POLICY REVISION IMPLEMENTED ON 01/06/2022
DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING OFFICERS
Name: Richard Clements Signature __________________
Name: Lois Moore Signature ________________
SAFEGUARDING TEAM
Name: David Lowe Signature __________________
Name: Lois Moore Signature __________________
Name: Ollie Hearn Signature __________________
Name: Annette Ochola Signature_________________
Name: Cath Cameron Signature________________
Name: Samuel Luak Signature________________
Name: Hudson Ebenezer Signature_________________
Policy review date 01/04/2023
CHURCH DETAILS
Woodside Church (hereafter, “The Church”)
Woodside Christian Centre, Dover Crescent, Bedford, MK41 8QH
Woodside Church is a member of the Evangelical Alliance and works in association with Newfrontiers.
Registered Name: Woodside Church
Charity Number: 1186318
Company Number: 12279065
CHURCH STATEMENT
The church has a growing ministry with children, young people and vulnerable adults. The Leadership Team (hereafter, “the LT”) takes seriously its responsibility to protect and safeguard the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults entrusted to the church’s care.
CHURCH MISSION
As part of the mission, the LT is committed to:
AREAS OF POLICY
The LT recognises that many children, young people and vulnerable adults today are the victims of neglect, physical, sexual and emotional abuse. Accordingly, the LT has adopted the policy contained in this document, (hereafter “the policy”). The policy sets out agreed guidelines relating to the following areas:
The LT recognises the need to build constructive links with safeguarding agencies.
The local Multi Agency Support Hub (MASH) is available for all who are implementing this policy - this is to access the Bedford Borough Safeguarding team. The telephone number between 9.00am and 5.00pm is 01234 718700, the out of hours number known as the Emergency Duty Team is 0300 300 8123.
The content of the policy has formed the basis of training for all children, youth and vulnerable adult workers in the church. The LT is committed to an on-going training program for all such workers.
TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
There are four types of child abuse. They are defined in the UK Government guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ (2020) https://assets.publishing.serv... as follows:
1. PHYSICAL ABUSE
2. EMOTIONAL ABUSE
3. SEXUAL ABUSE
4. NEGLECT
PHYSICAL ABUSE:
A form of abuse which may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces, illness in a child.
EMOTIONAL ABUSE:
Emotional abuse: the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to a child that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It may include not giving the child opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them or ‘making fun’ of what they say or how they communicate. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. These may include interactions that are beyond a child’s developmental capability as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing the child participating in normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. It may involve serious bullying (including cyberbullying), causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, although it may occur alone
SEXUAL ABUSE:
Involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways or grooming a child in preparation for abuse. Sexual abuse can take place online, and technology can be used to facilitate offline abuse. Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children. The sexual abuse of children by other children is a specific safeguarding issue in education
NEGLECT:
The persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development.
Neglect may occur during pregnancy, for example, as a result of maternal substance abuse. Once a child is born, neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to: provide adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment); protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger; ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate care-givers); or ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment. It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs.
BULLYING
Bullying may be defined as deliberately hurtful behavior, usually repeated over a period of time, where it is difficult for those bullied to defend themselves. It can take many forms, but the three main types are physical (e.g. hitting, kicking, theft), verbal (e.g. racist or homophobic remarks, threats, name calling) and emotional (e.g. isolating an individual from the activities and social acceptance of their peer group). The damage inflicted by bullying can frequently be underestimated. It can cause considerable distress to children and vulnerable adults to the extent that it affects their health and development or, at the extreme, cause them significant harm (including self-harm). All settings in which children or vulnerable adults are provided with services or are living away from home should have in place rigorously enforced anti-bullying strategies.
It is possible that a person may suffer more than one category of abuse.
In addition to the four types of abuse, Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) and Peer on Peer abuse are also clearly defined as below.
Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)
Both CSE and CCE are forms of abuse and both occur where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance in power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child into sexual or criminal activity. Whilst age may be the most obvious, this power imbalance can also be due to a range of other factors including gender, sexual identity, cognitive ability, physical strength, status, and access to economic or other resources. In some cases, the abuse will be in exchange for something the victim needs or wants and/or will be to the financial benefit or other advantage (such as increased status) of the perpetrator or facilitator. The abuse can be perpetrated by individuals or groups, males or females, and children or adults. The abuse can be a one-off occurrence or a series of incidents over time and range from opportunistic to complex organised abuse. It can involve force and/or enticement-based methods of compliance and may, or may not, be accompanied by violence or threats of violence. Victims can be exploited even when activity appears consensual and it should be noted exploitation as well as being physical can be facilitated and/or take place online.
Peer on peer abuse
All staff should be aware that children can abuse other children (often referred to as peer-on-peer abuse). This is most likely to include, but may not be limited to:
• bullying (including cyberbullying);
• physical abuse such as hitting, kicking, shaking, biting, hair pulling, or otherwise causing physical harm; • sexual violence, such as rape, assault by penetration and sexual assault.
• sexual harassment, such as sexual comments, remarks, jokes and online sexual harassment, which may be stand-alone or part of a broader pattern of abuse.
• upskirting, which typically involves taking a picture under a person’s clothing without them knowing, with the intention of viewing their genitals or buttocks to obtain sexual gratification, or cause the victim humiliation, distress or alarm.
• sexting (also known as youth produced sex)
DEFINITIONS OF ABUSE (VULNERABLE ADULTS)
For the purposes of this policy, these definitions have been taken from ‘The Office of the Public Guardian’ model policy: https://www.gov.uk/government/...
ABUSE
This includes assault, hitting, slapping, pushing, giving the wrong (or no) medication, restraining someone or only letting them do certain things at certain times.
DOMESTIC
This includes psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional abuse. It also covers so-called ‘honor’ based violence.
SEXUAL
This includes rape, indecent exposure, sexual harassment, inappropriate looking or touching, sexual teasing or innuendo, taking sexual photographs, making someone look at pornography or watch sexual acts, sexual assault or sexual acts the adult didn’t consent to or was pressured into consenting.
PSYCHOLOGICAL
This includes emotional abuse, threats of harm or abandonment, depriving someone of contact with someone else, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, putting pressure on someone to do something, harassment, verbal abuse, cyber bullying, isolation or unreasonable and unjustified withdrawal of services or support networks.
FINANCIAL OR MATERIAL
This includes theft, fraud, internet scamming, putting pressure on someone about their financial arrangements (including wills, property, inheritance or financial transactions) or the misuse or stealing of property, possessions or benefits.
MODERN SLAVERY
This covers slavery (including domestic slavery), human trafficking and forced labour. Traffickers and slave masters use whatever they can to pressurise, deceive and force individuals into a life of abuse and inhumane treatment.
DISCRIMINATORY
This includes types of harassment or insults because of someone’s race, gender or gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
ORGANISATIONAL
This includes neglect and poor care in an institution or care setting such as a hospital or care home, or if an organisation provides care in someone’s home. The abuse can be a one-off incident or repeated, on-going ill treatment. The abuse can be through neglect or poor professional practice, which might be because of structure, policies, processes and practices within an organisation.
NEGLECT AND ACTS OF OMISSION
This includes ignoring medical, emotional or physical care needs, failure to provide access to educational services, or not giving someone what they need to help them live, such as medication, enough nutrition and heating.
SELF-NEGLECT
This covers a wide range of behaviour which shows that someone isn’t caring for their own personal hygiene, health or surroundings. It includes behaviour such as hoarding.
SPIRITUAL ABUSE
Spiritual Abuse is defined as: “Coercion and control of one individual by another in a spiritual context. The target experiences spiritual abuse as a deeply emotional personal attack. This abuse may include: -manipulation and exploitation, enforced accountability, censorship of decision making, requirements for secrecy and silence, pressure to conform, misuse of scripture or using the pulpit to control behaviour, requirement of obedience to the abuser, the suggestion that the abuser has a ‘divine’ position, isolation from others, especially those external to the abusive context.” (Oakley, 2013 in Oakley & Kinmond, 2013 p21).
POSSIBLE INDICATORS OF ABUSE
Everybody who works with children and vulnerable adults should be able to recognise, and know how to act upon, indicators that a person’s welfare or safety may be at risk. Recognising abuse is not easy, even for individuals who have experience of working in this area as there can be various explanations for the possible indicators of abuse. Any concerns should be immediately discussed with the relevant person who will be able to assess the situation. Warning signs, which may alert you to the possibility of abuse, can include visual indicators, behavioural indicators, verbal indicators or a combination of all three.
The following signs may or may not be indicators that abuse has taken place, but the possibility should be considered.
POSSIBLE SIGNS OF PHYSICAL ABUSE
POSSIBLE SIGNS OF NEGLECT
INDICATORS OF POSSIBLE SEXUAL ABUSE
POSSIBLE SIGNS OF EMOTIONAL ABUSE
POSSIBLE INDICATORS OF ABUSE (VULNERABLE ADULTS)
POSSIBLE INDICATORS OF PHYSICAL ABUSE
• No explanation for injuries or inconsistency with the account of what happened
• Injuries are inconsistent with the person’s lifestyle
• Bruising, cuts, welts, burns and/or marks on the body or loss of hair in clumps
• Frequent injuries
• Unexplained falls
• Subdued or changed behaviour in the presence of a particular person
• Signs of malnutrition
• Failure to seek medical treatment or frequent changes of GP
POSSIBLE INDICATORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OR ABUSE
• Low self-esteem
• Feeling that the abuse is their fault when it is not
• Physical evidence of violence such as bruising, cuts, broken bones
• Verbal abuse and humiliation in front of others
• Fear of outside intervention
• Damage to home or property
• Isolation – not seeing friends and family
• Limited access to money
POSSIBLE INDICATORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE
• Bruising, particularly to the thighs, buttocks and upper arms and marks on the neck
• Torn, stained or bloody underclothing
• Bleeding, pain or itching in the genital area
• Unusual difficulty in walking or sitting
• Foreign bodies in genital or rectal openings
• Infections, unexplained genital discharge, or sexually transmitted diseases
• Pregnancy in a woman who is unable to consent to sexual intercourse
• The uncharacteristic use of explicit sexual language or significant changes in sexual behaviour or attitude
• Incontinence not related to any medical diagnosis
• Self-harming
• Poor concentration, withdrawal, sleep disturbance
• Excessive fear/apprehension of, or withdrawal from, relationships
• Fear of receiving help with personal care
• Reluctance to be alone with a particular person
POSSIBLE INDICATORS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL OR EMOTIONAL ABUSE
• An air of silence when a particular person is present
• Withdrawal or change in the psychological state of the person
• Insomnia
• Low self-esteem
• Uncooperative and aggressive behaviour
• A change of appetite, weight loss/gain
• Signs of distress: tearfulness, anger
• Apparent false claims, by someone involved with the person, to attract unnecessary treatment
POSSIBLE INDICATORS OF FINANCIAL OR MATERIAL ABUSE
• Missing personal possessions
• Unexplained lack of money or inability to maintain lifestyle
• Unexplained withdrawal of funds from accounts
• Power of attorney or lasting power of attorney (LPA) being obtained after the person has ceased to have mental capacity
• Failure to register an LPA after the person has ceased to have mental capacity to manage their finances, so that it appears that they are continuing to do so
• The person allocated to manage financial affairs is evasive or uncooperative
• The family or others show unusual interest in the assets of the person
• Signs of financial hardship in cases where the person’s financial affairs are being managed by a court appointed deputy, attorney or LPA
• Recent changes in deeds or title to property
• Rent arrears and eviction notices
• A lack of clear financial accounts held by a care home or service
• Failure to provide receipts for shopping or other financial transactions carried out on behalf of the person
• Disparity between the person’s living conditions and their financial resources, e.g. insufficient food in the house
• Unnecessary property repairs
POSSIBLE INDICATORS OF MODERN SLAVERY
• Signs of physical or emotional abuse
• Appearing to be malnourished, unkempt or withdrawn
• Isolation from the community, seeming under the control or influence of others
• Living in dirty, cramped or overcrowded accommodation and or living and working at the same address
• Lack of personal effects or identification documents
• Always wearing the same clothes
• Avoidance of eye contact, appearing frightened or hesitant to talk to strangers
• Fear of law enforcers
POSSIBLE INDICATORS OF DISCRIMINATORY ABUSE
• The person appears withdrawn and isolated
• Expressions of anger, frustration, fear or anxiety
• The support on offer does not take account of the person’s individual needs in terms of a protected characteristic
POSSIBLE INDICATORS OF ORGANISATIONAL OR INSTITUTIONAL ABUSE
• Lack of flexibility and choice for people using the service
• Inadequate staffing levels
• People being hungry or dehydrated
• Poor standards of care
• Lack of personal clothing and possessions and communal use of personal items
• Lack of adequate procedures
• Poor record-keeping and missing documents
• Absence of visitors
• Few social, recreational and educational activities
• Public discussion of personal matters
• Unnecessary exposure during bathing or using the toilet
• Absence of individual care plans
• Lack of management overview and support
POSSIBLE INDICATORS OF NEGLECT AND ACTS OF OMISSION
• Poor environment – dirty or unhygienic
• Poor physical condition and/or personal hygiene
• Pressure sores or ulcers
• Malnutrition or unexplained weight loss
• Untreated injuries and medical problems
• Inconsistent or reluctant contact with medical and social care organisations
• Accumulation of untaken medication
• Uncharacteristic failure to engage in social interaction
• Inappropriate or inadequate clothing
INDICATORS OF SELF-NEGLECT
• Very poor personal hygiene
• Unkempt appearance
• Lack of essential food, clothing or shelter
• Malnutrition and/or dehydration
• Living in squalid or unsanitary conditions
• Neglecting household maintenance
• Hoarding
• Collecting a large number of animals in inappropriate conditions
• Non-compliance with health or care services
• Inability or unwillingness to take medication or treat illness or injury
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT THAT ABUSE MAY HAVE OCCURRED
Richard Clements
Samuel Luak
Lois Moore
David Lowe
The new on-call phone number is 07935543073.
ALLEGATIONS OF PHYSICAL INJURY OR NEGLECT TO A CHILD
If a child has a physical injury or symptom of neglect, which Richard Clements or Hudson Ebenezer considers could / is potentially putting that child in immediate danger they will:
ALLEGATIONS OF PHYSICAL INJURY OR NEGLECT TO A VULNERABLE ADULT
If a vulnerable adult has a physical injury or symptoms of neglect, the Safeguarding Leaders will:
1. Ask the individual’s consent to inform the Police or to seek medical attention if needed.
2. If the abuse is also a crime, call the police (regardless of whether consent is given) or an ambulance if medical attention is urgently required. Abuse which is also a crime can be: assault, racial harassment, rape or theft. You can call the police on (9)101(non- emergencies) or (9) 999 (in the case of emergency)
3. Write down what is said as soon as possible on the same day. Use the concern form 7a (children) or 7b (Adults) to report the exact words the alleged victim said or write exactly what you saw. Use only objective factual observations if reporting what you have seen (do not speculate). This form can be found in the reception area of Woodside Church.
ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL ABUSE TO A CHILD
In the event of allegations or suspicions of sexual abuse, then Richard Clements, Hudson Ebenezer or Safeguarding Leaders will:
ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL ABUSE TO A VULNERABLE ADULT
If in the event of a sexual abuse allegation, this should be immediately reported to Richard Clements or Hudson Ebenezer they will then:
1. Ask the individual’s consent to inform the Police or to seek medical attention if needed.
2. If the abuse is also a crime, call the police (regardless of whether consent is given) or an ambulance if medical attention is urgently required. Abuse which is also a crime can be: assault, racial harassment, rape or theft. You can call the police on (9) 101 or (9) 999 in an emergency.
3. Write down what is said as soon as possible on the same day. Use the concern form 7b to report the exact words the alleged victim said or write exactly what you saw. Use only objective factual observations if reporting what you have seen (do not speculate). This form can be found in the reception area of Woodside Church
HOW TO RESPOND TO A CHILD OR VULNERABLE ADULT WANTING TO TALK ABOUT ABUSE
It is not easy to give precise guidance, but the following may help:
GENERAL POINTS
HELPFUL THINGS YOU MAY SAY
DON’T SAY
CONCLUDING
WHAT TO DO ONCE A CHILD / VULNERABLE ADULT HAS TALKED TO YOU ABOUT ABUSE:
THE PROCEDURE
SUICIDAL THOUGHTS OR INTENTION
If any young person or adult has talked about their intention to commit suicide then these concerns should be reported as a matter of urgency to your team leader, who will refer to, in the first instance to Richard Clements or Hudson Ebenezer. In the absence or unavailability of Richard Clements or Hudson Ebenezer, it is important to immediately report the concerns to one of the Safeguarding team Leaders. If it is not possible to contact anyone from the Safeguarding team then consideration should be made to contact NHS 111 option 2 and discuss the concerns with the duty staff or police if there is immediate risk of an adult or child committing suicide. The child’s parent/carer should be informed as a matter of urgency.
If the matter is in relation to suicidal thoughts and involves a child or vulnerable adult, the concerns should be reported as a matter of urgency to your team leader, who will refer to, in the first instance to Richard Clements or Hudson Ebenezer. In the absence or unavailability of Richard Clements or Hudson Ebenezer, it is important to immediately report the concerns to one of the Safeguarding team Leaders. The child’s parent/carer should be informed as a matter of urgency.
WORKING WITH OFFENDERS
Where someone attending the church is known to have a conviction or convictions of violence or sexual harm to children or adults, a person who is accused of a violent or sexual offence or a person whose behaviour is of concern and they have ignored advice then whilst extending friendship to the individual, the LT in its commitment to the protection of all vulnerable people will meet with the individual and discuss boundaries that the person will be expected to keep.
At least two members of the LT and one of the Safeguarding Leaders with meet with the person and or professionals and establish boundaries for the conduct of the individual laid down in a signed contract (Form 6).
Writing and managing a contract with;
STAGE 1 – CALLING A MEETING
The person of concern needs to be invited to attend a meeting with a small group of people who may have professional expertise (police, social worker, prison officer, probation). If this is not possible, the attendees need to be people who are interested in supporting but also monitoring the person of concern. If the person is on the Sex Offenders or Violent and Sex Offenders Register, the police liaison officer can be invited to the meeting.
STAGE 2 – CHURCH ACTIVITIES
A list needs to be made of all the activities which take place in the church building and are the responsibility of the church. This will be all the mid-week groups as well as the Sunday Services, but not the meetings which are leased by outside organisations or freely given to other organisations.
STAGE 3 – RISK ASSESSMENT
Go through all the meetings and state which the person can attend (such as a concert), cannot attend at all (tea and toddlers or a social group for adults with disabilities), or can attend with supervision (worship).
STAGE 4 – THE CONTRACT
State which groups the person cannot attend and should not be in the building. State which groups the person can attend and what the supervision arrangements are. The contract must be signed by the person and all attendees.
STAGE 5 – REVIEW MEETING
The next meeting is arranged and there is discussion about how the terms of the contract have been adhered to, whether there have been any breaches (if so, any statutory authorities must be informed) and whether the terms of the contract need to be changed.
HELPING VICTIMS OF ABUSE
The Church is committed to supporting victims of abuse, and encouraging them in their faith
WHISTLE BLOWING
In the event that a safeguarding concern has not been dealt with or it is felt that the concern has not been dealt with properly and effectively then it needs to be brought to the attention of the Woodside Trustees or Bedford Borough Safeguarding Team.
FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION (FGM)
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), also sometimes known as 'female circumcision', is illegal in the UK, and includes all procedures involving the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or any other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
FGM is usually carried out on young girls between infancy and the age of 15, most commonly before puberty starts and the procedures are mostly done outside of the UK. The practice is medically unnecessary, extremely painful and has serious health consequences, both at the time when the mutilation is carried out and in later life.
The practice is common to certain traditions and cultural beliefs, and where it is still practised incidents are more commonly found amongst faith communities.
FGM is now covered in the Woodside Safeguard training and when responding to a concern or incident of abuse, it's important not to lose sight of the person involved. Their welfare must be the first consideration at all times.
Even if a concern seems relatively minor it is important to bear in mind that it could be just the tip of the iceberg.
It's also important to ensure that any workers who are dealing with allegations of abuse are given adequate support and it is important that if you have any concerns then you notify a safeguarding lead as soon as possible. If a concern is raised in regards to FGM the matter should be brought to the attention of the team leader who intern should inform the safeguarding team. FGM is a crime and any concerns will be subject to review by the safeguarding team and consideration given to raise the matter with the police and Child/adult Safeguarding team.
INDECENT IMAGES (BEING SENT ONE)
It is important that if you (as a ministry area leader) are sent an indecent image then you must report this to the Police immediately and also report it to a designated safeguarding lead as soon as possible,
It is important to preserve evidence so if a screenshot can be taken of an image that can be deleted, then this should be carried out to preserve evidence. Sending of any indecent images is a criminal offence so it is vital that this image is not circulated to another member of staff or designated safeguard lead. You can always contact 31.8 for advice 0303 003 11 11
APPOINTMENT OF WORKERS
In appointing workers, the Church will be responsible for the following:
a. Christian background and experienceb. Previous experience of working with childrenc. Any medical conditions which may affect work with children.d. Made aware of the Safeguarding and Social Media Policy
16. Employed workers will be given a contract on appointment.
17. When employing any staff on a paid basis at Woodside Church, there will be at least one person present on the interview panel that will have completed the ‘Safer Recruitment Training’.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUPERVISION OF GROUP/CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES
(SPECIFIC TO CHILDREN)
All the young people and children’s groups use these guidelines to help protect workers and young people/children in their activities both in and out of Woodside Christian Centre.
The following table shows recommended adult to child ratios.
CHILD'S AGE | AMOUNT OF ADULTS | AMOUNT OF CHILDREN |
0- (Creche) | 1 | 3 |
3 - 4 (Excite) | 1 | 4 |
5-8 (Engage) | 1 | 8 |
9-12 (Power house) | 1 | 8 |
13-18 (Equip) | 1 | 10 |
10. Permission must be sought and received from parents of young people who are receiving discipline or counselling from a youth leader
11. With regards to any use of technology and social media - please refer to the Woodside Church Social Media Policy
12. Discipline of children during children’s work is carried out using the guidelines outlined in Appendix1
USE OF BUILDING BY OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS
Woodside Church occasionally permits the use of the building by other churches or organisations for work with children or young people under the age of sixteen. Permission will be granted at the discretion of the LT. A copy of the organisation’s safeguarding policy will need to be obtained before permission is granted.
TRAINING
All paid and volunteer workers will attend Safeguard training every other year. A record of those trained will be kept centrally. Each mission area lead will be responsible for carrying out safeguard training of their respective teams and for ensuring that each team member is DBS cleared prior to their paid or voluntary work placement.
REFERENCE
This policy is prepared following the principles set out in the Home Office publications Safe from Harm: A code of practice for safeguarding the welfare of children in voluntary organisations in England and Wales and Caring for young people and the vulnerable: Guidance for preventing abuse of trust.
Copies of these publications and this policy document can be obtained from the Church office.
APPENDIX 1
GUIDELINES FOR DISCIPLINE FOR CHURCH WORKERS CARING FOR CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE AND VULNERABLE ADULTS
Discipline is the education of a person’s character. It includes nurturing, training, instruction, chastisement, verbal rebuke, teaching and encouragement. It brings security, produces character, prepares for life, is evidence of love and is God’s heart. (Hebrews 12:5-12 and Proverbs 22:6)
Ask God for wisdom, discernment and understanding and pray for the vulnerable person.
Work on each individual person’s positives, do not compare them with each other, but encourage and build them up, giving them responsibility for simple tasks.
Build healthy relationships with children and vulnerable adults and be a good role model, setting a good example. You can’t expect someone to observe ground rules if you break them yourself.
Take care to give quieter and well-mannered children and vulnerable adults attention and don’t allow any -one person to constantly take all your time and energy.
SPECIFIC TO CHILDREN
Be consistent in what you say and ensure that other team members know what you have said - this avoids manipulation.
Look honestly at your program – if children are bored, they misbehave. Is the program at fault?
NEVER smack or hit a child and don’t shout – change voice tone if necessary.
Discipline out of love NEVER anger. (Call on support from other leaders if you feel you may deal with the situation unwisely in your anger.)
Lay down ground rules e.g., no swearing, racism or bullying, a respect for property, and make sure the children understand what action will be taken if not kept.
Each child is unique, special and individual, and each child needs a different method of being dealt with. We need to ask why the child is behaving that way.
Separate children who have a tendency to be disruptive when together. Give them a chance, warn them and only separate if they are disruptive as a last resort.
Have the child sit right in front of you or get a helper to sit next to the child.
Be pro-active and encourage helpers to be pro-active and not wait to be told to deal with a situation.
Take the child aside and talk to them, challenge them to change, whilst encouraging them on their strengths.
Warn a child that you will speak to their parents and do so if necessary. 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 leader and ensure parents are advised in cases of banning.)
If a child’s behavior is constantly disruptive, seek advice and guidance from a leader. Review each session before the next meeting bringing problems to the attention of the group leaders
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