PCC - as the insured body - is required to notify the insurer of any allegation or possible allegation concerned with child abuse, and to do so at the earliest opportunity.

Outside groups using church premises and hiring agreements

Organisations working with children who hire or use church property should be advised of their responsibility for the welfare and safety of the children in their care. It is reasonable that pcc's should require that such groups have their own Child Protection policy and procedures, and that these be checked by the pcc.

It is recommended that all hiring agreements with outside bodies working with children and young people include the following statement (which is in addition to any child protection policies operated by the organisation concerned):

This organisation (name)_______________confirms it is familiar with the Home Office Code of Practice Safe from Harm, and with the Oxford Diocesan Guidelines, Better Safe than Sorry. It understands these policies and procedures and undertakes to follow their recommendations in relation to work with children and young people.

Private tuition given to children and young people on church premises

Choirmasters, organists, bell-ringers and others who are likely to give individual tuition should follow their professional code of ethics. Both the RSCM and the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers have produced Codes of Conduct*, which recommend that one to one tuition is not given on church premises without another adult present. PCC’s should acquaint themselves with these documents where they have affiliated choirs or bell ringers. However, these Codes of Conduct do NOT supersede the House of Bishop's Policy on Child Protection (1999).

*PCC’s can obtain copies of these by writing to:

The Central Council of Church Bell Ringers (contact details through your local guild)

The Royal School of Church Music, Cleveland Lodge, Westhumble, Dorking,

Surrey RH5 6BW

Making Appointments

Children and Young People in the Parish (please also refer to pages 4,5&6 of the House of Bishop’s Policy on Child Protection 1999.)

Church members contribute to the life of the Church in different ways. In today's busy world it is often difficult for people to take on new responsibilities, but in the care and nurture of children and young people a long term commitment is especially important. Those working with children and young people should be carefully selected, supported and trained.

The PCC is responsible for all parish activities and must satisfy itself that everything is being done to provide a safe environment for its children and young people. It is also responsible for making sure, as far as possible, that no false accusations can be made against staff and volunteers.

Each PCC should identify the groups of children and young people who are covered by these guidelines, not forgetting groups that are mixed adults and children such as choirs, servers and bell-ringers. The PCC should identify who are the leaders and who are helpers as a way of clarifying the role they are being asked to perform. Existing leaders and helpers must be made aware of these guidelines.

Good Practice - Taking Reasonable Care

Good Practice will ensure reasonable care and caution are exercised and minimise future risks. Appointments are an area where good practice should be routinely followed. They will not always identify people who may become a risk but they form part of a sensible network of checks and balances. They form one of the four elements of good practice in the area of child protection within parishes:

· Effective, clear appointment procedures and practices

· Explicit and shared standards

· Clear, reliable supervision arrangements

· Access to appropriate training opportunities

Good recruitment and vetting procedures will include:

· Clarity about what the post involves and the kind of person to occupy it

· Effective interviewing

· Making references work by asking specific questions of the referee rather than a general ‘please tell us about X’

· Checks against certain registers/sources (see below)

Some people are troubled by the checks and procedures being recommended on the ground that they go too far - especially for volunteers. They are, however, justified by experience. Responsible adults offering their services will appreciate the reasons behind the checks and will not be personally offended.

Where additional volunteers are recruited for, say, Activity Days or Holiday Clubs, it would be expected that these people would go through the same appointment procedures as for all other volunteers.

Elements of Responsible Enquiries and Practices in Appointments

The Church is not currently able to make any checks for voluntary workers against national police records unlike certain other bodies (for example, Social Services Departments and Local Education Authorities). This will change in the future with the advent of the Criminal Records Bureau, but it is not anticipated that this Bureau will be functioning until at least 2001.

However, with regards to paid youth or children's workers, please refer to p2(c), & 6 of the House of Bishops' Policy on Child Protection 1999 concerning checks through the Department of Health Consultancy Index. It is the policy of this Diocese that Department of Health checks are undertaken by the Area Bishop. It has also been agreed that paid youth and children's workers will be subject to a Police Check as well, which is undertaken by the Diocesan Youth Adviser.

It should be noted that Police Checks alone are no substitute for a thorough appointment process. Evidence suggests that the numbers of successful prosecutions for child abuse are minimal. Therefore, PCC’s should make the best use of the various checks and enquiries open to them, particularly the taking up of references.

Under 18 helpers

Under 18 year olds cannot be expected to have sole responsibility for any group of children or young people. The question to ask always is, “If something goes wrong, who will be liable?” The answer to this question will locate the responsibility.

We would not recommend that anyone under the age of sixteen is appointed to a position of leadership. They should be seen as helpers or assistants and should be subject to close supervision and support by an adult. Young adults age sixteen to eighteen can be appointed to position as leaders, and should be subject to the same appointment process as adult leaders. However, they should not be expected to assume responsibility over and above that which would be reasonable for the age of the person. Appropriate adult supervision and guidance under child protection policy should prevail.

Where there are young adults in positions of leadership within youth groups, those responsible for the supervision of the work should be particularly aware of the formation of inappropriate relationships between leaders and members of the group. There may be future legislation which will make it a criminal offence for a youth leader to form an intimate relationship with a young person aged under 18.
Below is a summary of good practice and the various checks available:

ITEMS	NOTES
Job Description and Person Specification	Jobs and roles should always have a clear Job Description. Preparing one helps clarify the role and having one avoids misunderstanding. In addition to the ‘JD’ there should be a Person Specification - this is just a description of the kind of person likely to be suited to the job - it describes their ideal skill and experience.
Appointment and Confidential Declaration Form	A statement completed by an applicant dealing with any factors relevant to their application ( see Appendix C and page 17 – 19 of the House of Bishops Policy on Child Protection 1999)
Birth Certificate	Sight of an applicant’s birth certificate provides verification of full name and date of birth and so ensures that the data used in other checks is accurate.
References	References are valuable when made to work. Two references should provide two perspectives – far more useful than just one. Where the applicant has worked in another setting, one reference should be from that employer or supervisor. Reference requests must include quite specific questions that the referee has to address. Where replies seem unclear or vague, follow them up. See Appendix D for suggested questions in a reference request.
Interview	For any role or work in the parish involving contact with children, young people or other vulnerable people, potential candidates and volunteers should be interviewed.
Department of Health and Police Checks	For paid youth or children's workers, a check in the Department of Health Consultancy Index (via the Area Bishop) and a Police Check (via the Diocesan Youth Adviser) should be undertaken
Probationary period followed by review	In any appointment, good practice suggests an explicit probationary period followed by a review and appraisal before the appointment is confirmed. Six months is a common standard.

Job Descriptions

Evidence shows that people are more likely to volunteer when the role they are being asked to fulfil is clear. Therefore, Job Descriptions should be compiled for all those who work with children and young people, whether on a regular basis or as an occasional helper on a rota. This also indicates that the volunteer and the work is valued.

The Job Description should detail:

ü the person to whom the employee/volunteer is accountable

ü the person(s) whose work they will supervise (if any)

ü the elements of their job or role

ü what they are responsible for

and, in relation to the protection of children –

ü explicit reference to the Diocesan Child Protection Guidelines

Appointment and Confidential Declaration form

The Appointment and Confidential Declaration form (see Appendix C) requires the subject to make a written declaration of matters relating to child protection and safety. It also asks for details of investigations and warnings in addition to cautions, prosecutions and convictions for other matters. It obviously requires honesty by the applicant, but provides a useful point at which pertinent matters can be brought up.

NB - Declaration of Criminal Convictions (please refer to Paragraph 5 of the House of Bishops' Policy on Child Protection 1998, the recruitment of people to work with children and young people)

Question 1a of the Criminal Conviction Declaration requests that any convictions are declared, unless they are deemed as spent" convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Under this act, a conviction cannot become "spent" if the offender was sentenced to more than 30 months imprisonment. In addition, subject to special rules for juvenile offenders, and unless the only sentence imposed was a discharge, a rehabilitation will be precluded or at least postponed if the offender is again convicted during the rehabilitation period.

The information submitted must be treated as strictly confidential. The forms should be seen only be those persons nominated by the PCC. This would normally be the Incumbent and up to two others, usually the Churchwardens. However, your parish may have a full time youth or children's worker, or someone within the PCC with professional skills in this area who would be appropriate.

Those nominated people responsible for seeing this personal information need to be aware of the important implications in terms of confidentiality of information declared. There may also be pastoral care issues for the individual, particularly if it is decided that the conviction deems them unsuitable to work with children or young people. However, we must emphasis the point made on p21, paragraph 5 of the House of Bishop's Policy, in that the declaration of the offence itself must not automatically preclude the individual from working with children and young people, but restrictions, supervision or a support process may be necessary. If in doubt contact the BACP.

The Appointment and Confidential Declaration Forms are the property of the Parish. They must be kept in a secure place. The House of Bishops Policy recommends that these are retained indefinitely in case an allegation is made at some time in the future. As the forms are the property of the Parish, if the secure place is in the parsonage house, when the house is vacated, an alternative secure location within the parish must be sought.

Under the Data Protection Act 1984 (section 21) all citizens have the right to ask organisations whether they hold information about them. This applies to police forces.

Anyone wishing to obtain a written statement from the police of their police record (caution, prosecution and conviction history) simply obtains a ‘subject access’ form from their local police station. Forms of ID and present address are required, as is the countersignature of someone else (rather like a passport application). The fee is currently set at £10 and the turn around time is two weeks (if no trace) and three weeks if they do in fact have a ‘history’ on the subject. It is not permissible for an employer to make it a requirement that someone obtains their own statement of any conviction record as a condition of appointment).

Any person volunteering or applying to work with children or to work in a position that involves regular access to children, should be interviewed. The Incumbent and Churchwardens should be satisfied that a person has the personality, experience and integrity for the work. It is recommended that new members are not appointed to children’s or youth work until they have been regular members of the congregation for a sufficient length of time for them to become known and trusted by the wider church community.

Each appointment to a paid or responsible voluntary post should be for a six month probationary period, towards the end of which the person’s suitability for the appointment should be reviewed before the position is confirmed by the PCC.

Support and Training

Ø Children and young people are best protected when those working with them do not feel isolated. The parish should make sure that volunteer workers and staff have the opportunity to meet together regularly - at least once a term and with the PCC representative. An atmosphere should be encouraged where people can discuss any concerns and receive support and be helped to review their work.

Ø Leaders should work alongside new children’s/youth workers to offer support and to monitor their work. New helpers should be offered a formal and structured opportunity to discuss their work before the end of the probationary period.

Ø Youth and children's work is a specialist ministry and needs to be recognised as such. PCC's should therefore encourage those who work with children and young people to take up opportunities to develop their skills and abilities. The probationary period should include a process for assessing the development needs of the individual youth or children's worker.

Ø The Diocesan Children’s and Youth Advisers can provide details of where such training may be found. PCC's will need to ensure that there is an appropriate budget for the work in general and for the training of the workers.

Ø First Aid training should be made available to group leaders.

Areas of Special Concern for PCC's

Ex-Offenders or known former abusers within the congregation

It is often claimed that the Church is a place for sinners. That claim is likely to be tested to its limit when those who have abused form part of the church family. Abusers are people in need of help and the significance of being frank about one’s past should not be under-estimated. Bringing an end to secrets of that kind can betoken a real repentance and change of heart. Whenever help and support is offered to an ex-offender (or to someone who was not convicted but who admits to abuse or who is believed by competent authorities to have abused a child) the protection of children in the church must come first.

For that reason the priest and churchwardens, in the light of advice from the bacp, should tell the person of the restrictions placed upon their contact with children in the church community. A record of the circumstances and the decision should be made and securely held by the parish and copied to the bacp.

Research suggests that paedophilia and sexual offending can be a form of addiction that is very hard to control and may be impossible to cure. This must be born in mind when welcoming an ex-offender into the community. Some ex-offenders will seek God's forgiveness for their actions. Genuine repentance implies that the person concerned will accept that further help is required to prevent a recurrence of the offence and to deal with the human and social effects of the sin. As well as professional therapy, this may require continuing supervision and to have restrictions placed upon their activities within the church. An ex-offender may need to accept that no further contact or work with children or young people can be permitted, and that a continuing pastoral role may be impossible. Sensitive care of the offender is needed in these circumstances.

Where it is known or suspected that an ex-offender attends a church the advice of the bacp should be sought who will assist the PCC in deciding upon appropriate safeguards.

Adult Survivors of Abuse within the Congregation

Every church is likely to have amongst its members adults who have experienced abuse during childhood or as adults. A few people claim to have experienced sexual abuse where there is no certainty of this.

All of us are made in the image of God, whose desire it is that we develop trusting, loving relationships with others and with God. Child abuse damages that capacity and survivors often have low self-esteem and difficulties in building relationships, alongside a need for acceptance by the Christian community. Parishes should be accepting and welcoming fellowships where healing can take place. Some survivors will need more than this and should be encouraged to seek professional help.

Definitions of Child Abuse

A child or young person under eighteen years is regarded as abused where he or she has suffered from, or is believed to be at significant risk of, physical injury, neglect, emotional abuse or sexual abuse. Most child abuse is committed by someone known to them and trusted by them, either within the family, among their friends, or in the local community.

Church workers and the whole Church community should be alert to signs of stress affecting the care and parenting of children and should feel able to offer help and friendship to parents to prevent a situation escalating to the point where a child is at risk.

The phrase ‘child abuse’ has become highly emotive. This can cloud our thinking and actions. A helpful approach is to begin with what children need in order to have the best chance of growing up well:

Children Need

These needs vary with the age of the child and ‘good parenting’ will adjust to this.

Child Abuse is generally classified as one (or a combination of) the following:

Emotional Abuse

A child is emotionally abused when there is persistent rejection and humiliation which adversely affects emotional and behavioural development. It can include threats, verbal attacks, taunting, shouting and rejecting behaviour. All child abuse is likely to have an emotional abuse element. Children may experience emotional abuse (or emotional neglect) because of the effect of domestic violence between adults in the home.

Physical Abuse

Physical injury to a child, or failure to prevent physical injury or suffering.

Neglect

The persistent or severe neglect of a child, or failure to protect a child from danger, including danger from cold and starvation. For example, not providing adequate clothing, food or medical care and leaving a child alone and unsupervised.

Sexual Abuse

Actual or potential involvement of a child or young person in sexual activity. This covers the whole range of sexual behaviour, including vaginal and anal penetration, fondling, masturbation and oral sex. It includes involving a child in watching (or participating in) sexually explicit pornographic material.

Organised abuse

This generally refers to any abusive practice which is planned or exercised by two or more people operating together.

Children with Special Needs

Children and young people with disabilities (physical, sensory and/or learning disability) are especially vulnerable and need special care and protection.

Abuse by other children and young people

It should be remembered that children and young people can also abuse. They will need help too. They may themselves have been abused when younger. More is becoming known about children who abuse other children and informed specialist help is more readily available.

When Abuse is Disclosed or Suspected

There are clear guidelines for when an incident of abuse is disclosed;.

§ If the child or young person needs urgent medical treatment or immediate protection call the appropriate emergency services - police or ambulance – or take the child to the nearest accident and emergency department. Tell the hospital staff of your suspicions. The Bishop's Adviser for Child Protection (BACP) should be informed without delay.

§ If the child is not in immediate danger or you are not sure whether child abuse is involved, discuss your concerns with the BACP.

§ If a specific incident of child abuse arises in the parish, the highest degree of confidentiality must be adhered to

In the event that the BACP is unavailable due to sickness or holiday, reciprocal arrangements have been made with the Child Protection Advisers in London Diocese. For names and numbers contact the London Diocese Children’s Officer (London Diocesan House, 36 Causton St London Sw1P 4AU, tel 020 7932 1110, email BACP@dlondon.org.uk).

More detailed information can be found in Part 2 – Practice

!	All situations of actual or suspected child abuse should be reported to the Bishop’s Adviser for Child Protection without delay, and his advice sought. His number can be found on page 5

Action by the Bishop

These duties will apply in all cases where the allegations or suspicions concern clergy, church leaders, church officers and others holding prominent or influential positions within the local church. Also in all cases where the alleged or suspected abuse is believed to have taken place within the ambit of the church (for example, on church premises or through church activities).

· The Bishop will ensure that any necessary arrangements are made for the emotional and spiritual support of the child and its family, the accused person and his or her family, and the parish community. [1]

· The Bishop will inform the Diocesan Director of Communications who will handle media relations. All media contacts must go through the Director of Communications.

· The Bishop will make sure that the Diocesan Registrar and the parish's insurance company have been informed.

· During child protection investigations it is normal practice for the accused or suspected person to be withdrawn from any contact with children or young people.

At the conclusion of an investigation

· The result of an investigation may be inconclusive or it may be concluded that the allegation was unfounded. There may or may not be a prosecution, or it may be decided that a person's behaviour has been ill-advised and foolish rather than criminal.

· In the case of clergy and accredited lay ministers, the Bishop “should give precise guidelines in writing as to how the individual’s ministry should be defined and monitored”. (House of Bishops Child Protection Policy 1999 paragraph 50) The Bishop may need, after taking advice, to put restrictions on a person's future employment, or to require them to undertake counselling before resuming duties.

· In the case of a paid employee or volunteer, the PCC will need to consider the future deployment of the person, taking advice from the bacp.

· The appropriate Archdeacon will be responsible for informing the Department of Health Consultancy Service of any information that should to go on to its register, and of informing any other register or party as necessary.

· Allegations may be shown to be unfounded or malicious. In these cases the appropriate Archdeacon, in consultation with the bacp, will find appropriate means to make clear that the person has been exonerated.

Action Checklist for PCC’s

Have the PCC:

q Familiarised themselves with the House of Bishop’s Policy on Child Protection (1999)?

q Discussed the policy, procedures and guidelines presented in this document?

q Adopted a Parish Policy on Child Protection (see Model Statement – Appendix A)?

Implemented and monitored appointment procedures in the parish – specifically:

qEnsured all workers have completed the Appointment / Declaration Form? (see Appendix C)

qTaken up references? (see Appendix D)

qHad sight of the birth certificate?

qInterviewed the applicant?

qUndertaken a Dept of Health and Police check (for those in paid positions)?

qApproved the children’s / youth worker at a meeting of the PCC?

qFiled the Appointment / declaration and other documentation in a safe place?

q Appointed a PCC member to monitor compliance with these procedures and to report to the PCC at least annually?

q Made adequate training provision for those involved in work with children and young people and those who should be familiar with issues connected with youth/children’s work and child protection including

q Provided all workers with a copy of Better Safe than Sorry – Section 2

q Agreed an annual review date for the Policy

q Ensured that the premises on which church activities with children and young people take place, comply with the necessary health and safety requirements and are safe / appropriate for those activities (please see Appendix F)?

Afterword by the Child Protection Task Force

There will be some who, on reading these guidelines and considering their subject matter, will think these provisions too extensive and that they overstate a small problem. Others will be uncomfortable because the subject matter distresses them. It is indeed an uncomfortable subject, and it raises uncomfortable questions about human society. We are confident that we have not overstated the issue. The literature on child abuse and our own experience in this field make us clear on this point.

These guidelines are concerned with responsible practices within our diocese and seek to ensure clarity about how individual cases should best be handled. As we said at the outset, they are not the last word. In this area we are all learning.

Christian communities cannot tolerate abusive practices whether the victims be children, adults or groups. Coercion, manipulation, destructive criticism and exclusion are contrary to our understanding of the love of God revealed in Jesus Christ. Child abuse is an issue requiring honest attention and principled action. In giving it that, we must not lose sight of the wider picture - of church communities learning together, growing together and bearing persuasive witness to God and to our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Andrew Gear	Jenny Hyson	Yvette Gayford	Nova Owen
Jo Saunders	Hugh Valentine	Bishop Mike

January 2000
[A] Parish Child Protection Policy:

Model Statement

Parish of………………………………………………………………………………………

The pcc of this Church agreed and adopted the following Policy on Child Protection at it’s meeting held on ………..

We commit ourselves to nurture, protect and safeguard all our members, particularly our children and young people.

We recognise that our work with children and young people is the responsibility of the whole church community.

We accept and endorse the principles of the Children Act 1989 and the House of Bishops’ Policy Statement (1999) and the Diocesan Guidelines.

We undertake to exercise proper care in both the selection and appointment, and the support, of those working with children, whether paid or volunteer.

We wish to support parents and carers who have responsibility for bringing up children.

A copy of the House of Bishop's Policy and the Diocesan Guidelines, Better Safe than Sorry is held by………………………………………..……………...

…………………………………………………………. as a member of the PCC has been appointed to monitor compliance of these policies and procedures

The pcc shall review this policy annually.

Signed:

Vicar/Rector/Priest in Charge

Churchwarden

Churchwarden

Dated:

[B] Information for those Undertaking Work with Children [2]

It is important that each parish maintains – and retains - adequate records on everyone working with children.

Information as set out in the House of Bishops’ Policy for those working with children and young people – to be provided, in most cases, by the pcc.

1. “The office, post or position for which you have applied or currently hold or the work for which you have volunteered or are currently doing gives opportunities for substantial unsupervised contact with children and/or young people under the age of 18 years. In accordance with the House of Bishops’ Policy Document on Child Protection, you are therefore required to complete the enclosed declaration and return them to the person designated at the end of this form.

2. Under the provisions relating to work with children and young people in the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Exemptions) Order 1975, you are not entitled to withhold information about convictions which for other purposes are ‘spent’ under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. You are required to provide such information in relation to any offence which is within Schedule 1 to the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 or the Schedule to the Disqualification for Caring for Children Regulations 1991 and certain other serious sexual offences. Details of which offences are covered appear in Appendix 1E to the House of Bishops’ Policy Statement. A copy of the Policy Statement will be supplied to you on request to the person designated at the end of the form.

3. If you do not complete the form, or do not disclose a conviction or any other relevant information, this may lead to your not receiving the appointment, licence, permission or approval you are seeking or to it being terminated or withdrawn.

4. The information will be treated as strictly confidential. It will be seen only by the person designated at the end of the form, those acting on his or her behalf and, if that person is not the diocesan bishop, by the bishop and those acting on his behalf. No information in it will be disclosed except where there is a legal duty to do so. Or where the person designated at the end of this form (or the diocesan bishop if he is not the person designated) is advised by the Bishop’s Adviser for Child Protection that disclosure ought to take place in order to ensure the protection of children.

5. Except in the case of voluntary workers, the information given will be checked against the Index of the Department of Health’s Consultancy Service, which is a service for checking the suitability of a proposed appointee to a post involving substantial unsupervised contact with children. If any circumstances are identified (other than through the check with the Consultancy Service) in which your conduct has caused significant harm to a child or young person, or placed the welfare of a child or young person at risk of significant harm, then in accordance with the House of Bishops’ Policy, your name may be referred for inclusion in the Index. All individuals who are placed on the Index in this way are informed in writing and advised of the nature of the allegations made against them, in order for them to have an opportunity to make representations where appropriate.

6. If you have any questions regarding the declaration, then please ask the person designated on the form, the Diocesan Children’s Adviser or the Bishops’ Adviser for Child Protection for your Area.

You are now asked to complete the Appointment / Declaration Form and return it with your birth certificate (which will be sent back to you in due course).”

[C] Appointment & Declaration Form

The Diocese of Oxford

Berkshire Buckinghamshire Oxfordshire

DECLARATION FORM FOR THOSE VOLUNTEERING FOR WORK WITH CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

IN THE PARISH OF ____________________________________________________

This form is strictly confidential and, except under compulsion of law, will be seen only by the Incumbent or Priest in Charge, Churchwardens and those acting on the Bishop’s behalf.

1. Name …………………………………………………………………..

Address: ....................................................................................... .……

……………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………

Post Code:……………… Telephone No: ................................. ..

2. Group with which you intend to work

The name of the group: ...............................................................................

Where/when they meet: ..............................................................................

How often:………………………………..Age range:

What will your responsibilities be? ...............................................................

..........................................................................................................................

3. Suitability of Workers

Official guidance issued following the Children Act 1989 indicates that local authorities would take the following factors into consideration when deciding whether a person is fit to work with children and young people:

· Previous experience of looking after or working with young children or young people.

· If there is no previous experience or qualification in a relevant field, the worker should be willing to undertake training within the first 12 months.

· Ability to provide warm and consistent care.

· A willingness to respect the background and culture of children in their care.

· Commitment to treat all children and young people as individuals and with equal concern.

· Physical health, mental stability, integrity and flexibility.

You are asked therefore to complete the following:

Have you previous experience of looking after or working with children or young people? (If yes, please give details)

Have you a relevant qualification or undertaken appropriate training? (If yes, please give details)

4. References

Please provide the names and address of two people who have known you for at least two years and who would be able to provide a personal reference

A) ………………………………………. B) ……………………………………..

………………………………………. ……………………………………..

………………………………………. ……………………………………..

PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE –

CONFIDENTIAL DECLARATION

1a. Have you ever been convicted of any criminal offence[3]?

Yes q No q Please tick

If yes, please state the nature and date(s) of the offence(s), continuing on a separate sheet if necessary.

1b. Have you ever been cautioned by the police or bound over to keep the peace?

Yes q No q Please tick

If yes, please give full details, continuing on a separate sheet if necessary

1c. Have you ever been found by a court exercising civil jurisdiction (including matrimonial or family jurisdiction) to have caused significant harm[4] to a child or young person under the age of 18 years? or has any such court made any order against you on the basis of any finding or allegation that any child or young person was at risk of significant harm² from you?

Yes q No q Please tick

If yes, please give full details, continuing on a separate sheet if necessary.

2. Has your conduct ever caused or been likely to cause significant harm² to a child or young person under the age of 18, or put a child or young person at risk of significant harm, or to your knowledge has it ever been alleged that your conduct has resulted in any of those things. (This question relates to any conduct, whether in a paid capacity, as a voluntary worker, or otherwise.)

Yes q No q Please tick

If yes, please give full details, including the date(s) and nature of the conduct or alleged conduct, and whether you were dismissed, disciplined, moved to other work or resigned from any paid or voluntary work as a result. Please continue on a separate sheet if necessary.

3. Has a child in your care or for whom you have or had parental responsibility ever been removed from your care, been placed on the Child Protection Register or been the subject of a care order, a supervision order, a child assessment order or an emergency protection order under the Children Act 1989, or a similar order under other legislation?

Yes q No q Please tick

If yes, please give full details, continuing on a separate sheet if necessary.

4. Have you any health problem(s) which might affect your work with children or young people under the age of 18?

Yes q No q Please tick

If yes, please give full details, continuing on a separate sheet if necessary.

5. Have you since the age of 18, ever been known by any name other than the one given below?

Yes q No q Please tick

If yes give full details.

6. Have you, during the past five years, had any home address other than that given below?

Yes q No q Please tick

If yes, please give full details, continuing on a separate sheet if necessary.

DECLARATION

I declare that the above information *and that on the attached sheets is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.

Signed …………………………………………….Date .................................

Full Name .........................................................................................................

Address ............................................................................................................

Date of Birth .....................................................................................................

I am attaching my birth certificate * Please delete if not applicable

Please return the completed form to:

[D] References: suggested questions for referees

Make references work by –

· Asking specific questions

· Making sure referees reply

· Following up replies that appear cautious or evasive

Suggested questions:

(a) What is your relationship to the applicant and how long – and how well – have you known them?

(b) With your knowledge of the applicant/volunteer, please comment on his/her suitability for work with children and young people. Please include comments about his/her honesty, reliability, health.

(c) Do you know of any matter, suspicion, report or allegation which make their work with children and young people unwise?

(d) What do you consider to be the applicant’s strengths and gifts? What do you like most about them?

(e) If you were considering their application to work with children and young people, would you take them on?

If you want us to treat what you say as confidential, and not to share it with the applicant, please tick here ¨

[E] Registration Requirements under the Children Act (1989)

The Children Act 1989 introduced new regulations and recommendations for statutory and voluntary bodies that run facilities for the under eight’s.

Although only certain groups have to register with the local authority, the recommendations of the latter should be considered by all groups wishing to provide a safe and secure environment for children and young people. Contact the Registration & Inspection Unit of your local council’s Social Services Department for further information and advice.

Registration

Groups that meet for more than two hours in any one day or for total of more than six days a year, e.g. a holiday club or course, must register with the local authority. Local authorities are asked to encourage and advise groups so that they can be registered. Registration includes standards for leaders as well as premises, and tries to ensure that children do not come into contact with unfit people who may also be using the premises. Even if your group does not need to register it is advisable to follow as many of the requirements as possible.

Staffing levels

These are the minimum required staffing levels for children's groups. For some activities a higher ratio of children to adults will be necessary.

0 - 2 years	1 leader for every 3 children	1:3
2 - 3 years	1 leader for every 4 children	1:4
3 - 8 years	1 leader for every 8 children	1:8
over 8 years	1 leader for the first 8 children and then one extra leader for every extra 12 children

Each group should have at least two adults and it is recommended that where possible a gender balance between workers is maintained..........................................................................................................

Premises

Space

At least 2.3 square metres of unencumbered space per child. Some local authorities give a maximum number of children permitted in any one room.

Toilets ·

1 toilet and 1 hand basin per 10 children is ideal. Try not to use roller towels.

Play area

A safe outdoor area is recommended if children meet for more than four hours. A quiet area is also useful.

Warmth and cleanliness

Meeting places should be warm, well lit and well ventilated and of course kept clean.

Food Preparation

If you regularly prepare food for children on the premises the facilities will need to be checked by the environmental health officer and a Food Handling and Hygiene certificate is required. Children's packed lunches should be kept refrigerated. Drinks should always be available.

Special Needs

Welcome children and young people with special needs to your group. Try to make the premises and toilets accessible to people with disabilities.

Health and safety

· There must be access to a telephone (possibly a mobile) on the premises.

· Adults should be aware of the fire procedure. Fire extinguishers must be regularly checked and a fire drill carried out. Smoke detectors should be fitted. Emergency exits mus