Child Protection

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FURC RESPONSE TO RESEARCH –

"CHILDREN STILL NOT SAFE IN UK CHURCHES"

FURC have revised our child protection policy, in light of the research undertaken by the Churches' Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS) "Safeguarding Children In Church". The research found that children are still not safe in UK Churches and advises that as Christians we need to look beyond our buildings and be aware that some individuals can gain access to children under the cloak of their apparent Christian faith.

Contrary to Government recommendations in force since 1993, the CCPAS 2009 research found that fewer than 50% of church employees paid to work with children were asked to complete an application form or were formally interviewed; 50% were not required to provide references, 44% did not require employees to have child protection training on appointment and 40% had no named supervisor.
The CCPAS urges all places of worship not to be complacent but to look afresh at how we are managing and implementing the all important protection of children in our care. These theme is being followed through in a series of national training initiatives, "Facing the Unthinkable", one of which will be at Hythe URC, Southampton on 22nd May. Training places are still available at cost pp of £17.50; £75 for group of five or whatever a person can afford.

As such, good child safeguarding polices and procedures with regular updated child protection training are the key measures which can minimise risk. The revised FURC child protection policy incorporates all the CCPAS recommendations and is out in draft format for church member consultation. E mail or hard copy available from child protection co-ordinator Jane.dowdell@ntlworld.com Closing date for comments Monday 8th March.

Full report, "Safeguarding Children in Church" and details of "Facing the Unthinkable" training seminar is available from the CCPAS website www.ccpas.co.uk
Jane Dowdell
Child Protection Co-ordinator, Fareham URC
jane.dowdell@ntlworld.com