ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF ADELAIDE 

DIOCESAN GUIDELINES FOR PROTECTING CHILDREN

AS REVISED IN FEBRUARY 2007.

---

Please click on the link below to find the information you need.
Introduction
Implementing the Guidelines	Safer Ministry Team What ministry is going on here?
Child Protection	Background The Law What is Child Abuse Reporting Child Abuse & Neglect
Responsibilities	Duty of Care Insurance and Responsibility Written Authority Self Protection Leadership ratios
Safe Environment	Expectations Off-site Activities Emergency Support First Aid Safety Factors
Behavioural Expectations	Children’s Rights & Responsibilities Leaders’ Rights and Responsibilities Behaviour & Discipline
Leadership	Process for Selection & Authorisation Documentation Responsibilities of a Leader Training
Procedures to receive and deal with complaints/reports	Inappropriate Leader Behaviour Record Keeping
Transport	Guidelines
Forms	Forms
Contact Information

INTRODUCTION

 

The Bible shows that we have been given all the gifts necessary to carry out the ministry to which God has called us (Romans 12: 4-8, Ephesians 4: 7-13). For many, that ministry is with children and youth in the church and wider community. It is a privilege and a responsibility to minister in this way and although often voluntary, always must be of the highest standard.

These guidelines have been developed to ensure that the responsibilities and obligations of those involved are well known and documented. This web version replaces the printed booklet first circulated in September 2001.

 

The Diocese of Adelaide does not tolerate harassment or abuse in its church community and is committed to ensuring a safe environment in all its ministries. The Diocese has a particular concern for children and young people. Leaders within the diocese need to be aware of the following guidelines and ensure that those involved in children’s groups, youth groups, Sunday school or other ministries with children and young people are also aware of their responsibilities.

 

Implementing the Guidelines

 

Safer Ministry Team

 

You will need to consider carefully how these guidelines are implemented in your area of ministry. We recommend that a SAFER MINISTRY TEAM be established.

 

• The Safer Ministry Team should ensure that the parish is diligent about safety at every level of decision-making and action.

• The Safer Ministry Team should have 4 or 5 people who have the capacity to influence decision-making, the time to consider safety issues and the competence to work them through, or to seek assistance.

• The team should include people who have the capacity to identify problems and generate solutions.

• The Parish Council or other governing body should receive regular reports on the work of the Safer Ministry Team and the whole of the parish should receive an annual report. More importantly, the work of the team should be seen in practice.

• The team will need to be familiar with these guidelines and growing in their knowledge of the other material presented through the Diocesan Safer Ministry Education.

 

What ministry is going on?

At the moment, our focus is on ministry with children and young people. In time, the Diocese will be expanding its horizon's to embrace a much broader range of people who permanently or occasionally could be considered 'vulnerable'. As a parish begins this work it should determine what ministries are offered to people under the age of 18. The ministry should be described, not by the name of the person doing the ministry, but in terms of the ministry e.g Sunday School Coordinator, Music Director. Every volunteer or employee should have a clear description of their ministry and its boundaries. No one should be undertaking ministry for which they are not authorised. Many parishes are surprised at the range of ministries and are shocked to discover how little authorisation, boundary setting, supervision or support is giving to people exercising those ministries.

Every ministry involving people under 18 needs to be assessed for risk. What is the risk that a young person or child could be harmed through this ministry?  You could extend this work to those involved in ministry with people over 18, for example those visiting the elderly or the homeless.

The Anglican Diocese of Toronto has an excellent sheet for thinking through these questions. We have adapted it for use in Australia. It can be downloaded here. The Diocese has determined that people ministering to those under the age of 18 should undertake screening and education. You may discern that there are other people who may not be included in the diocesan requirement but who as a parish you think should be screened or join the education programme.

 

back to top

CHILD PROTECTION  

 

Background

Children and young people have the right to be emotionally and physically safe at all times. The protection and safety of children and young people is fundamentally the responsibility of families and the communities in which they live.

For the purposes of this document, a child or young person is defined as any person under the age of 18 years of age.

In South Australia, the state has a mandate to intervene in family life when there is a suspicion, on reasonable grounds, that a child is at risk.  This mandate is given under the SA Children’s Protection Act 1993.

 

The object of state intervention is to work in partnership with the child/young person, the family, other human service providers and the community to

• provide for the care and protection of children and to do so in a manner that maximises a child’s opportunity to grow up in a safe and stable environment and to reach his or her full potential; and

• to assist the family to carry out its responsibility to care for and protect its children.

Children and young people may be at risk of abuse and neglect in a variety of cultural and social settings.  The effect of child abuse and neglect can be traumatic and long-lasting not only to the child and young person, but to the whole family and the community at large.

In recent years reports of suspected child abuse and neglect in South Australia have increased markedly in line with national and international trends. This reflects a growing awareness of the problem of child abuse and the need to prevent it.

 

If leaders in the Anglican Church in the Diocese of Adelaide suspect on reasonable grounds that a child/young person has been or is being abused or neglected, you have a responsibility to notify Children Youth and Family Services. It may be appropriate to discuss the situation with a suitable person before taking further action. Information you may have concerning families needs to be kept confidential.

 

back to top

The Law

Under legislation adopted by State Parliament in 2005 all paid and voluntary workers in the Anglican Church are defined as mandated notifiers.

back to top

What is Child Abuse?

 

Child abuse may involve:

• Physical abuse, commonly characterised by physical injury resulting from hitting, punching, beating, shaking, biting, burning or otherwise harming a child.

• Sexual abuse, when someone in a position of power over the child or young person uses his or her power to involve the child/young person in sexual activity.  This can include a range of behaviours such as sexual suggestion, exhibitionism, mutual masturbation, oral sex and penile or other penetration.

• Emotional abuse, a chronic behavioural pattern directed at the child/young person whereby their self esteem and social competence is undermined or eroded over time. A child/young person can also experience emotional abuse by being exposed to a dysfunctional environment which includes domestic violence.

• Neglect, characterised by a failure to provide for the child/young person’s basic needs (eg: food, shelter, clothing, appropriate medical attention). This can occur by direct and deliberate action or by omission or deliberate inaction with regard to the physical and emotional needs of the child/young person.

 

 

 

 

Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect

 

Early identification of repeated abuse and neglect can ensure that relevant agencies and workers provide appropriate intervention and services to the family to assist it in its responsibility for the child’s or young person’s safety.

 

Failure to notify suspected cases of child abuse and neglect may result in the abuse of a child/young person continuing or the death of a child/young person.  Abused children/young people may carry the trauma associated with their experiences into adulthood unless treatment, assistance, and support are provided.

 

Child abuse and neglect rarely stop without intervention and help.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Duty of Care

A leader assuming responsibility for a group accepts a ‘duty to take reasonable care’. This duty may generally be described as the standard that a ‘careful parent’ would exercise in all circumstances.

A leader cannot completely transfer their duty of care to any outside service provider.

 

A leader has a duty to be reasonably informed as to the safety or danger of any activities undertaken.

 

Some activities are potentially more dangerous than others and require that the leaders have a higher level of skill and experience.

 

Leaders involved in adventure activities must be competent in that particular activity or use the expertise of someone who is.

 

back to top

 

Insurance and Responsibility

 

The Volunteer Protection Act 2001 provides some protection for volunteers, if a volunteer is undertaking work in an authorised manner or a manner consistent with agreed practice, the volunteer is not affected by drugs and they don't defame someone then the liability for act or omissions on their part may be the legal responsibility of others, for example the Synod.

 

The Diocese holds a variety of public liability, voluntary worker and professional indemnity insurances. This style of insurance covers the Diocese. The Diocese or the Insurer, may at their discretion, extend protection to an office-holder, employee or volunteer. It is important to note that people who do not comply with the requirements outlined in these guidelines or in other diocesan policies are likely to lose the protection afforded by the Volunteer Protection Act and may place expose themselves to legal liability for which the Diocese may decline assistance. 

 

back to top

Written authority

 

It is recommended that a leader of a group involving children keep a form for each child with details of any relevant medical information and how to contact parents. 

 

When participating in activities such as camps and outings, each child must return to the leaders a form completed by their parent or guardian giving written consent and medical information.

These forms are to be held by the parish/organisation for a period of seven years.

 

back to top

 

Self protection

 

     The Diocese expects that a minimum of 2 leaders are present at all activities. As part of satisfying the wider community's concern about church activities, usually, at least one female leader should always be present. Leaders are expected to avoid out of sight and potentially compromising situations with children, eg. one on one counselling with the door shut.

 

Numbers and Leader/Participant Ratio

 

Each group requires a minimum of two leaders present at any time.

For general activities away from church property, a maximum ratio of 1:20 with at least two leaders per group is required. The recommended ratio for leaders to members would be about 1:6 in well-organised groups.

The following minimum ratios for specific adventure activities are suggested. It is recommended that three adults are present, of whom two should be leaders.

 

 

 

Activity AT LEAST TWO LEADERS MUST BE PRESENT	Ratio
Board sailing	1:4-6
Bike riding	1:8
Bushwalking   -   Local area                       -   Rugged areas	1:10 2:10	Ratios will vary according to:
Camping   -   Residential                 -   Canvas	1:15 1:10	·         Equipment available
Canoeing (Kayaking)	1:6-8	·         Size of the group   ·         Nature of the activity ·           ·         The venue ·           ·         The age of students ·           ·         Their ability ·           ·         Their behaviour ·           ·         Weather conditions ·         Experience of leader ·           ·         Disabilities
Caving	2:10
Excursions (using transport)	1:20
Fishing	1:10
Horse Riding   -  Dressage and basic flat work	1:10
-   Trail riding	2:12
Rock climbing	2:8
Rowing	1:4-6
Sailing	1:4-6
Surfing	1:4-6
Snorkelling	1:6-8
Snow skiing   -   Resort areas                      -   Away from resort	1:7 2:10
Swimming Pools  -  Junior primary -          Primary -          Secondary	1:10 1:15 1:20
Swimming Sea/River   -  Junior Primary -          Primary -          Secondary	1:5 1:10 1:4-6	Or any number of other variables could lower the participant to leader ratio.
Water Skiing	2:4-6
NB Epileptics in water	1:1

 

Safe Environment

 

Expectations

To provide a safe environment for children/young people it is necessary to have a safe standard of care at all times and in all places. Procedures need to be in place to receive and deal with complaints or reports of unsafe practices.

Leaders should be aware of safety issues involving children/young people and should adhere to them. A breach of safety standards could mean a failure to carry out duty of care.

 

 back to top

Off-site Activities

 

Difficulties can be avoided through careful planning. A workable emergency support system should be in place. Parents should be informed of any proposed activity and the name of a contact person. That contact person should receive an itinerary showing the proposed route of the activity, and is the liaison person between parents and the group.

 

 back to top

 

Emergency Support

In case of an accident:

 

·         Remain calm

·         Deal immediately with any injuries

·         Ensure the well-being of the rest of the group

·         Obtain necessary assistance

·         Contact members of the group if appropriate

·         Contact the parents as appropriate

 

back to top

 

First Aid

In The Parish

 

The parish or organisation should provide first aid supplies and equipment. The location of the first aid facilities should be made known to all leaders. At least one leader present should have a first aid certificate and all leaders should have some knowledge of basic first aid.

 

Camps and Adventure Activities

 

At least one person with any group should have a first aid certificate.

 

The following guide provides the advised minimum standards for first aid knowledge in South Australia

·         For trips within one hour of medical help – basic casualty care course

·         For expeditions, camps or where more than one hour from medical help - current Red Cross or St John certificate.

Details of these courses are available from those organisations.

 

The group leader must be aware of the medical services available in proximity to any activities.

This could include:

Doctors

Clinics

Hospitals

Ambulance services, etc.

 

The leader should be aware of the nearest telephone or carry a mobile phone where possible. The ambulance number should be clearly displayed on the mobile telephone. The first-aid kit should be appropriately stocked for the venue and/or activity and checked regularly or immediately after use to replenish stock.

 

In the case of a child/young person being injured, the leaders will attempt to contact the parents. The doctor or the ambulance will be contacted before the parents if the situation is urgent. The parents should be kept informed.

 

A First Aid Treatment Form or an Accident/Incident Report will need to be completed for any injury/treatment given or sustained during an activity. 

Antibody Status

 

By law, anyone who is HIV or Hepatitis C antibody positive is not required to reveal their status to the organisation. Regardless of a person’s antibody status, he/she should receive the same treatment as any other person.

 

All leaders should be made aware of the risk of contracting blood borne diseases, and take appropriate precautions against this risk. (Further information on appropriate precautions against contracting blood-borne diseases can be obtained from any local community centre.)

 

Safety Factors

 

Electrical

Ensure all mains-operated equipment is properly connected and correctly operated. Malfunctions should be reported promptly.

 

Radiant heaters must have a suitable guard to protect from accidental burns. All buildings should have safety switches. Power points that are accessible to small children should have safety plugs in them when not in use.

 

Poisons

All household chemicals, medicines, cleaning and gardening products should be kept out of reach of children and in a safe and secure location. The telephone number of the Poisons Information Centre should be known to leaders and displayed on First-Aid kits

 

Playground Equipment

 

All playground equipment owned by the parish or organisation should be checked regularly and comply with Australian Safety Standards. Soft fill under equipment is essential to a depth of 300mms (uncompacted depth 350mm).

Check all playground surfacing with the SA Health Commission RE: Australian Standard AS/NZS 4422:1996.

 

Fire Safety

 

A fire response and evacuation procedure should be formalised and all leaders and children regularly made aware of it.

Leaders should be familiar with the layout of the building and the location of exits and fire extinguishers and know how to evacuate the premises. In the case of a fire, leaders will move people away from the danger and notify the fire brigade. All efforts to control the fire in a safe manner should be attempted, but the first responsibility of leaders is to the children.

 

Films, Computer and Video Entertainment

Leaders should note the ages of the children/young people and abide by censorship standards.

 

Smoking/Drugs/Alcohol

 

Whilst caring for children/young people, all leaders will:

·         refrain from smoking while in the presence of children

·         refrain from smoking inside buildings, vehicles, tents and enclosures

·         not be adversely affected or impaired by drugs and/or alcohol

 

Equipment and Clothing

 

Equipment is to be checked to ensure that it is functional and safe for its intended use.

Suitable clothing and footwear for the activity is to be worn.

 

Venue safety

The venue should be known to leaders so that they are aware of any potential hazards.

The note under First Aid indicates that the leader in charge must be aware of the location of first aid/medical services in the area.  Similarly, other emergency services such as police, CFS(Country Fire Service), etc. should be known.

BEHAVIOURAL EXPECTATIONS

 

Children’s Rights and Responsibilities

 

Children have the right to:

·         be safe

·         be listened to

·         be respected

·         privacy

·         take calculated risks in a protected setting

·         an inclusive environment

 

Children are responsible for:

·         showing respect to other children and adults

·         keeping themselves safe

·         accurately reporting inappropriate behaviour or at-risk situations for children

 

 

 

Leaders’ Rights and Responsibilities

 

Leaders have the right to:

·         be respected

·         be listened to

·         on-going information on all aspects of child protection

 

Leaders are responsible for:

·         working as a team to ensure the safety of children in their care

·         using appropriate child behaviour management

·         not abusing children physically, emotionally or sexually

·         being prepared to believe and respond to children’s statements concerning alleged abuse

·         disclosing sensitive information only to appropriate and/or designated personnel on a ‘need to know’ basis

 

back to top

Behaviour and Discipline

 

Appropriate Discipline of Children in the care of leaders

 

If a child’s/young person’s behaviour requires correction either for his/her own safety and wellbeing, or that of other group members, or for cohesion of the group, the disciplinary action should be appropriate to the occasion and effective while not being abusive in itself.

 

This section provides basic standards for maintaining appropriate behaviour, allowing for the obvious differences that will apply when the diversity of age ranges of the children/young people in the group is taken into consideration.

 

In devising a disciplinary strategy, a child’s safety will be paramount. It is recommended that each parish/organisation devise a disciplinary strategy.

 A strategy might include the following:

• Undue physical force or undue restraint shall not be used unless it is believed to be the only means to prevent a child/young person causing injury to himself/herself or to another person. In the case where physical restraint must be used, it shall be no more than is necessary to restrain the child/young person without causing them injury

• If isolation of the child/young person from the group is included as an option, the child/young person should be isolated within an area which is deemed to be safe and within easy supervision of at least one leader.

• In circumstances where the immediate safety of the child/young person and/or other group members permits, the child/young person who is deemed to require disciplinary action will first receive a warning. This warning will outline the nature of the disciplinary action that will follow if the behaviour continues.

• At no time will a disciplinary action be carried out without an explanation being given to the child/young person regarding the reason for action.

 

Possible danger to a group

If there is any doubt about the ability of a child to act reasonably in a group situation it would be wise for the group to have a statement similar to the following on consent forms.

 

“Children with a known history of wilful disobedience should not attend this activity.”

 

A child/young person removed from participation in an activity because of unreasonable behaviour, must be supervised while the activity is in progress.

 back to top

LEADERSHIP

 

A leader or organiser of a church group should be recognised within a parish/diocese as persons appointed or approved to carry out a particular role.

 

In most cases this is a voluntary post but it is important that it be recognised as an official role.

 

Implicit in leadership is the responsibility to take reasonable care to provide a suitable environment for the development of children / young people. This covers the physical, emotional and spiritual environment created by the leader/s.

 

The Diocese needs to ensure, as far as is possible, that any person selected is a responsible and suitable person. These guidelines seek to ensure that children / young people will be safe.

 

Process for Selection & Authorisation

back to top

Documentation

Relevant documentation in relation to any application to any of these processes shall be kept strictly confidential. 

back to top

 

Responsibilities of a leader

Responsible leaders are:

• people of faith who seek to encourage and develop the faith of others

• considerate - sensitive to the needs of individuals and groups

• positive – praise good behaviour and attitudes

• discouraging of bad behaviour and attitudes

• enthusiastic and able to enthuse others

• organised – punctual, well prepared, inform families and children / young people of expectations

• honest and have integrity

• good listeners

• good team members

• reasonable  - fair

• consistent – knowing their own mind and being confident.  What is good for one is good for another, unless they can explain to the group or the individual the reasons for the inconsistency and they accept that reasoning.

• careful – assessing the risks of any situation to ensure the safety of children

• adults – remembering children are children and they are the adult!

• aware – in issues of child abuse, sensitive conduct by all involved with children and young people needs to be paramount.

 

back to top

 

PROCEDURES TO RECEIVE AND DEAL WITH COMPLAINTS/REPORTS

 

An employee or office-holder may be subject to a contract of employment or other similar conditions. Any decision to dismiss, or alter the duties of such a person should be made taking this into consideration.

 

Inappropriate Leader Behaviour towards a Child/Young Person

If a child/young person informs a leader that he/she believes that he/she or someone else has been, or is being, subjected to inappropriate discipline, unsafe practices, or a dangerous environment, the leader shall ensure immediately that the child is safe and free from further harm.

 

The leader shall require the person against whom an allegation is being made to stand-down from further ministry while the Professional Standards Director is contacted [08 8305 9363] and an assessment made as to whether the person can continue in ministry or needs to refrain from ministry until the matter has been formally considered.

The leader shall ensure that the Professional Standards Director is contacted [08 8305 9363]. The Professional Standards Director will investigate the complaint.

 

 

Record keeping

 

All documentation in relation to complaints are strictly confidential. Only those authorised by the Chairperson of the governing body shall have access to the same. If the Police are notified they must be given access to all documentation. Documents kept by the governing body should be forwarded to the Professional Standards Director.

back to top

Transport

Transport Guidelines

 

It is suggested that the following steps should be taken before the transportation of group members on any excursion or outing.

Roadworthiness

 

Ensure that the transporting vehicle is roadworthy and is registered. Driving an unroadworthy vehicle may be just as negligent as driving a roadworthy vehicle carelessly.

Liability for damage

 

Ensure that the driver/owner understands that, in the case of an accident or damage to the vehicle, the group/church has no obligation to cover the cost of repairs. Comprehensively insured vehicles might be your first option but this is not always possible.

Competent drivers

 

Entrust the transportation of members only to competent drivers with an appropriate license and some years of experience. Under no circumstances should children/young people be transported in a vehicle driven by a learner to whom ‘L’ plates and / or ‘P’ plates apply.

Ensure that the numbers in the vehicle are such that they will not impair the driver’s ability to control the vehicle or obstruct the view through the rear vision mirror. Failure to do so could constitute a breach of the duty of care.

Use of Private Vehicles

 

Parents are to be informed about the transportation arrangements and given an opportunity to object if they so desire.

Seat Belts

 

Ensure that each member is wearing the seat belt provided in the vehicle. No person should be conveyed in a private vehicle unless a seat belt is available. At no time should group members be permitted to travel in a private vehicle where a seat belt is not available.

Public Transport

 

In the case of an accident while on any form of public transport the leaders must have accurate records of names of participants with them for the information of the emergency services.

Bus Safety

 

Standing in buses should not be permitted. If fitted, seat belts must be worn. It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that seat belts are worn. It is the responsibility of the leader to determine that the driver has an appropriate and current licence for the vehicle being driven.

Travel In Hazardous Areas

 

Travel to excursions and camps may involve roads and/or conditions that would make some vehicles unsafe.  The leader should be satisfied that the trip can be undertaken safely, that the driver is reliable and experienced in the conditions, that the vehicle is mechanically sound and properly equipped for the conditions.

FORMS

Good documentation goes hand in hand with duty of care.

 

Forms generated in these ministries should be kept securely within the parish/organisation for no less than seven years.

All forms should have the name of the parish/organisation, the name of the event or activity marked on it and should be dated.

First Aid Treatment Form

Administration of first aid should only be carried out by a suitably trained person. The purpose of this form is to record each and every treatment administered. 

 

Medical Information Form

A medical information form should be filled out for each child/young person at the beginning of each year’s program.  A specific medical information form should be filled out for each extended activity eg. camp, hike, adventure activity.

 

Consent Form

A general consent form should be filled out for each child/young person at the beginning of each year’s program.  A specific consent form should be constructed for any extended or off-site activities such as camps.

 

Each consent form should include information about:

·         the activity

·         the date

·         the time the activity commences and concludes

·         any transport arrangements

·         pick-up and drop-off information

·         emergency contact information

·         supervision

·         permission to seek medical attention

 

Accident/Incident Form

This form needs to be completed if an accident occurs requiring the injured party to see a medical practitioner.

This form also needs to be completed if an incident occurs.  An incident is an event that may have long or short term affects on children/young people, leaders, the group or parents. It may have legal, physical, or emotional implications, and it may involve, for example, leader conduct, drugs, sexual misconduct, participant disputes and criminal activity.