SAFE TO GROW - GOOD PRACTICE GUIDELINES

We are not seeking out abusers or investigating or policing children, we want to follow safe practices to benefit us and the children in our care.

SUGGESTIONS:

• Treat all children and young people the same.
   
• Consider your language and tone of voice. Do not use swear words.
   
• Endeavour not to be alone with a child where their activity cannot be seen. On church premises, this may mean leaving doors open, or two groups working in the same room.
   
• In a counselling situation with a young person where privacy and confidentiality are important try to inform another adult that the interview is taking place and with whom. If possible, another adult should be in the building and the young person should know they are there.
   
• AVOID the crèche room with closed door. Consider the front pews or chairs at the back of the church.
   
• In a counselling situation DO NOT PROMISE to keep secrets as you may need to disclose information at a later stage.
   
• Do not engage in any of the following:-
  ..invading the privacy of children when they are toiletting.
  ..inappropriate and intrusive touching of any form especially during physical games.
  ..making sexually suggestive comments about, or to, a young person, even in 'fun'.
  ..scapegoating, ridiculing, or rejecting any person.
   
• Control and discipline any/every child without using physical punishment.
   
• Ensure another adult is present if, for example, a young child has soiled his or her underclothes and needs to be thoroughly washed. Wear the gloves provided and dispose of them after use.
   
• Do not be singled out by a child’s excessive attention seeking that is overtly physical or sexual in nature.
   
• Do not invite a child or young person to your home alone. Instead, invite a group or ensure that someone else is in the house. Inform the parents where the child is.
   
• Try not to give lifts to children or young people on their own. If it is unavoidable, seat them in the rear of the car.
   
• Do not share sleeping accommodation with children or young people if you take a group away.
   
• If you see another member of the church acting in ways that might be misconstrued, be prepared to speak to them informally first about you concerns.

Leaders should encourage an atmosphere of mutual support and care that allows all workers/helpers to be comfortable enough to discuss inappropriate attitudes or behaviour. If inappropriate behaviour continues, be prepared to speak to Deacons about it.