Child Protection Policy


Child Protection Policy

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CHURCH DETAILS

Name:                   OAK TREE ANGLICAN FELLOWSHIP (hereafter, *”The Church” and “OTAF”)

Address:              100 Creffield Road, Acton, W3 9PX

Tel No:                  0208 993 2060

MISSION STATEMENT

The OTAF Steering Group (hereafter called “SG”) recognises the importance of its ministry to children and young people and its responsibility to protect and safeguard the welfare of children and young people entrusted to the church’s care.

As part of its mission, the Church is committed to:

  • Valuing, listening to and respecting children and young people as well as promoting their welfare and protection.
  • Safe recruitment, supervision and training for all the children’s/youth workers within the church.
  • Adopting a procedure for dealing with concerns about possible abuse.
  • Encouraging and supporting parents/carers.
  • Supporting those affected by abuse in the church.
  • Maintaining good links with the statutory childcare authorities and other organisations.

CHURCH POLICY

The SG recognises the need to provide a safe and caring environment for children and young people.  It also acknowledges that children and young people can be the victims of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, and neglect.  The SG has therefore adopted the procedures set out in this document (hereafter “the policy”).  It also recognises the need to build constructive links with statutory and voluntary child protection agencies.  The policy and attached practice guidelines are based on a model published by the Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS).

The SG is committed to on-going child protection training for all children/youth workers and will regularly review the operational guidelines attached.

The SG also undertakes to follow the principles found within the Abuse Of Trust guidance issued by the Home Office and it is therefore unacceptable for those in a position of trust to engage in any behaviour which might allow a sexual relationship to develop for as long as the relationship of trust continues.

RESPONDING TO ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE

Under no circumstances should a worker (staff member or volunteer) carry out their own investigation into the allegation or suspicion of abuse.  The person in receipt of allegations or suspicions of abuse will do the following:

  • Concerns must be reported as soon as possible to Nathalie Stephan (hereafter called the “Co-ordinator”) who is nominated by the SG to act on their behalf in dealing with the allegation or suspicion of neglect or abuse.
  • The Co-ordinator may also be required by conditions of the Church Insurance Policy to immediately inform the Insurance Company.
  • In the absence of the Co-ordinator, or if the suspicions in any way involve the Co-ordinator then the report should be made to Mark Aldridge (hereafter the “Deputy Co-ordinator”). If the suspicions implicate both the Co-ordinator and the Deputy Co-ordinator, then the report should be made in the first instance to the Diocese or alternatively contact Social Services.
  • Suspicions must not be discussed with anyone other than those nominated above. A written record of the concerns should be made in accordance with church procedures and kept in a secure place.
  • Whilst allegations or suspicions of abuse will normally be reported to Co-ordinator, the absence of the Co-ordinator or Deputy Co-ordinator should not delay referral to the Social Services Department.
  • The SG will support the Co-ordinator and Deputy Co-ordinator in their role, and accept that any information they may have in their possession will be shared in a strictly limited way on a need to know basis.
  • It is, of course, the right of any individual as a citizen to make a direct referral to the child protection agencies or seek advice from the diocese, although the SG hopes that members of the church will use this procedure. If, however, the individual with the concern feels that the Co-ordinator and Deputy Co-ordinator has not responded appropriately, or where they have a disagreement with the above persons as to the appropriateness of a referral they are free to contact an outside agency direct.  We hope by making this statement that the SG demonstrates the commitment of the church to effective child protection.

The role of the Co-ordinator and Deputy Co-ordinator is to collate and clarify the precise details of the allegation or suspicion and pass this information on to the Social Services Department. It is Social Services task to investigate the matter under Section 47 of the Children Act 1989.

ALLEGATIONS OF PHYSICAL INJURY OR NEGLECT

If a child has a physical injury or symptom of neglect, the Co-ordinator and Deputy Co-ordinator will:

  • Contact Social Services (or the diocese) for advice in cases of deliberate injury, if concerned about a child’s safety or if a child is afraid to return home.
  • Will not tell the parents or carers unless advised to do so having contacted Social Services.
  • Seek medical help if needed urgently, informing the doctor of any suspicions.
  • For lesser concerns, (e.g. poor parenting), encourage parent/carer to seek help, but not if this places the child at risk of injury.
  • Where the parent/carer is unwilling to seek help, offer to accompany them.  In cases of real concern, if they still fail to act, contact Social Services direct for advice.
  • Seek and follow advice given by the diocese if unsure whether or not to refer a case to Social Services.

ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL ABUSE

In the event of allegations or suspicions of sexual abuse, the Co-ordinator and Deputy Co-ordinator will:

  • Contact the Social Services Department Duty Social Worker for children and families or Police Child Protection Team direct. They will NOT speak to the parent/carer or anyone else.
  • Seek and follow the advice given by the diocese if, for any reason they are unsure whether or not to contact Social Services/Police.

APPOINTMENT, SUPPORT, SUPERVISION & TRAINING OF LEADERS & WORKERS

The SG will ensure all workers will be appointed, trained, supported and supervised in accordance with the principles set out in government guidelines “Safe from Harm” (HMSO 1993), the Criminal Records Bureau and diocese guidance.  The same principles will be applied to those appointed to work with vulnerable adults.

SUPERVISION OF GROUP/CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES

The SG will provide details of the supervision for each specific activity in the church practice guidelines attached.

SUPPORT TO THOSE AFFECTED BY ABUSE

The SG is committed to offering pastoral care, working with statutory agencies as appropriate, and support to those attending the church who have been affected by abuse.

WORKING WITH OFFENDERS

When someone attending the church is known to have abused children, the SG will supervise the individual concerned and offer pastoral care, but in its commitment to the protection of children, set boundaries for that person which they will be expected to keep. The SG commit to informing the Co-ordinator and Deputy Co-ordinator of anyone attending the church who is known to have abused children.