Child Protection Policy
The safety and comfort of children is of paramount importance to us
Accordingly, the Church operates a child protection policy
GENERAL GUIDELINES
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We will treat all young people with respect
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There must always be more than one adult present during any activities involving children.
There must be no circumstance where one adult is working alone with a child
We will not permit any form of bullying, physical or verbal
We will avoid inappropriate physical or verbal contact with others
We will endeavour to encourage an atmosphere where members feel free to talk about attitudes or behaviour
PROCEDURE FOLLOWING ALLEGATION OR SUSPICION OF CHILD ABUSE
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ALL allegations or suspicions MUST be reported immediately and directly to the Social Work Department or Police Child Protection Unit no matter how insignificant they may seem by the person the child has confided in. That person must also notify other officials within the Church that the situation has been reported
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NO investigation or questioning should be undertaken