Child Protection Policy
In response to Guidelines 1 of the Home Office Code of Practice for Safeguarding the Welfare of Children in Voluntary Organisations in England and Wales (Safe from Harm) Loose Baptist Church has adopted the following statement of policy.
- As Christians we are concerned with the wholeness of each individual within God’s purposes for everyone. We seek to safeguard all members, of all ages, of the church community. In our contacts as a Church, it is the responsibility of each of us to seek to prevent the physical, sexual or emotional abuse of children and young people. The Elders and Deacons on behalf of the members, therefore commit themselves to providing a safe and creative environment for all its work with children and young people.
- As Christians we recognise that God requires us to foster relationships of the utmost integrity, trustfulness and truthfulness. Those who work for the church in either a paid or voluntary capacity need to exercise the greatest care in the use of power. They must avoid taking advantage of trust.
- The highest standards will be maintained in all the church’s contacts with children and young people. Adult volunteers will be given appropriate support and opportunities for training.
- The intention of the Children Act 1989 that the welfare of the child is paramount is accepted.
- The exploitation of any relationship for self gratification will not be tolerated and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously.
- The Church will co-operate fully with the statutory agencies in every situation and will not carry out its own investigations.
- The Church will seek to implement the Home Office Code of Practice Safe from Harm.
- The Elders and Deacons of the Church acknowledge their responsibility for all the work with children and young people done in the name of the church and require all those engaged in such work to be properly appointed and supported in accordance with current good practice, taking consideration of practice and guidelines of other similar organisations e.g. Diocese of Canterbury, Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service and Family Trust
- The Church will appoint a Child Guardian whose responsibility will be to ensure that the Church’s Child Protection Policy is implemented.
