Safeguarding

THE PURPOSE OF THE CODE OF GOOD PRACTICE
Thousands of children visit Church of Ireland premises for worship and for other social, educational and recreational purposes each week. The Church's ministry to them is a priority for the Church and it is only possible because of the commitment of adults who are prepared to work with children. "Safeguarding Trust: The Church of Ireland Code of Good Practice" is designed to protect and to enhance that ministry. "Safeguarding Trust: The Church of Ireland Code of Good Practice" is designed to enable all parties within The Church of Ireland to fulfil their proper responsibilities within this ministry:
		to prromote the well being of children.
		to prevent the physical, sexual and emotional abuse of children.
		to set out the appropriate responses and procedures in the event of abuse taking place.
		to encourage safe practices for those who work with children.
		to safeguard those who work with children from the consequences of unfounded accusations.
DEFINITIONS USED IN THIS DOCUMENT
A number of terms are used quite frequently in this document. In order to make sure that there is no ambiguity about these, the following are some definitions:
		'Children' means persons under 18 years or persons of any age with a learning disability excluding a person who is or has been married.
		'Worker' means Clergy, Teachers, Children's and Youth Group Leaders, Organists, Choir/Music Group Leaders, Sunday School Teachers/Leaders, Toddler Group Leaders, Uniformed Organisation Leaders, Play Schemes/Holiday Cub Leaders, including all volunteers and temporary workers - in fact all who, at times, share in the Church's ministry with children.
		'The Panel' means the parish representatives appointed to oversee the implementation and use of "Safeguarding Trust: the Code of Good Practice" in the Parish.
		'Parish' means a sole parish, group or union of parishes.
		'Child protection agency' means those State agencies which have been established and are recognised as providing child protection and welfare.
		Many other terms used in this document are defined in the Constitution of The Church of Ireland.
PRINCIPLES OF GOOD PRACTICE
A number of principles of good practice for the protection of children have been identified by child care professionals and voluntary organisations. These principles of good practice, as contained in "Our Duty to Care",state simply and clearly that all voluntary organisations working with children should:
		Promote the general welfare, health and development of children and strive to protect them from abuse of all kinds.
		Recognise that children have rights as individuals and treat them with dignity and respect.
		Raise awareness of the abuses from which children should be protected.
		Adopt and consistently apply a clearly defined method of recruiting, assessing and selecting staff and volunteers.
		Recognise that all workers, voluntary or paid, have rights and treat them with dignity and respect.
		Plan the work of the organisation so as to minimise opportunities for children to suffer harm.
		Develop effective procedures for dealing with accidents and complaints and alleged or suspected incidents of abuse.
		Establish links with parents and other relevant organisations.
In response to these principles "Safeguarding Trust: The Church of Ireland Code of Good Practice" outlines critical areas of responsibility and procedures which involve:
		Incumbents and Select Vestries upholding the Code of Practice in recruiting assessing and selecting workers and providing safe premises for parish and associated activities.
		Bishops, incumbents, dioceses, parish personnel and youth organisations having procedures to follow in the event of allegations being made about abuse or suspicions of abuse.
		The General Synod Board of Education, which is responsible for the implementation and oversight of the programme and the provision of advice.
In our ministry with children a tremendous amount of good work is undertaken by excellent, dedicated adults. The purpose of this Code of Good Practice is to affirm this, to support what is already good, and to improve current practice to safeguard children from abuse, and safeguard all workers against unfounded allegations of abuse.
ENSURING THE GOOD MANAGEMENT OF THE CHURCH'S DUTY OF CARING
The Church of Ireland offers encouragement to all voluntary organisations engaged in work with children. What reasonable steps can the Church take to safeguard the welfare of children in our care? This involves considering questions such as:
		What support and training do we give to our children's and youth group leaders?
		Do our workers know what we expect from them?
		Are our leaders and teachers suitable?
		Who actually has access to children whilst they are in our care?
		How many leaders should there be working with a particular group?
		Are our premises safe?
		Do our leaders know what to do when child abuse is alleged or suspected?
		Are there regular opportunities for our leaders to talk about and update themselves on these issues?
"Safeguarding Trust: The Church of Ireland Code of Good Practice" is a resource for all those involved with children throughout the Church of Ireland. It aims to promote the welfare of children when they are in the Church's care. It is a public statement of the Church's awareness relating to the care and protection of children, and of those who work with them.
It is not the purpose of this document to advise on employment law. However, if parishes or other agencies are intending to employ someone, either full time or part time, to do any of the tasks mentioned in this document, they should seek advice about the legal implications of employment and equality legislation.
THE CHURCH - A MODEL OF GOOD PRACTICE
"Safeguarding Trust: The Church of Ireland Code of Good Practice" is offered to each Parish because:
		children matter. They should be valued, listened to and have their rights respected.
		those who work with children should also be valued, supported and have their rights respected.
		the Church, as one of the major providers of care to children, should provide a model of Good Practice.
		each parish should have correct procedures in place to deal with alleged or suspected cases of child abuse. The child's welfare should be the paramount consideration.
		work with children is a part of parish ministry. The Incumbent and Select Vestry can be legally liable if they neglect their duty to take reasonable care, or fail to take the necessary steps to protect children where allegations of abuse are made.
		guidelines should be provided by the Incumbent and Select Vestry for those who work with children. This should include procedures for the assessment, appointment and monitoring of workers.
"Safeguarding Trust: The Church of Ireland Code of Good Practice" will be of value to workers - in fact all who, at times, share in the Church's ministry with children.
RECOGNISING, RESPONDING TO AND REPORTING ABUSE
Those working with children should be aware of the range of abuse - sexual, emotional, physical and neglect - to which some children may be subject. These workers should be assisted to recognise how such abuse may show itself in the actions and reactions of children. Most abuse is committed by close relatives and friends. It often takes place in the home of the child or young person concerned.
The workers should know what steps to take in response to a situation where they have reason to suspect that abuse may be occurring or where a child alleges that abuse is occurring.
The one option that is not available is to do nothing.
PREVENTING ABUSE
"Safeguarding Trust: The Church of Ireland Code of Good Practice" has been drafted to enable parishes, dioceses, bishops and other Church workers to safeguard the welfare of children with whom they work. It is possible to be lulled into a false sense of security believing that those who work with children in the Church will never be guilty of abuse because they are part of the Christian community. The Church must take all reasonable steps to
		exclude known abusers and
		report to the child protection agencies any suspicious person or known offender attempting to make contact with children.
It is, however, not safe to assume that all others are automatically safe to be with children, given particular circumstances. For this reason any procedures set in place to protect children must apply to all workers in close contact with them. This is not to treat each person who interacts with children as being under suspicion. These procedures are to ensure that sensible measures to protect children and those caring for them are recognised by everyone. This will involve thought and planning within each parish so that any risk is minimised.
In the event of an accident or the occurrence of child abuse in the course of parish activities, it is reasonable, in the current climate, to assume that litigation may follow and that the incumbent and the select vestry, or others, may be sued for damages. The best defence that the incumbent and select vestry and others can have is that of showing that they took' reasonable care in all the circumstances' to ensure that the work of the parish in this area was managed and supervised in accordance with the principles set out in "Safeguarding" Trust: The Church of Ireland Code of Good Practice".
Any suspicion that abuse has occurred must be conveyed to those bodies with statutory responsibility for child protection. All allegations or suspicions of abuse must be taken seriously and responded to according to the procedures outlined in "Safeguarding Trust: The Church of Ireland Code of Good Practice" having regard to the need to protect children and to safeguard those who work with children from the consequences of unfounded accusations.
It is the policy of The Church of Ireland to promote the well being of children, to set standards for the welfare of all children sharing in its ministry with a view to protecting them from physical, sexual and emotional harm.

A.	INCUMBENTS AND SELECT VESTRIES.
Incumbents and Select Vestries shall:
1	Following the approval of the bishop of the diocese, ensure that within each parish, or group or union of parishes, there is a panel of at least 3 people ('the Panel') trained to implement "Safeguarding Trust: The Church of Ireland Code of Good Practice". Training will be provided and shall be undertaken at a course which is recognised by the General Synod Board of Education. The panel shall include the incumbent or in exceptional circumstances a person nominated by the incumbent and a man, and a woman.* A panel member should not be involved in any work with childsren or youth organisation at pairsh leve. A panel member should not be the spouse of the incumbent or married to another panel member.
2	Implement and maintain good practice in the recruitment, assessment, training, management and support of workers.
3	Require each worker in respect of any position involving contact with children to accept a statement of mutual responsibility and commitment.
4	Establish a practice of reviewing the work of each worker at regular intervals and in particular before the expiry of any probationary period which may apply. Such work should thereafter be reviewed on an annual basis.
5	Provide guidelines consistent with this document on how to deal with the disclosure or discovery of child abuse.
6	Plan and supervise the work of the parish or parish organisations so as to minimise situations where the abuse of children may occur.
7	Ensure that suitable notices are displayed on parish premises giving relevant information to children and parishioners regarding the various agencies to whom they can report their concerns.
8	Affirm in writing to the Diocesan Council annually that "Safeguarding Trust: The Church of Ireland Code of Good Practice" is being used in the parish.
9	Exercise reasonable care when letting a church hall or other premises for activities which will involve work with children and ensure that all groups using Church of Ireland premises are trained in and will uphold the Church of Ireland Code and sign the appropriate documetation.
10	Take all reasonable care that the premises in which children's and youth work takes place are safe for such purposes.
11	Obtain written confirmation from the parish insurance brokers that adequate insurance is in place to cover liability for parish and associated activities on the premises.
*If in exceptional circumstances due to lack of available parishioners, it is not practical to appoint a panel of three persons and subject to the prior approval of the bishop, alternative arrangements may be made for the appointment of a panel, subject to such conditions as the bishop shall decide.
*There are other areas of reference in the remainder of "Safeguarding Trust: The Church of Ireland Code of Good Practice" that Incumbents and others should note.*
B	PARISH PANEL
The Panel's responsibilities include:
		interviewing persons willing to serve as workers in the parish.
		advising workers on their reponsibilities in respect of the Code
		being an immediate contact point for workers when an allegation, complaint or suspicion of child abuse about a worker or is related to children's work or youth ministry in the parish in accord with the procedures set out in these guidelines and to report should it be appropriate to one of the statutory agencies listed in these guidelines if this has not already been done.
		being an immediate contact point for parishioners who may have a complaint or suspicion of child abuse about a worker or is related to children's work or youth ministry in the parish and to act in accord with the procedures set out in these guidelines.
		advising individuals how they should contact the statutory agencies in the event of them having a suspicion of child abuse in the community which they have raised with a Panel Member.
		co-operating with the diocesan support team.
C	INDIVIDUALS WORKING WITH CHILDREN IN THE CHURCH OF IRELAND
1	Anyone wishing to work with children in The Church of Ireland whether in a temporary, paid or voluntary capacity:
	(a)	Shall sign a declaration to the effect that he/she has not been investigated, charged or convicted of any offence relating to children or is at present subject to any investigation or possible charge in realtion to any offence or criminal prosecution before taking on any position of responsibility in a parish or diocese, and shall consent to a 'PECS' check for positions deemed by the Parish Panel and the DSS to require the same..
	(b)	Shall give a written commitment to abide by "Safeguarding Trust: The Church of Ireland Code of Good Practice", and shall undertake all relevant training made available to him/her.
	(c)	Shall provide adequate and satisfactory references.
2	Anyone working with children in The Church of Ireland whether in a temporary, paid or voluntary capacity
	(a)	Shall undertake in writing to exercise a duty to care for children in his/her charge. This includes ensuring their safety and their protection from any form of abuse and/or exploitation.
	(b)	Shall report to the Panel any suspicion or misgivings he/she may have concerning inappropriate behaviour or circumstances affecting children and must co-operate in reporting the details to the appropriate civil agencies. (in the event of the incumbent being implicated the report should also be made to the bishop).
	(c)	Should ensure as far as is reasonably practicable that he/she is not left alone with a child.
	(d)	Should not arrange to meet a child off church premises without a parent, guardian or other adult being present.Should not have an association with a young person for whom they have responsibility (including those over the age of consent) which coiuld be construed as a boy/girl relationship. This is now a criminal offence in Northern Ireland.
	(e)	Should endeavour as far as is reasonably practicable to have at least two adults present with a group.
	(f)	Should never permit as far as is reasonably practicable a group to be taken off church premises with fewer than two adults and without the written consent of their parents or guardian.
	(g)	Shall have a basic knowledge of the nature and signs of child abuse.
	(h)	Should know how to respond should a child make a disclosure of abuse.
	(i)	Should understand the implications and insurance requirements involved in day, weekend, or longer trips (residential or otherwise).
3.		Young people working with childre e.g., for part of the Duke o Edinburgh's Award, and dults who work from time to time in a supportive role but under trained leadership, need to be apprised of the context they are working in. They must be provided with an appropriate form of training to cope with basic areas such a bullying, shouting, physical contact, emergency procedures, first aid policy and include the need to protect themselves e.g. having another person with them when they are taking child to the toilet etc. withoutunergoing the full training required of core leadership. The Parish Panel should ensure such training is provided and the leadership of the group should ensure compliance with these standards. Permission of the Panel must be sought by the senior leader in charge before any young person or adult is involved in such a role.

It is essential that such young people and adults work at all times under leaders who have been trained to implement "Safeguarding Trust".
D.	THE CHURCH OF IRELAND YOUTH COUNCIL, DIOCESAN YOUTH COUNCILS AND OTHER YOUTH ORGANISATIONS.
The Church of Ireland Youth Council and every Diocesan Youth Council shall implement "Safeguarding Trust: The Church of Ireland Code of Good Practice". All groups using Church of Ireland premises should be required to train and uphold the Church of Ireland code and sign the appropriate documentation. Workers and leaders of children and youth work in premises shared with or belonging to another demonination should be trained in the codes of practice of both churches.
E.	PROVIDERS OF PRE-ORDINATION AND POST-ORDINATION TRAINING, AND OF LAY READER TRAINING
1.	The Principal of The Theological College will be responsible for ensuring that all its students have a working knowledge of "Safeguarding Trust: The Church of Ireland Code of Good Practice" while undergoing their training and prior to their placement in parishes or in any work involving children.
2.	The bishop of the diocese shall ensure that similar education for lay readers and those training for non-stipendiary ministry is provided in the diocese.
3.	The bishop of the diocese shall ensure that continuing education in relation to child protection is provided to all candidates in training for the ordained ministry.
F.	DIOCESES AND BISHOPS
1.	Diocesan Councils through their Secretaries will be responsible for issuing to each select vestry secretary on an annual basis, a standard form which will be completed and returned by the select vestry, confirming that "Safeguarding Trust: The Church of Ireland Code of Good Practice" is being implemented by the select vestry in the parish.
2.	The Diocesan Secretaries will liaise with the General Synod Board of Education and exchange information to ensure that "Safeguarding Trust: The Church of Ireland Code of Good Practice" is being implemented and with a view to improving the provisions and implementation of "Safeguarding Trust: The Church of Ireland Code of Good Practice" based on parochial experience and other insights and suggestions.
3.	The bishop of the diocese shall ensure that those in ministry shall receive continuing training in respect of "Safeguarding Trust: The Church of Ireland Code of Good Practice".
4.	The bishop shall oversee all issues relating to pastoral care in a parish pending, during and consequent to a report or enquiry in relation to an allegation of abuse.
G.	CENTRAL CHURCH BODIES
The Standing Committee and the Representative Body shall be responsible for ensuring that adequate resources are made available to the General Synod Board of Education to provide and maintain an efficient, effective and continuing programme of training in this area. Central church funds and diocesan funds should make contingent provision for an enquiry and report, including the availability of expert opinion and pastoral care consequent to an allegation of abuse.
The General Synod Board of Education, on behalf of The Church of Ireland, shall:
		ensure that adequate training is provided for dioceses and workers in the implementation of "Safeguarding Trust The Church of Ireland Code of Good Practice";
		provide an advisory service to parish clergy, bishops and dioceses;
		maintain contact with other relevant church agencies/organisations and state agencies and be the link between The Church of Ireland and the relevant statutory agencies;
		monitor the implementation of "Safeguarding Trust: The Church of Ireland Code of Good Practice";
		advise the Standing Committee and the Representative Body when there is a need to review aspects of "Safeguarding Trust: The Church of Ireland Code of Good Practice".
PROCEDURES TO BE USED FOLLOWING AN ALLEGATION OR SUSPICION OF CHILD ABUSE
1.	All allegations, complaints or suspicions are to be referred immediately and directly to a Panel Member without any independent investigation whatsoever by the person making the report. If the incumbent or any other member of the Panel is the subject of allegations, complaints or suspicions, these should be referred directly to the bishop of the diocese or in his absence to his archdeacon or those appointed in accordance with Chapter VI of The Church of Ireland Constitution, as appropriate. If the bishop of the diocese is the subject of allegations/suspicions, these should be referred directly to one or other of the archbishops of The Church of Ireland.
2.	On an allegation or a report being made, a Panel Member, bishop or archbishop as the case may be shall act without delay. He/she/they should:
	(i)	record the details of the suspicion, complaint or allegation in writing, including dates, times, facts, and observations;
	(ii)	record the person's name and address, and name of parent/guardian;
	(iii)	conduct no further investigation at this stage, BUT
	(iv)	WITHOUT DELAY, contact the appropriate statutory child protection agency for the area:
			ask for the duty officer and report the matter to that person;
			ask for and record the name ofthe person with whom he/she is speaking;
			disclose all details recorded at 2(i) above;
			request advice and record it;
			confirm that the bishop of the diocese, or archbishop as the case may be and the General Synod Board of Education will be advised of the matter;
			ask if anyone else should be informed and confirm that the police will be notified by the statutory agency.
	(v)	contact the General Synod Board of Education (and the bishop of the diocese or archbishop as the case may be, if he/they have not already been contacted) immediately thereafter and advise them fully of the allegation, complaint or suspicion and report;
	(vi)	create a confidential file, recording all notes, all conversations, advice from the child protection agency or other statutory authority;
	(vii)	follow the advice given by the child protection agency or other statutory authority.
3.	Any individual under suspicion has a right to be notified of the cause of concern. This is a matter which will need careful consideration and should only be undertaken in consultation with the statutory agency who will inform the Panel Member/ Bishop/Archbishop of the actions to be taken.
	Any person whom the statutory authorities recommend be suspended should be advised to seek their own independent legal advice.
	Likewise the Select Vestry should give serious consideration to seeking dvice from a lawyer competent in this area.
4.	If the person is employed and the statutory authorities recommends precautionary suspension without prejudice pending further investigation by the staturoy authorities such a precautionary suspension should be on full pay and the Select Vestry is strongly advised to seek legal advice on its reponsibility in this area.
5.	At this stage it is important to stress that the person against whom a suspicion, complaint or allegation has arisen, and his/her family, will require pastoral care, as will any alleged victims and their family or families. This should be undertaken after due consideration of the advice offered by the statutory childcare agency.
6.	The bishop of the diocese or the archbishop as the case may be in consultation with the Panel should take all necessary steps to ensure that parish activities can be carried on with a minimum of disruption.
7.	In the event of the statutory agencies indicating that they have a substantive concern in this instance, the General Synod Board of Education and the bishop of the diocese or archbishop as the case may be should request a written summary report of the agency's concern and its recommendation(s).
Where there is a suspicion of abuse the one option that is not available is to do nothing. Panel Members or any person can describe teh scenario of concern to any of the stautory agencies without disclosing names or location. However, if the official/social worker at the agency deems that the situation is such that he/she needs to know the details, the caller is duty bound to make such disclosures as are required by the agency.

Safeguarding
	Trust
THE CHURCH OF IRELAND CODE OF GOOD PRACTICE FOR MINISTRY WITH CHILDREN
A GUIDE FOR PARISH PANELS AND SELECT VESTRIES