Caring for Our Children and Young People

All members of the parish, especially children, are entitled to take a full part in the activities of the parish. Every possible step will be taken to ensure that, while they do so, they will be treated with care and respect and they are safe from every kind of harm. It is a particular blessing for this parish that we have large numbers of children and young people among our members. Arising from this blessing is the responsibility, which we all share, of ensuring that the children’s experience of parish life leads them to a deep and confident relationship with God.

With regard to children and young people, we will seek to ensure that

· parish activities are accessible to all who can appropriately take part in them, including those with special needs;

· the physical safety and well-being of children is guaranteed as far as possible;

· children are protected from mistreatment or abuse by those who are caring for them;

· the individual health needs of children are met;

· children have suitable and well-defined opportunities for voicing concerns or anxieties about the activities in which they take part or the people who supervise them.

With regard to those exercising responsibility on behalf of the parish, it must be ensured that,

· procedures are in place to ascertain the suitability of those who volunteer to work with children in a voluntary or paid capacity;

· they receive adequate training in matters relating to child protection and safety;

· they are aware of guidelines on how not to leave themselves vulnerable to false or mistaken allegations.

All members of the parish, individually and together, are expected to

· promote an atmosphere in which children feel welcomed, affirmed and safe;

· be aware of and accept the responsibility we all share for the safety and welfare of our children.

If you need to speak to somebody, please contact the Parish Office. A copy of the complete policy statement is available in the Presbytery.