Safeguarding is serious 

“In the year ending March 2019, the CSEW (Crime Survey for England and Wales) estimated that approximately 8.5 million adults aged 18 to 74 years experienced abuse before the age of 16 years. This is equivalent to 20.7% of the population aged 18 to 74 years.”
Source: ons.gov.uk as available at https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/articles/childabuseextentandnatureenglandandwales/yearendingmarch2019#what-do-we-know-about-the-prevalence-of-abuse-during-childhood

Summary thoughts

As the people of Fellowship Baptist Church, we are concerned with the wholeness of each individual within God’s purpose for everyone.

We seek to safeguard all members of the church community. It is the responsibility of each one of us to prevent the physical, sexual or emotional abuse of children and young people.

We will keep safeguarding high on everyone’s agenda. It is the duty of a person working with children and young people to prevent abuse and report any abuse discovered or suspected.

We will never think we have done enough in terms of creating a safer culture. Never rely on any one process to keep children safe

We will always believe it could happen here.

Practical. but not exhaustive strategies

We will avoid being on our own with any child or in a context where an interruption wouldn’t occur; i.e., a closed room. This may mean groups working in one large room, or adjoining rooms.

If transporting a child on their own, it is better that the young person is seated in the back seat. Preferably have another helper in the vehicle or else ensure that the last two children are dropped off together. (Remember an allegation could also be made against you!)

Never smack, hit or physically discipline a child except by “holding” which may be used if there is an immediate danger of personal injury to the child or another person.

Male helpers need to be particularly careful in what they say, and in being around young females. Female helpers similarly need to be careful with young male children.

Whenever possible have two or more adults present with a group, particularly when it is the only activity taking place on the church premises. A parent may want to accompany their child, however, because of our policy they should either act as observers or only help their own child

Children should not be taken on trips or away from the premises without permission of parents and church leadership.

Where confidentiality is important (e.g. counselling a young person) ensure that others know that the interview is taking place and that someone else is around in the building.

Workers should treat children and all people with dignity and respect in attitude, language used and actions.

Respect the privacy of children, avoid questionable activity (e.g. rough/sexually provocative games or comments).

It should be accepted that anyone seeing another worker acting in a way which could be misinterpreted should be able to speak to the individual or the child protection officer about the concern.

For more detailed information, including a copy of our full safeguarding policy, requests can be made at info@fellowshipbaptistchurch.org.uk