Annalong Christian Fellowship

We, the Pastors and Congregation at Annalong Christian Fellowship are committed to providing a safe environment for all our members within the Church, both in its activities and programmes. We accept and recognize the responsibility to protect our members from harm.

Annalong Christian Fellowship accepts that in all matters concerning child protection the welfare and protection of the child is of paramount consideration.

It is the policy of ACF to safeguard the welfare of children and all others involved in its activities by protecting them from physical, sexual and emotional harm.

All adults involved in ACF and its activities are required to follow the Church’s code of behavior. They must be familiar with all aspects of the child protection policy.

Everyone registering to work with children in the church will be required to disclose all convictions, whether spent or not. Checks will be made on all adults who have not already been the subject of vetting by any other Youth Agency.

All adults involved are required to follow the Church’s code of conduct; they must also be familiar with the steps to be taken in the event of becoming aware of, suspecting or receiving allegations of abuse. (Details listed below)

Anyone convicted of an offense involving abuse or causing harm to children will be subject to disciplinary action which will be dealt with by the appropriate bodies.

Duty of Care

If you suspect a child is being abused……..
• Immediately tell the church pastors
• Record all the facts as you know them and give a copy to the pastors
• Ensure the child has access to an independent adult.

If the child discloses to you abuse by someone else……….
• Allow the child to speak without interruption, accepting what is said.
• Alleviate feelings of guilt and isolation, while passing no judgment.
• Advise that you will try to offer support, but that you must pass the information on.
• Follow steps 1-3 above.

If you receive an allegation about any adult or about yourself……
• Immediately tell your pastors
• Record the facts as you know them and give a copy to the pastors
• Try to ensure no one is placed in a position which could cause further compromise.

YOU MUST REFER; YOU MUST NOT INVESTIGATE

Codes of conduct.

It doesn’t make sense too ……..
• Spend excessive amounts of time alone with children away from others.
• Take children alone in a car journey, however short.
• Take children to their home.
• If occasions arise where these things are unavoidable it should only be with the full consent of someone in charge or the organization or the child’s parents.

Staff and volunteers should never…..

• Engage in rough physical play including horseplay – apart from structured sports activities.
• Engage in sexually provocative games.
• Allow or engage in inappropriate language unchallenged.
• Make sexually suggestive comments about or to a\child even in fun.
• Let allegations a child makes go unchallenged or unrecorded.
• Do things of a personal nature for children that they can do themselves.

In some cases it may be necessary for staff and volunteers to do things of a personal nature for children, particularly if they are young or are children with disabilities. These tasks should only be carried out with the full understanding and consent of parents. In an emergency situation which requires this type of help, parents should be fully informed.

In such situations it is important that you as a volunteer or member of ACF are sensitive to the child and undertake personal care tasks with the utmost discretion.

Some DO’S AND DON’T’S

• DO treat everyone with respect.
• DO provide an example you wish others to follow.
• DO plan activities so that they involve more than one other person being present or at least in sight or hearing of others.
• DO respect a young person’s right to personal privacy.
• DO provide access for young people and adults to feel comfortable enough to point out attitudes or behavior they do not like and provide a caring atmosphere.
• DO remember that someone else might misinterpret your actions, no matter how well intentioned.

• DO NOT permit abusive youth peer activities?
• DO NOT play physical contact games with young people.
• DO NOT have inappropriate physical or verbal contact with others
• DO NOT jump to conclusions about others without checking facts.
• DO NOT show favoritism to any individual.
• DO NOT rely on your good name to protect you – it may not be enough.

Recording Information.

When recording allegations or suspicions of abuse it is important to record the facts at the time of receiving information or suspicion arising.

Signed.

…………………………                               …………………………………….
(Tom Guist)                                         (Nicki Guist)
   Pastor                                                  Pastor          

Declaration.

I ……………………………….. As a member or volunteer of ACF have read and understood the policy and will adhere to the above points. I understand that failure to comply with the policy could result in disciplinary measures.

Sign…………………………………………………………………………………..

Date …………………………………………………………………..