Christ Church Safeguarding Handbook Including Policy and Guidelines - July 12 - 090712

SAFEGUARDING

HANDBOOK

includingPolicyandGuidelines

Team Churches

Date:June2014

Thisversionreplacesandsupersedesallpreviousversions.FordetailsofchangespleaseseeAppendix1.

Contents:

• Guidelinesforallworkers

• Additionalguidelinesforgroupleaders

• Goodpracticewithcolleagues

• Touch

• Money/gifts

• Recruitment

• DataProtection

• GeneralSafetyCheckList

• RecommendedRatios

• TransportingchildrenonbehalfoftheChurch

• E-safety

Introduction

The Clarendon Teamconsists of six parishes and ten churches.

The Clarendon TeamhasagreedtoworkundertheguidelinesoftheAnglicanChurchforSafeguardingissuesandhencetheChurch’sSafeguardingPolicyandGuidelineshavebeendevelopedinconjunctionwiththeSalisburyDioceseSafeguardingandGoodPracticeGuidelinesMay 2013.

Forinformationonly,copiesofthecurrentSafeguardingPoliciesforthe TeamiscontainedintheClarendon TeamManual;heldintheTeam office.

TheDioceseofSalisburySafeguardingandGoodPracticeGuidelines(November2011)

Theguidelinesstatethat“TheDioceseiscommittedto:

• Thecare,nurtureof,andrespectfulpastoralministrywithallchildrenandalladults.
• Thesafeguardingandprotectionofallchildren,youngpeopleandadultswhentheyarevulnerable.
• Theestablishingofsafe,caringcommunitieswhichprovidealovingenvironmentwherethereisacultureof‘informedvigilance’astothedangersofabuse.

Tothisend:

• Wewillcarefullyselect,supportandtrainallthosewithanyresponsibility withinthechurch,inlinewithSaferRecruitmentprinciples,includingtheuseofcriminalrecordsdisclosuresandregistration/membershipoftherelevantvettingandbarringschemes.
• Wewillrespondwithoutdelaytoeverycomplaintmade,thatanyadult,childoryoungpersonmayhavebeenharmed,cooperatingwiththepoliceandlocalauthorityinanyinvestigation.
• Wewillseektoofferinformedpastoralcareandsupporttoanyonewhohassufferedabuse,developingwiththemanappropriateministrythatrecognisestheimportanceofunderstandingtheneedsofthosewhohavebeenabused,includingtheirfeelingsofalienationand/orisolation.

• Wewillseektoprotectsurvivorsofsexualabusefromthepossibilityoffurtherharmandabuse.
• Wewillseektochallengeanyabuseofpower,especiallybyanyoneinapositionoftrust.
• Wewillseektoofferpastoralcareandsupport,includingsupervisionandreferraltotheappropriateauthoritiestoanymemberofourchurchcommunityknowntohaveoffendedagainstachild,youngpersonorvulnerableadult.
• Inalltheseprincipleswewillfollowlegislation,guidanceandrecognizedgoodpractice.”

Usingthe“The Clarendon TeamSafeguardingHandbook(includingPolicyandGuidelines)”

Thishandbookhasbeencreatedtosupport‘TheDioceseofSalisburySafeguardingandGoodPracticeGuidelines(November2011)’.Thishandbookshouldbereadinconjunctionwiththoseguidelines.

OverallSafeguardingAimsofThe Clarendon Team

OurChurchesholdatrustedpositioninthecommunity.TosupportthistheChurcheswilladheretothePolicy,Guidelinesandgoodpracticeasoutlinedinthisdocument.ThiswillensurebestpracticebyallwhoworkwithChildren,YoungPeopleandVulnerableadults,aswellastheMinistersandLeadershipTeamandthattheyknowhowto:

• Protectthemfromabuse.
• Actresponsiblyifabuseisdiscoveredordisclosed;
• Worksafely,promotingthewellbeingofall.

Inordertoachievetheseaimswehaveadopted:

• APolicyStatement
• Guidelineswhicharetobeappliedinourchurchsetting

• Formsanddocumentation

FormsandDocumentation

Allformsanddocumentationreferredtointhishandbook(andlistedinAppendix2ofthishandbook)arecontainedintheappendicesinthePoliciesfolder,whichisheldintheTeam Office.

StatementofIntent

ApolicyonSafeguardingChildren,YoungPeopleandVulnerableAdults–hasbeenformallyadoptedbytheTeam Council.Astatementthatwehaveadoptedthepolicyshouldappearonallinformationissuedaboutworkwithchildren,youngpeopleandvulnerableadults.

ClarificationofTerms

ACHILDorYOUNGPERSON,undertheChildrenAct1989,isanyoneundertheageof18.

AWORKERisanyonewhoisengagedinChildren’s,Youngpeople’sworkorworkswithvulnerableadultsonbehalfoftheChurch.

ALEADERisanyonewhohasasupervisory,organisationalordecisionmakingrole.PSRreferstotheParishSafeguardingRepresentative.

WorkersandLeadersmaybeinanygroupbelongingtotheChurch.Whereeitherchildrenoryoungpeoplearementionedbothareintended.

Safeguarding Policy forThe Clarendon Team

ThispolicywasagreedattheTeamCouncilheldon

.....24th June 2015 ......

TheChurchofEngland,alongwiththewholeChristiancommunity,believeseachpersonhasavalueanddignitywhichcomesdirectlyfromGod’screationofmaleandfemaleinGod’sownimageandlikeness.ChristiansseethisasfulfilledbyGod’sre-creationofusinChrist.Amongotherthings,thisimpliesadutytovalueallpeopleasbearingtheimageofGodandthereforetoprotectthemfromharm.

The Clarendon Teamiscommittedtothesafeguardingandprotectionofallandaffirmsthattheneedsofchildrenorofpeoplewhentheyarevulnerableareparamount.

The Clarendon Teamrecognisesthatnoneofusisinvulnerablebutthatthereisaparticularcareforthosewhosevulnerabilityisincreasedbysituations,bydisabilitiesorbyreductionincapacities.Itisrecognisedthatthisincreasedvulnerabilitymaybetemporaryorpermanentandmaybevisibleorinvisible,butthatitdoesnotdiminishourhumanityandseekstoaffirmthegiftsandgracesofallGod’speople.

Thispolicyaddressesthesafeguardingofindividuals.ItisintendedtosupporttheChurchinbeingasafesupportiveandcaringcommunityforchildren,youngpeople,vulnerableadults,forsurvivorsofabuse,forcommunitiesandforthoseaffectedbyabuse.

The Churches of the Clarendon Teamrecognisetheseriousissueoftheabuseofchildrenandvulnerableadultsandrecognisethatthismaytaketheformofphysical,emotional,sexual,financial,spiritualorinstitutionalabuseorneglect.Itacknowledgestheeffectsthesemayhaveonpeopleandtheirdevelopmentincludingspiritualandreligious development.Itacceptsitsresponsibilityforensuringthatallpeoplearesafeinitscareandthattheirdignityandrighttobeheardismaintained.Itacceptsitsresponsibilitytosupport,listentoandworkforhealingwithsurvivors,offenders,communitiesandthosewhocareaboutthem.IttakesseriouslytheissuesofpromotionofwelfaresothateachofuscanreachourfullpotentialinGod’sgrace.

The Churches of the Clarendon Teamcommitsthemselvestorespondwithoutdelaytoanyallegationorcauseforconcernthatachildorvulnerableadultmayhavebeenharmed,whetherinthechurchorinanothercontext.Itcommitsitselftochallengetheabuseofpowerofanyoneinapositionoftrust.

The Churches of the Clarendon Teamcommitsthemselvestotheprovisionofsupport,adviceandtrainingforlayandordainedpeoplethatwillensurepeopleareclearandconfidentabouttheirrolesandresponsibilitiesinsafeguardingandpromotingthewelfareofchildrenandadultswhomaybevulnerable.

The Clarendon Teamaffirmsandgivesthanksfortheworkofthosewhoareworkerswithchildrenandvulnerableadultsandacknowledgesthesharedresponsibilityofallofusforsafeguardingchildrenandvulnerableadultswhoareonourpremises.

The Clarendon Teamappoints ParishSafeguardingRepresentatives for each parishandsupportsthemin theirrolewhichisto:

i)supportandadvisetheministerandthelay workersinfulfillingtheirroles

ii)provideapointofreferencetoadviseonsafeguardingissues

iii)promotesafeguardingbestpracticewithinthelocalchurch.

a)Purpose

Thepurposesofthissafeguardingpolicyaretoensureproceduresareinplaceandpeopleareclearabouttheirrolesandresponsibilitiesregardingchildrenandvulnerableadultsinourcareandusingourpremises.Tobereadinconjunctionwith‘TheDioceseofSalisburySafeguardingandGoodPracticeGuidelines(May 2013)

b)GoodPractice

Webelievegoodpracticemeansthat:

i)Allpeoplearetreatedwithrespectanddignity.

ii)ThosewhoactonbehalfoftheChurchshouldnotmeetorworkalonewithachildorvulnerableadultwheretheactivitycannotbeseenunlessthisisnecessaryforpastoralreasons,inwhichcaseawrittennoteofthiswillbemadeandkeptnotingdate,timeandplaceofvisit.

iii)ThechurchpremiseswillbeassessedforsafetyforchildrenandvulnerableadultsandtheriskassessmentreportwillbegivenannuallytotheParochialChurchCouncilsinwrittenform.Thiswillincludefiresafetyprocedures.EachParochialChurchCouncilwillconsidertheextenttowhichthepremisesandequipmentaresuitableorshouldbemademoresuitable.

iv)Anydriverusingtheirownvehicleforthetransportationofchildrenorvulnerableadultsisresponsibleforensuringthevehicleisroadworthyandcomprehensivelyinsured.(DriverstocheckwiththeirInsuranceCompanyretherequirementforbusinesscover)

c)Appointmentandtrainingofworkers

WorkerswillbeappointedafterasatisfactoryDBSdisclosureandcompletionofProtectionofchildren,youngpeopleandvulnerableadultsSG7-ConfidentialDeclarationForm,Appendix2.Eachworkerwillbeexpectedtoundergobasic

safeguardingtraining,uponappointment.Theothertrainingneedsofeachworkerwillbeconsidered and reviewed on a regular basis.

d)Pastoralvisitors

Intermsofsafeguarding,Lay PastoralAssistantswillbesupportedintheirrolewiththeprovisionofbasicsafeguardingtraininguponappointment.

e)Guidelinesforworkingwithchildren,youngpeopleandvulnerableadults

TheGuidelinesexistandarereviewedannually.Theseareaccessibletoeachworkerwithchildren,youngpeopleandvulnerableadultsoutlininggoodpractice.

f)Eventswithchurchgroupsoffthepremises

Adequatestaffingwillbeensuredforsuchevents.Notificationoftheeventwillbegiventothe relevant PCCinadvance.

g)E-safety

TheGuidelinesexistandarereviewedannually.Theseareaccessibletoeachworkerwithchildren,youngpeopleandvulnerableadultsoutlininggoodpractice.

h)Othergroupsonchurchpremises

Wherethebuildingishiredforoutsideusethepersonwillberequiredtosignalettingagreement.IfthegroupincludesyoungpeopleorvulnerableadultstheywillbegivenacopyofSG5-SafeguardingRequirements,Appendix2.

i)Complaintsprocedure

Itishopedthatcomplaintscanbedealtwithinternallybyindividualgroupleaders.However,acomplaintmaybemadetoaParishSafeguardingRepresentative.Ifacomplaintismadetoanotherperson,itshouldbepassedontothe appropriateParishSafeguardingRepresentativewhowillarrangetomeetwiththecomplainantandattempttoresolvethecomplaint.Ifthecomplaintcannotberesolved,considerationwillbegiventoinvokingthecomplaintsprocedureoftheChurchofEngland.

j)Review

ThispolicywillbereviewedannuallybytheTeamCouncil.

k)Keyconceptsanddefinitions:

i)VulnerableAdults:anyadultaged18oroverwho,byreasonofmentalorotherdisability,age,illnessorothersituationispermanentlyorforthetimebeingunabletotakecareofhimorherself,ortoprotecthimorherselffromsignificantharmorexploitation.

ii)Safeguardingandprotectingchildrenorvulnerableadults:preventingmaltreatment;preventingimpairmentoftheirhealthandensuringsafeandeffectivecare.

iii)Adult/childprotectionisapartofsafeguardingandpromotingwelfare.Thisreferstotheactivitywhichisundertakentoprotectchildren/specificadultswhoaresufferingorareatriskofsufferingsignificantharm,includingneglect.

iv)Abuseandneglectmayoccurinafamily,inacommunityandinaninstitution. Itmaybeperpetratedbyapersonorpersonsknowntothechildorvulnerableadultorbystrangers;byanadultorbyachild.Itmaybeaninflictionofharmorafailuretopreventharm.

Dated24th June 2015

Signed ...... ChairofTeamCouncil

Revd Nils Bersweden

Allguidelinesarevalidforworkwithchildren,youngpeopleand vulnerableadults

GUIDELINE1

Adoptapolicyonsafeguardingthewelfareofchildren,youngpeoplevulnerableadults.

ThispolicywillbereviewedonanannualbasisandthereviewdatewillberecordedinAppendix1–PolicyStatementReview.

GUIDELINE2

Planyourworksoastominimisesituationswhereabusemayoccur.

Guidelinesforallworkers

Youshould:

• treateveryonewithrespectanddignity;

• ensurethatyourownlanguage,toneofvoiceandbodylanguageisrespectful;

• alwaysaimtoworkwithinsightofanotheradult;

• toiletbreaksshouldbeorganisedwhereapplicable;

• ensureanotheradultisinformedifapersonneedstobetakentothetoilet;

• ensurethatyoungpeopleandvulnerableadultsknowwhotheycantalktoiftheyneedtospeaktosomeoneaboutapersonalconcern;

• respondappropriatelytopeople’sneedsandconcernsensuringthereareotheradultsaround;

• ifanyactivityrequiresphysicalcontact,ensurethatthechild,youngperson,vulnerableadultandtheirparents/carersareawareofthisanditsnaturebeforehand;

• administeranynecessaryFirstAidwithothersaround;

• obtainconsentforanyphotographs/videostobetaken,shownordisplayed;

• recordanyconcerningincidentsandgivetheinformationtoyourgroupLeader.Signanddatetherecord;

• alwaysshareconcernsaboutachild,youngpersonorvulnerableadultorthebehaviourofanotherworkerwithyourgroupleaderand/orParishSafeguardingRepresentative.

Youshouldnot:

• initiatephysicalcontact.Anynecessarycontactshouldbeinitiatedbytheindividual;

• invadetheindividual’sprivacywhilewashingortoileting;

• playroughphysicalorsexuallyprovocativegames;

• useanyformofphysicalpunishment;

• besexuallysuggestiveaboutortoanindividualeveninfun;

• touchanindividualinappropriatelyorobtrusively;

• scapegoat,ridiculeorrejectanindividualorgroup;

• permitabusivepeeractivitiese.g.initiationceremonies,ridiculingorbullying;

• showfavouritismtoanyindividualorgroup;

• allowanindividualtoinvolveyouinexcessiveattentionseekingthatisovertlyphysicalorsexualinnature;

• giveliftstoanindividualontheirownoronyourown;

• drinkalcoholwhenresponsibleforchildren,youngpeopleorvulnerableadults;

• sharesleepingaccommodationinappropriately;

• inviteachild,youngpersonorvulnerableadulttoyourhomealone;

• arrangesocialoccasionswithchildren,youngpeopleorvulnerableadults(otherthanfamilymembers)outsideorganisedgroupoccasions;

• allowunknownadultsaccesstochildren,youngpeopleorvulnerableadults.Visitorsshouldalwaysbeaccompaniedbyaknownperson;

• allowstrangerstogiveliftstochildren,youngpeopleorvulnerableadults.

Additionalguidelinesforgroupleaders

Inadditiontotheabovethegroupleadershould:

• ensureanyhealthandsafetyrequirementsareadheredto;

• undertakeriskassessmentswithappropriateactiontakenandrecordkept;

• keepregisterandconsentformsuptodate;(SeeFormsSG2and3–Appendix2;FormsandDocumentation)

• haveanawareness,atalltimes,ofwhatistakingplaceandwhoispresent;

• createspaceforchildrentotalk–eitherformallyorinformally;

• liaisewithParishSafeguardingRepresentativeovergoodpracticeforsafeguarding;

• alwaysinformtheParishSafeguardingRepresentativeofanyspecificsafeguardingconcernsthatarise.TheParishSafeguardingRepresentativewillliaisewiththediocesansafeguardingadviser;

• liaisewiththePCC.

GOODPRACTICEWITHCOLLEAGUES.

IfyouseeanotherLeaderorWorkeractinginaway,whichmightbemisconstrued,bepreparedtospeaktoyourParishSafeguardingRepresentativeaboutyourconcerns.Leadersshouldencourageanatmosphereofmutualsupportandcarewhichallowsallworkerstobecomfortableenoughtodiscussinappropriateattitudesorbehaviour

TOUCH

Takenfrom‘TheDioceseofSalisburySafeguardingandGoodPracticeGuidelines

(May 2013)’

“Church-sponsoredgroupsandactivitiesshouldprovideawarm,nurturingenvironmentforchildrenandyoungpeople,whileavoidinganyinappropriatebehaviourortheriskofallegationsbeingmade.Childabuseisharmofaveryseriousnaturesothatitisunlikelythatanytypeofphysicalcontactinthecourseofchildrenandyouthworkcouldbemisconstruedasabuse.Allvolunteersmustworkwithorwithinsightofanotheradult.

Touching/hugging:withadults,youngpeopleorchildrenyoushouldalwaysaskwhethertheywishtobetouchedorhugged.Somemay,butmanydonot(atleastnotonfirstacquaintance).Shakinghandsiscourteousandoftenappreciatedbyolderpeople.Ifyoudotouchorhug,handsshouldalwaysbeoutsidetheperson’sclothingandneveronanypartofthebodywhichmightbeconsideredinappropriate(knees,bottom,breasts).Itisimportantthatpeoplewithlearningdisabilitieslearnwhatformofbodycontactisappropriateindifferentsocialsituations;thishelpstokeepthemsafeandhelpsthemtobecomeawarewhenpeoplearebehavinginappropriatelyandpossiblyexploitingthem.

Veryoccasionallyitmaybenecessarytorestrainachildoryoungpersonwhoisharmingher/himselforothers.Usetheleastpossibleforceandinformtheparentsassoonaspossible.Allsuchincidentsshouldberecordedandtheinformationgiventothechurchsafeguardingco-ordinator.

Allphysicalcontactshouldbeanappropriateresponsetothechild’sneedsnottheneedsoftheadult.Colleaguesmustbepreparedtosupporteachotherandactorspeakoutiftheythinkanyadultisbehavinginappropriately.”

MONEY/GIFTS

Ifyouaregivenmoneyorgiftsforanyreason,ensurethedonationisacknowledged(byreceiptand/orthankyouletter)assoonaspossible.Thisbothpreservestheaudittrailforthedonationandprotectsyouagainstanycomplaintthatmoneyhasbeentakenwithouttheknowledgeorconsentofthevulnerableadult,youngpersonorchild.

RECRUITMENT

PleaserefertotheDiocesanSaferRecruitmentHandbookwhichisheldintheSafeguardingManual;heldintheTeam office.

DATAPROTECTION

TheDataProtectionAct.14givesindividualstherighttoknowwhatinformationisheldaboutthem.Itprovidesaframeworktoensurethatpersonal information ishandledproperly;itisnotabarriertosharinginformation.PleaserefertotheDataProtectionHandbookwhichisheldintheSafeguardingManual;heldintheTeam office.

GENERALSAFETYCHECKLIST.

CHECKTHAT:

• Premises,includingthelighting,andequipmentusedwithchildren,youngpeopleorvulnerableadultsaresafe,wellmaintainedandsuitableforthepurpose.
• Asystemofregularchecksbeforeuseneedstobeestablished.
• Undertake a risk assessment for each activity and in greater detail for anunusual activity or when away from the usual location.
• AnuptodateFirstAidkitisavailableandanominatedpersonshouldberesponsibleformaintainingthekitandalladultsshouldknowwheretofindit.
• Encouragestaffand volunteer workers to have some FirstAid knowledgeandprovideaccessto First Aidtraining.
• TheFirstAidkitcantravelwithyou.
• Allworkersknowwhattodoinanemergency.
• Nomedicationisgiventoachildunder18yearswithoutthewrittenconsentofaguardian/parent.
• Allaccidents/incidentsarerecordedintheaccidentbook(whichiskeptintheChurchFirstAidboxonthewallintheVestibule)
• Proceduresareinplacefordealingwithsickorinjuredchildren,andforaccompanyingyoungchildrentothetoilet.Rememberthatratiosstillneedtobecorrectifanadultgoesoutoftheroom.
• Aparentalconsentformandahealthformhavebeencompletedforeachchild/youngperson.

• Consentforms,completedbyaparent/guardian,shouldalwaysbe used foranyoneunder18whenundertakingactivitiesoutsidethenormalmeetingplace.
• Aregistershouldbekept,andregularlyupdated,ofallchildrenoryoungpeopleattendingthegroupwithdetailsofhomeaddresses,telephonenumberandaparent/Carerorguardian’sname.Intheeventofafiretheleadershouldtaketheregistertocheckthateveryoneisoutofthebuilding.
• Fire noticesare displayedinforming peoplewhattodoincaseof fire.
• Leadersandchildren/youngpeopleknowwhattodointheeventofanemergency.
• Fireappliancesandsmokedetectorswhere appropriate areservicedregularlyandthatleadersknowwheretheycanbefoundandhowtousethem.(Detailsheld intheIndividualChurchesHealthSafetyHandbook)
• Itisclearwhoisresponsibleforchildrenaftertheactivityisover,andwhotheyaregoinghomewith.
• Theroomsaresecurefromunwelcomepeople.
• Youngpeoplecannotgooutsidewithoutleaders’agreement.
• Ensurethatatelephoneisavailableforallemergencies.
• ThelocalauthoritySocialServicesDepartmentshouldbeinformed,inadvance,ofintentiontoprovidefacilitieswhichinvolvethecareofunder8’sformorethantwohourseventhoughregistrationisnotrequired.(AnuptodatelistofUnder8’sAdvisersisavailablefromtheSalisburyDiocesanBoardofEducationOfficersbasedDiocesanOfficeatCraneSt,Salisbury.)
• Ensurethatcarinsurancesareappropriatefortransportingmembers.
• Ensurethathouseinsurancesareappropriateforgroupmeetings.
• Adult/Childrenratiosarerightforthegroupandoccasion.

RECOMMENDEDRATIOS:(NBanadultissomeoneover18)

IndoorActivities.Under8years.

ThestandardratiosrequiredundertheChildrenActareasfollows;

• 0–2years =1memberofstaffto3children.
• 2–3years =1memberofstaffto4children.
• 3–8years =1memberofstaffto8children.
• Itshouldbenotedthattheseareratiosofadultstochildren.Onnoaccountshouldaworkerbebythemselveswiththisage-group.Theminimumnumberofadultsshouldalwaysbetwo,andpreferablythree.Itisrecommendedthattherebeonemaleandonefemale.
• Ifsmallgroupsareinthesameroomoradjoiningroomswithopenaccessbetweenthemitispossibletohaveonly1adultpergroup,dependentonthenatureoftheactivity.
• Youngpeoplewhoarebeing encouragedtodeveloptheirleadershipskillsthroughhelpingshouldalwaysbeoverseenbyanappointedworkerwhowillberesponsibleforensuringthatgoodpracticeandsafeguardingproceduresarefollowedandthattheworktheyaredoingisappropriatetoboththeirageandunderstanding.
• Adultswhoassistononeortwooccasionsmustberesponsibletoanappointedworker.Thereafter,theyshouldbecomepartoftheteamandbeproperlyappointedthroughthenormalrecruitmentprocess.

Eightyearsandover

TheChildrenActonlyspecifiestheratiosforunder8’s.Therecommendedratiosforchildrenandyoungpeopleover8areasfollows;

• 1personforthefirst8childrenandthen1extrapersonforevery12children.

OutdoorActivities.

Morehelpmayberequired.

Transportingchildrenonbehalfofthechurch

Drivers

• Allthosewhodrivechildrenonchurch-organisedactivitiesshouldhaveheldafullandcleandrivinglicenceforovertwoyears.
• Driverswhoarenotchildren’sworkersshouldberecruitedforthetaskthroughthenormalrecruitmentprocess.
• Anydriverwhohasanendorsementof6pointsormoreontheirlicenceshouldinformthegroupleaderandthechurch/parishsafeguardingrepresentative.
• Anydriverwhohasanunspentconvictionforanyseriousroadtrafficoffenceshouldnottransportchildrenforthechurch.

• Driversmustalwaysbeinafitstatei.e.notover-tired;notundertheinfluenceofalcohol;nottakingillegalsubstances;notundertheinfluenceofmedicinewhichmayinducedrowsiness.



Privatecar

• Childrenandyoungpeopleshouldnotbetransportedinaprivatecarwithoutthepriorconsentoftheirparentsorcarers.Thisalsoappliestoformallyarrangedliftstoandfromachurchactivity.
• Anydriverusingtheirownvehicleforthetransportationofchildrenorvulnerableadultsisresponsibleforensuringthevehicleisroadworthyandcomprehensivelyinsured.(DriverstocheckwiththeirInsuranceCompanyretherequirementforbusinesscover).Allcarsthatcarrychildrenshouldbeinaroadworthycondition.
• Allchildrenmustwearsuitableseatbeltsanduseappropriateboosterseats.Ifthereareinsufficientseatbelts,additionalchildrenshouldnotbecarried.
• Atnotimeshouldthenumberofchildreninacarexceedtheusualpassengernumber.
• Thereshouldbeanon-drivingadultescortaswellasthedriver.Ifinanemergencyadriverhastotransportonechildonhisorherown,thechildmustsitinthebackofthecar.



Minibusorcoach

• Workersandhelpersshouldsitamongthegroupandnottogether.
• Ifnoiseorbehaviourappearstobegettingoutofcontrol,stopthevehicleuntilcalmisrestored.
• Beforeusingaminibus,ensureyouknowtheup-to-dateregulationsforitsuseandhavehadatrialdrive.

E-SAFETY

A‘youngperson’isdefinedasanyoneundertheageof18.HoweverFacebook’sownrulesonlyallowthoseaged13+tojoinit.PleasealwaysfollowthetermssetoutbyFacebook.

Withinourownworkatin the Clarendon Teamthefollowingpolicyregardingcontactingyoungpeopleviaemailandmobilephoneswillbefromtheschoolyear8andabove.Thereforeyoungpeoplebelowyear8willnotreceiveelectroniccommunication.

‘Adults’alsouseFacebook,emailsandtextssothefollowingprinciplesshouldalsobeappliedtocommunicationwithadultsaswell.

SOCIALMEDIAANDNETWORKING

“Socialmediaincludesweb-basedandmobilebasedtechnologieswhichareusedtoturncommunicationintointeractivedialogueamongorganisations,communitiesandindividuals“

Socialnetworks,whenusedeffectively,areagreatwayofcommunicatingwhat’sgoingoninourministry.Becauseoftheirreachhowever,caremustbetakeninhowtheyareestablishedandused.Belowaresomeguidelinesonhowsocialnetworksshouldbeusedwithintheministryofthe Churches of the Clarendon Team.

PERSONALUSEOFSOCIALNETWORKS

It’simportanttorealisethatyourpersonaluseofsocialnetworksis

reallyaportrayalofyourpositionandtheministryofthe churches within the Clarendon Team.Peoplewhofollowyouwon’tseethedistinctionofyourpersonallifeandyourroleinthechurch.Thereforeit’simportanttothinkthroughthemessageyouaresendingthroughthesenetworks.Agoodguidelinetouseis“ifyouwon’tsenditfromtheClarendonTeamemailaddressdon’tpostittoasocialnetwork”.

ELECTRONICCOMMUNICATIONSPOLICY

Whenelectroniccommunication(CommunicationviaMobilePhone,SocialNetworking(ifaged13orover)andEmail)takesplacebetweenadultsandyoungpeoplethefollowingpracticesmustbefollowed:

• ItisimportantthatparentsareawareofandgiveconsenttoYouthLeaderscommunicatingelectronicallywiththeirsonordaughter.Parent’sconsentwillbegained(SeeFormSG2–Appendix2;FormsandDocumentation)atthebeginningofeachacademicyearfortheirsonordaughtertobecontacteddirectlybyappropriateadultsvia;MobilePhone,SocialNetworking(ifaged13orover)andEmail.
• AppropriateAdultsarepeoplewhoareworkingdirectlywithyoungpeopleorwhohaveapastoralresponsibilityforayoungperson.AppropriateAdultswillalsosignaform(SeeformDP4bE-SafetyDataProtectionForm,Appendix2–FormsandDocumentation),andhavepermissionfromtheClarendon TeamMinister.
• AppropriateAdultsneedtoavoidcontactingyoungpeoplebefore8:00amandafter10:00pm.Thisisunlesstheyoungpersoncontactsyoufirstinanemergency.
• Whencommunicatingwithagroupofyoungpeople,theappropriateadultshouldsendexactlythesameemail/textmessagetoallrecipients,asindividuallywrittenoneswiththesamesubjectcouldbemisinterpretedasfavouritism.
• Whenindiscussionwithayoungperson,topics,whichareofasensitivenatureorcouldbeeasilymisinterpreted,shouldnotbediscussedelectronicallyandaface-to-facemeetingshouldbearranged.

• Conversationsarebestwritten/typedinfullandtheuseofabbreviationsavoided.Thisisduetotheriskofamisinterpretation,forexample,“LOL”traditionallymeans“LaughoutLoud”asaresponsetoajokeorfunnysituation;howeverthiscanalsobeinterpretedas“LotsofLove”.
• Somesocialnetworkingwebsitesandprogramsoffertheoptionforoneorbothusersinaconversationtodisplayaliveimageofthemselvesviaawebcam.Duetotheincreasedrisksofabusewithwebcams,adultsmustnotusewebcamswithyoungpeople;neitherdisplayingthemselvesnorviewingyoungpeople.
• Adultswhoministertochildrenandyoungpeoplearestronglyencouragedtosetverystringentprivacysettingsonanysocialnetworkingprofile.
• Adultsshouldnotsubmit“friend”requeststoyoungpeople.Youngpeoplemaynotbeabletodeclinesuchrequestsduetothedisparityofpowerbetweenyoungpeopleandadults.Youngpeoplemayasktobe“friends”,andadultsshoulddiscernthelevelofcontacttheywanttomaintainwithyoungpeoplepriortorespondingtotheserequests.

GUIDELINE3

IntroduceasystemwherebyvulnerablepeoplemaytalktoanindependentpersonInconsultationwiththeDiocesanSafeguardingChildrenandYoungPeopleAdvisorwehaveagreedthatinouropinionchildrenandyoungpeopleareunlikelytotalktoanappointedperson,butratherthattheywouldprobablytalktotheirgroupleaderoranotheradulttheyknowwell.Thereforewewillprovidetrainingtoallpeoplewhoworkwithchildrenandyoungpeopletoensurethateverybodyknowswhattodoifissuesareraised.

GUIDELINE4

The Team Council recognizes that supervisionis the bestmeansofprotectingchildren.

Eachworker,howeverexperienced,shouldhavesomeonewhooverseestheirwork,fortheirownsupportaswellastoprotectthechildren.

In our Churches where supervision may not be possible, then any concerns should be raised with PSR.

There should be an annual meeting with all those who work with children in the Team to update and share good practice.

Goodpracticeinsupervision.

Thesupervisorshould:

a)Meetwithworkersregularly(onceaterm),toreviewandplanthework.

b)Askaboutworkingandpersonalrelationshipswiththechildren.

c)Createregular(atleastonceaterm)opportunitiesforobservingtheworkerwiththechildren.Watchinparticularforanychildreceivingexceptionaltreatment,beinghighlyfavouredortreatedundulyharshly.

d)(BeawarethatworkersusingChurchcomputershaveaccesstochatrooms,childpornographyetc.---N/A to us atm)

e)Keepawrittenrecordofthefactsofeachmeeting,andanythingofnote,whichisobserved.TheserecordsshouldbestoredintheTeam Office.

f)If any concerns over any worker arises the PSR should be contacted and the Team Rector notified.

Itisimportanttokeepaccuraterecordsofanychildprotectionconcerns,disclosureorallegations.Factsobservedordisclosedshouldbeaccuratelyrecorded,signedanddated.Opinionsshouldnotbeincluded.Ifanyrecordsaretobekeptwithoutthesubjectoftherecord’sknowledge,itshouldbemadeclearwhythisisso,forinstanceifthereappearstobeaworryingpatternofbehaviourwhichneedstobemonitored.Trytobeconsistentaboutwhatiskeptsothatitcanbejustifiedifnecessary.Actionstakenanddecisionsmadeshouldallbenoted.Itshouldberecordedwhoknowsabouttheinformation,forexamplethesubjectoftherecord,thechild’sparentsetc.

EitherthePSRortheMinisterwillkeepallrecordssecurely.AllconfidentialmaterialwillbeplacedwiththeRuralDeanduringaninterregnumorequallysafearrangementsmade.

Anyinformationregardingachildprotectionconcernetc.willnotbekeptoncethesituationhasbeenresolved.

TheHumanRightsAct1988includesboththerighttoprivacyoffamilylifeandalsotherighttolifeandtherightnottobetortured.Itisexpectedthatthecourtswillupholdtheneedtopassoninformationforthepurposesofprotectingachild.Thehighestdegreeofconfidentialityconsistentwiththisshouldbemaintainedandonlyinformationnecessaryforthesafeguardingofchildrenpassedon.

e)Any concerns are passed on if the person concerned moves to anotherChurch.

GUIDELINE5

Agreeandissueguidelinesforprocedureifabuseissuspectedordisclosed.

Inallcases,wemustfollowanagreedprocedureofconsultationandreferral.Itisnotthetaskofanindividualorthechurchtoinvestigate.Fortheprotectionofbothchildrenandworkers,sensiblestepsshouldbetakenontheroadtoreferral.

PROCEDURESIFABUSEISDISCLOSEDORDISCOVERED.

Ifachilddisclosesabusebysomeoneoutsidethechurchthepersontowhomitisdisclosedshouldtellthechildwhatstepstheyaretaking,makehandwrittennotesassoonaspossibleafterthedisclosure,andreportittotheTeam Rector,whowilltheninformtheDiocesanSafeguardingAdvisor,DiocesanOffice,CraneStreet,Salisbury.SP12QB.TelephoneNumber01722411922.

Ifabuseissuspected,theconcernshouldbepassedontotheTeam Rectorassoonaspossible,whowillthenassessthesituationfortheneedforfurtherreferral.

Ifabusebysomeoneinthechurchisdisclosedorsuspected,itmustbereportedimmediatelytotheTeam Rector whowilltheninformtheDiocesanSafeguardingAdvisor,DiocesanOffice,CraneStreet,Salisbury.SP12QB.TelephoneNumber01722411922.IfthecomplaintisagainsttheTeam RectorthedetailsmustbereferredtotheDiocesanSafeguardingAdvisor,DiocesanOffice,CraneStreet,Salisbury.SP12QB.TelephoneNumber01722411922.

TheChurchandallitsappointedchildren’sandyouthworkersarecommittedtotheprotectionofchildrenfromallkindsofabuse.(Referto‘ProtectingallGod’sChildren2011’Pages11-16,formoredetail).Acopycanbefoundinthe‘ThePoliciesMasterCopies’folderheldintheTeam office.

TYPESOFABUSE

PhysicalWherechildren’sbodiesarehurtorinjured.

EmotionalWherechildrendon’treceiveloveandaffection,maybefrightenedbythreatsortaunts,oraregivenresponsibilities beyond theiryears.

SexualWhere adults (and sometimes other children), use children tosatisfysexualdesires.

NeglectWhere adults fail to care for children and protect them fromdanger,seriouslyimpairinghealthanddevelopment.

SIGNSOFABUSE.

Thefollowingmayindicateabuse,butdonotjumptoconclusions.Therecouldbeotherexplanations.

PHYSICALUnexplainedorhiddeninjuries,lackofmedicalattention.

EMOTIONALRevertingtoyoungerbehaviour,nervousness,suddenunderachievement,attentionseeking,turningaway,stealing,lying.

SEXUALPreoccupationwithsexualmattersevidentinwords,play,drawings;Beingsexuallyprovocativewithadults; Disturbedsleep,Nightmares,bedwetting;Secretiverelationshipwithadultsorchildren;Tummypainswithnoapparentcause.

NEGLECTLookingill-caredforandunhappy,beingwithdrawnoraggressive.

Havinglingeringinjuriesorhealthproblems.

IFABUSEISDISCLOSEDORDISCOVERED.

Donotdelay.

Donotactalone.

Donotstarttoinvestigate.

ConsultwiththeMinisterimmediately.

WHATTODOIFAPERSONDISCLOSESTHATTHEYAREHARMINGACHILD

Lookatthemdirectly.Acceptwhattheysay.

Donotpressforinformation.

ExplainthattheMinisterwillbeinformed,astheChurchcannotkeepabuseconfidential.

Informthemthatsupportwillbeofferedbyasuitableperson.

Assoonaspossiblemakehandwrittennotesofexactlywhatwassaid,recordthetime,dateandactiontobetaken.

InformtheMinisterassoonaspossible.

Donotdiscussthematterwithanyone,unlessrequestedbytheMinister.Ensurethatyoureceivesupport.

WHATTODOIFACHILDTELLSABOUTABUSE

Thefollowingisasummary,onlyforreference.Itisnosubstitutefortraining.

Lookatthechilddirectly.Acceptwhatthechildsays.

Beawarethatthechildmayhavebeenfrightened.Tellthechildtheyarenottoblame.

Donotpressforinformation.

Reassurethechildtheyarerighttotellandyoubelievethem.

Letthemknowwhatyouaregoingtodonext,whoyouaregoingtotellandwhy,androughlywhatwillhappen.

Offersupporttothechild.Finishonapositivenote.

Assoonaspossibleafterwardsmakehand-writtennotesofexactlywhatthechildsaidandthedateandtime,recordingandagreementsmade.

Ensurethatyougetsupport,ideallythroughtheMinister.

WHATTODOIFAPARENTOROTHERPERSONREPORTSABUSE

Parents,otheradultsorateenagermayreportabusebutbereluctanttoinformtherelevantauthoritiesinsuchcircumstances.TheyshouldbeencouragedtodiscussthematterwithSocialServicesorwithanothertrustedprofessionalwithSafeguarding

ChildrenandYoungPeopletraining.InanycaseitistheresponsibilityoftheChurchtoinformtheSocialServicesDepartmentoftheallegationsothatthechildoryoungpersonandotherchildrenareprotected.

UNTRUEALLEGATIONS

Occasionallyanuntrueallegationmaybemade.Itisimportantnottomakejudgementsandtoallowanallegationtobecarefullyinvestigatedtotrytoascertainthetruth.

Untrueallegationscanbetheresultofsomeotherconcernorunhappinessinthechild’slife.Itisveryimportantthatpeopleworkingwithchildrendonotputthemselvesinvulnerablesituations.

COMMUNICATIONSWITHTHEMEDIA

IntheeventofanincidentcommunicationsbothwithinandoutsidetheDioceseofSalisburywillbehandledbytheDiocesanCommunicationsCo-ordinatorwhowillconsultwiththeBishop,theparishandtheDiocesanSafeguardingChildrenandYoungPeopleAdviser.Particularcareshouldbetakenregardinganypublicstatementorpublicprayer.

GUIDELINE6

SexoffenderswithintheCongregation

TheChurchisaplaceforallwhofallshortandsin,forthevulnerableandforthoseinneed.Wewillofferhelpandsupporttoanex-offenderbuttheprotectionofthechildrenintheChurchwillcomefirst.Abusersofchildrenareusuallypeoplewhogetonwellwithchildrenandwhochildrenlike.

Presentresearchsuggeststhatsexualoffendingcanbeakindofaddictionthatisveryhardtocontrolandcanonlybemanaged.Thiswillbeborneinmindwhenwelcominganex-offenderintothechurchcommunity.

Manyex-offenderswillseekGod’sforgivenessfortheircrimes.Genuinerepentanceimpliesthatthepersonconcernedwillacceptthatfuturehelpisrequiredtopreventareoccurrenceoftheoffenceandtodealwiththehumanandsocialeffectsofthesin.Aswellasprofessionaltherapy,thismayrequirecontinuingsupervisionanddisciplinewithintheChurchaspartoftheministrytotheex-offender.Anex-offenderwillneedtoacceptthatnofurthercontactorworkwithchildrenoryoungpeoplecanbepermittedandthatacontinuingpastoralrolemaybeimpossible.Sensitivecareoftheoffenderisneededinthesecircumstances.

Ifapersonconvictedofsexualabuseagainstachildisdiscoveredwithinthecongregationanassessmentofriskmustbecarriedout,whichshouldbedonetogetherwiththepolice,probationservicesandchildren’ssocialcare,andwiththediocesansafeguardingchildrenadviser.Thestatutoryagencieswillprovideappropriateinformationandguidanceinthis.

INTEGRATIONOFAKNOWNSEXUALOFFENDERINTOTHECONGREGATION

IfaknownoffenderjoinsthechurchwewillbeextendloveandfriendshiptotheindividualbutatthesametimetheTeam Rectorwillensurethatafrankdiscussiontakesplacewiththepersonconcernedandthateffortsaremadetosustainopencommunications.

ItwillbenecessarytoestablishclearboundariesforboththeprotectionoftheyoungpeopleandtolessenthepossibilityoftheadultbeingwronglyaccusedofabuseorputintoaHighRiskSituation.

FurtherdetailsofhowthiscanbeachievedcanbeobtainedfromtheDiocesanSafeguardingChildrenandYoungPeopleAdvisor,ifrequired.

MINISTERINGTOPEOPLEWHOAREKNOWNTOHAVESEXUALLYABUSEDCHILDREN

Pleasereferto‘ProtectingAllGod’sChildren’pages50-52.Acopycanbefoundinthe‘ThePoliciesMasterCopies’folderheldintheTeam office.

GUIDELINE7

OthergroupsandtheiruseofChurchpremises

TheP.C.C.mustdecidewhichgroupsandwhichactivitiesaretheirresponsibility.AlthoughothergroupsandfunctionsthatinvolvechildrenonchurchpremisesarenotthedirectresponsibilityoftheP.C.C.,thereisadutyofcarethatmeansinformingoutsidegroupsoftheproceduresthattheyshouldfollow.

1.AgreementsforhiringpremiseswhicharetheresponsibilityoftheP.C.C.mustcontainthefollowingclause(oroneofsimilareffect):“In the use of premisesyoumakeyourselfresponsibleforensuringthesafetyofanyandallchildrenthatusethepremisesduringthehireperiod,andyouagreetotakeproperstepstopreventtheoccurrenceofanyinjury,loss,damageorharmtochildrenorothervulnerablepeopleinthecourseofthehiring”.Thisagreementshouldbesignedbythehirer.

2.One-offbookingsandregularbookings

IfthegroupincludesyoungpeopleorvulnerableadultstheywillbegivenacopyofSG5-SafeguardingRequirements,Appendix2.Thisincludesacopyof“Safeguarding policy”recommendationsandinformationonthenumbersofhelpersrequiredtothenumberofchildrenexpected.HelperswillneedtofillintheSG7-ConfidentialDeclarationFormsprovided,Appendix2.

3.Regularbookings.

Regularbookingsshouldbethesubjectofinvestigationoftheprocessesfollowedbytheuser.IfthereisnoprocedureinplaceoriftheP.C.C.isunhappywiththeproceduresinoperation,theP.C.C.shouldconsiderrefusingtoreneworcontinuethebookingunlesstheyagreetofollowasuitableproceduredisclosedtotheP.C.C.

4.NoagreementshouldeverbemadethattheP.C.C.willapproveorvetanyproceduretobefollowedbyothers.

5.ObservationbyamemberoftheP.C.C.(usuallythePSR)oftheactivitiesofthehirermustbeforinformationpurposesonlyandnomemberoftheP.C.C.shouldbecomeinvolvedinthefollowing,orimplementing,ofanyprocedureotherthantheonetheP.C.C.usesforitsfunctions.

6.IfindoubtabouttheresponsibilitiesinvolvedcontacttheDiocesanSafeguardingChildrenandYoungPeopleAdvisorwhowilladvise.

Theminimumrequirementswhichwewillaskgroupstoadheretoare:

1.SignedSG7-ConfidentialDeclarationForms,Appendix2fromallpaidandvoluntaryworkers,atleasttwoworkersforeverygroup,whateverthesize,keepingagenderbalance.

2.Ifachildoryoungpersonisalonewithaworkerforanyreasontheremustalwaysbeanadultnearbyandthechildmustbeinformedwherethatpersonis.

3.Nopersonunder18shouldbeleftinchargeofagroup.

4.Aregistermustbekeptofthechildrenattendingthegroup,whichincludesname,address,dateofbirthandnextofkin.

Wealsoneedtoofferoursupporttoanyotherorganisationsusingourpremisestoenablethemtocomplywithourrequirements.

GUIDELINE8

Insurance

Allgroupsshouldensurethereisadequateinsurancefortheworktheyaredoing,includingpublicliabilityinsurance.Thetermsofthechurchinsurancepolicyprovidecoverforthechurchbuildingandthechurchactivities.

TheP.C.C.willensurethatthepolicyincludeslegalprotectioninsurancetocoverlegalcostsresultingfromallegationsmadeagainstitsemployeesorvolunteers.

Theinsurancecompanymustbenotifiedofanyallegationsofabusethatarelikelytoaffecttheinsuranceheldbytheparish.Thisnotificationshouldbedirectedtothemanagerordirectorandmarkedstrictlyprivateandconfidential.Failuretonotifytheinsurerscouldprejudicethecoverundertheinsurancepolicy.

AllgroupsneedtorecordanyactivitiesandeventswiththeP.C.C.Inprincipleitmustshowtheinsuredparty(theP.C.C.)hasagreedtotheactivitybeingundertakeninspecificratherthaninbroadorgeneralterms.Thedecisionsneedtobeminuted.ForexampletheP.C.C.hasagreedto“this”disco,with“these”staff,between“these”hours,for“this”purpose–NOTsimplyagreedtotheconceptofadiscoingeneral).Therearemanyactivitieswhichareexcludedfromthechurchinsurance.Theseareasfollows:

• Aqualungdiving
• Flying–exceptairtravel
• Hanggliding
• Parachuting
• Huntingonhorseback,Polo
• Pot-holing
• MotorCycling
• Mountaineeringnecessitatingtheuseofropesorguides
• Associationfootball–otherthanactingasanofficial
• Powerboatinginaboatcapableofmorethan30knots

• Rugbyfootball–otherthanactingasanofficial
• Treefellingorloppingotherthanworkwithinthescopeofthejobbinggardener
• Useofscaffoldingunlessprofessionallyerected
• Racingotherthanonfoot
• Serviceinthearmedforces
• ShowJumping
• IceHockey
• Wintersportsexceptcurlingoriceskating

Appendix1 – PolicyStatement Review

TheSafeguardingPolicyforThe ClarendonTeamwasapprovedatthe Team Councilmeetingheldon24thJune 2015.ThisdocumentdetailstheannualreviewsbytheTeam Councilandanyadditionalreviewmadealongwithdatesofanychanges.

Appendix2– Formsand Documentation

Appendix3

InformationAboutTheSexualAbuseOfChildren

FrequentlyaskedquestionsaboutthebehaviourofsexualabusersWhosexuallyabuseschildrenandyoungpeople?

Approximately90%ofconvictedabusersaremale.Whilstwomendoperpetratesexualabuseandthereisunderreportingoffemalescommittingabuse,evidenceatpresentshowsitispredominantlyanoffencecommittedbymales.

Childrencanbesexuallyabusedbyadultsorbyotheryoungpeople.IntheUKyoungpeopleundertheageof21accountforapproximatelyathirdofallcautionsandconvictionsforsexualoffences.

Whataretheimplicationsofthis?

Manyadultsexualoffendersreportthattheybegantheirbehaviouraroundtheageof13orsometimesyounger.Thismeansthatwhentheyarefinallydiscoveredtheymayhavebeensexuallyabusingothersformanyyearsandtheirbehaviourwillhavebecomehardtostop.Italsomeansthatifayoungpersonengagesininappropriatesexualbehaviouritwouldbedangeroussimplytoviewitasteenage“experimentation” whichtheywillgrowoutof.

Whydopeopleabuse?

Thereasonswhyadultsabuseareverycomplex.Themajorityabusebecausetheywantto.Sometimestheywillhavebeenabusedthemselvesorberespondingtopasthurtsorunmetneeds.Sexualabuseofvulnerablechildrenmaymeetaneedforpowerandcontrolorforself-gratification.

Aresexualabuserslikelytoabuseaparticulartypeofchild?

Sexualabuserswillbeattractedtochildrenofdifferentagesandcharacteristics.Somewillabuseonlypre-pubescentchildren,otherswillapproacholderchildren.

Somewillabuseboys,othersgirlsandsomechildrenofbothsexes.

Ifanyabuserishavingasexualrelationshipwithanotheradult,thisdoesnotmeanthattheyarenotarisktochildren.

Someabusingadultsmayoperatealonewhilstothersmaybelinkedintoanorganisednetwork.

Canwerecogniseasexualabuser?

Itisnotpossibletoeasilyidentifysomeonewhowillsexuallyabusechildrenbecausetheyarefoundinallwalksoflifeandsectionsofthecommunity,withinallprofessionalgroupsandfromallsocialclassesandracialandculturalbackgrounds.

Doessexualabusejusthappen?

Asexualabusermayclaimthattheydidnotknowwhythebehaviourhappenedorthatitwasaresultofstress,sexualfrustrationormisuseofdrugsoralcohol.Thereisnoevidencethatthisisthecase.Sexualabuseisusuallycarefullyandmeticulouslyplanned,oftenoveralongperiodoftime.Abusersmaychoosefriendshipsorrelationshipswithadultswhoalreadyhavechildrenorcareerswheretheywillhavepositionsofresponsibilityoverchildren.

Cananadultwhosexuallyabusesachildstopbythemselves?

Alltheavailableevidencesuggeststhatoveraperiodoftimeanabuserwillhavedevelopedpowerfulsexualurges,fuelledbyfantasy,towardschildrenandwillfinditverydifficulttocontrolthesefeelings.Asexualabuserwillneedtoputcontrolsontheirbehaviourtoensurethattheydonothaveopportunitiestoabuseotherchildren.

Howcansexualabuserslivewiththemselves?

Unlessthesexualabuserisasadisticoffenderwhothrivesonthepainofothers,heorshewillhavetodevelopthoughtpatternsthatdenyorminimisetheharmcausedtoothers.Thisallowsthemtolivewiththemselves.Someofthewaysanabusertriestojustifytheirabusivebehaviourincludeclaimslike:

•Thechildwantedthesexualexperience

•Childrenareseductiveandprovocative

•Itwon’tharmthem

•Theylikedthesexualexperience

•Itwasa“one-off”anditwon’thappenagain

Thedistortedthinkingofasexualabusercanbefedinanumberofdifferentwaysincludingpornographicliterature,seekingoutotherlike-mindedadults,orbymisrepresentingchildrenassexualbeings.Inattemptingtodenyorminimisetheeffectsoftheirabusivebehaviour,asexualabusermayappearveryplausible.Thiscandrawotherpeopleintotheirwayofthinking.

Oneofthewaysanabusercandenyresponsibilityorseektoavoidhavingtoaddresstheirbehaviourthroughtreatmentisbyclaimingareligiousconversion.

Whenthisisthecase,itwouldbeimportanttoknowwhetherfaithinGodhasreallyleadtotruerepentance,takingfullresponsibilityfortheabuse,seekingtorepairitsdamageandseekingtopreventarelapsebyreceivingthesupportofothers.

Canasexualabuserbecured?

Thereisnoevidencethatasexualabuserofchildrencanbecuredofanattractiontochildren.Thisisbecausethebehaviourwillhavedevelopedovermanyyearsandwillbesoentrenchedthatitwillhavebecomeanintegralpartofaperson’scharacter.

Thebestwaytostopisforthemtodevelopaninsightintotheirpatternorcycleofbehaviourandbykeepingawayfromsituationswherechildabusecouldoccur.Toensurethatthereisnofurtheroffendingtheabuserislikelytorequirealong-termspecialistprogrammeandlong-termsupervisionsothattheycannotdeveloporreinforcetheirdistortedthinking.

Howdoadultstargetparticularchildrenforabuse?

Adultswhosexuallyabusechildrenareextremelygoodatrelatingtochildrenandgainingtheirconfidenceandtrustandareoftenwellknowntothechildortheirfamilyparticularlyiftheyareseenasasafeandtrustedperson.

The“grooming”process

Theprocessbywhichadultsintroducethechildintoasexuallyabusiverelationshipissometimesknownas“grooming”.Oftenthisinvolvesgettingtoknowthechildandshowingthemspecialattentionbeforeslowlyprogressingintosexualabuse.Alcohol,drugs,internetchatroomsandpornographycanbeusedintheprocess.Ifundiscovered,thisbehaviourislikelytobecomeincreasinglyintrusive,andanadultsexualabusercanregularlyabusethesamechildovermanyyears.Theabuseofotherchildrenatthesametimeisalsopossibledependingonthelevelofaccessandopportunity.

Inadditionto“grooming”thechild,anabuserwillalso“groom”otherpeoplearoundthemtocreatetheimpressionthattheywouldnotbecapableofsuchanaction.Iftheyarediscovered,thepeoplearoundthemmayfinditdifficulttobelievetheallegationsandmaydefendtheabuserratherthanthinkabouttheneedsofthechild.Insuchsituationsthechildwillfeelverydistressedthattheyarenotbelievedandmaybeunderpressuretoretracttheirallegations.

Arecertainchildrenmorevulnerablethanothers?

Allchildrenarepotentiallyatriskfromasexualabuser.However,childrenmaybeespeciallyvulnerableiftheyare:

• leftaloneforlongperiodsoftimewithoutpropersupervision.
• inCareorawayfromhome,atschooloronholiday
• emotionallydeprivedandparticularlylookingforlove,affectionorseekingattention.
• lonelyorbored.
• inneedofhighlevelsofintimatecareorhavecommunicationdifficultiesbecausetheysufferfromadisability.

• opentomanipulationbecausetheyhaveaspecialenthusiasmsuchassportormusicandaredependentuponagroupleaderorcoachtosucceed.

Whydon’tchildrentell?

Childrenareputunderimmensepressurebytheirabusertokeepareasoftheabusesecretandnottotellanyone.Someofthemainwaysthatthisisdoneinclude:

• Theabusermayofferchildrengiftsorothertreats.
• Theabusermaythreatenthechild,theirfamily,friendsorpets.
• Theabusermayentrapthechildintothinkingtheyhaveaspecialrelationshiporsecret.
• Thechildmaybetoldthatnoonewillbelieveanallegation.
• Theabusermayplacetheresponsibilityfortheabuseontothechildsothatthereisafeelingofguilt.
• Thechildmayfeelthatifadisclosureismadethefamilywillbesplitup.
• Theabusermayisolatethechildanddiscouragethechildfrommakingrelationshipswithotherswhocouldbetold.
• Thechildmaybeemotionallydependentupontheabuserandmayfearlosingthem.

Howdoesasexualabusergainaccesstochildren?

Adultswishingtoabusechildrencangainaccesstotheminmanydifferentways.

Anyorganisationthatworkswithchildrenhasthepotentialtobetargetedbyasexualabuser.Thisiswhyitisvitalthatchurchesdevelopsafepracticesintheirworkwithchildren.

AdaptedfrominformationsuppliedbyElizabethPennington.