Protecting Children from Harm

Message from the Bishop in Canterbury
1. Introduction
2. Child Protection in the Church of England
3. The Responsibilities of the Diocese
4. The Responsibilities of the Parish
5. Child Abuse
6. Offenders in the Congregation
7. Pastoral Care for Victims of Abuse
8. Recruitment
9. Disclosures from the Criminal Records Bureau
10. A Safe Environment for Children
11. Further Help and Guidance and useful contacts

A message from the Bishop in Canterbury

First and foremost our children are God's gift to us! They are precious and vulnerable. So there continues to be great concern in our society about the well-being of children - about their education, their healthcare, the safety of their environment and the quality of their family life.

Despite this we find, with distressing frequency, references in the media to incidents of child abuse and we learn of the appalling and long term consequences of this abuse for the children involved. Whilst most of these stories are from years ago, many of them are not. The abuse of children is not something that happened in the past, somewhere else. It happens today. Here. In our midst.

The Church has a clear duty to care for the children who are part of its life. In an effort to continue to prevent and detect any abuse of children, the House of Bishops has revised its policy statement. This diocese is committed to the protection of children and has also revised its guidelines to assist incumbents, PCCs and all involved in the Church's work with children. I hope you will find them helpful.

We have a duty to ensure that all adults in the Church respect children as individuals, protect them in their vulnerability and establish relationships of the utmost integrity. We must take care that no adult exploits a child, takes advantage of trust or misuses power. I am sure I can rely on you to treat this matter very seriously; I am confident that you, like me, are convinced that child protection matters.

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1
The purpose of these Guidelines is to help those in parishes, and others, to promote the safety of children within the church community by setting out diocesan child protection policies and procedures. They relate to children and young people under the age of 18. This second edition replaces that produced in 1998.

1.2
The Guidelines are based on the Child Protection Policy for the Church of England "Protecting all God's children", issued by the House of Bishops in 2004 (referred to as "House of Bishops' CP Policy" throughout this document) . However, they do not attempt to reproduce all the material in the House of Bishops' document, which also needs to be consulted.

1.3
These Diocesan Guidelines are complemented by practice guidance and other material available in the child protection section of the diocesan website www.canterbury.anglican.org/childprotection. Details of the material available on the website can be found at Annexe L. For those who do not have access to the internet, paper copies can be made available.

1.4
The House of Bishops' CP Policy requires the diocese to "appoint a suitably qualified Diocesan Child Protection Adviser." This task is shared (as at July 2005) by Elaine Rose and Simon Tapp. Their job is to:

• Oversee and monitor the implementation of the House of Bishops' CP Policy and the Diocesan Guidelines across the diocese
• Provide advice and guidance to parishes and diocesan staff
• Advise the Bishop on individual cases
• Implement a child protection training programme

1.5
These Guidelines cannot provide for every eventuality. They are no substitute for common sense, consultation, training, child centred sensitivity and all the other things that contribute to sound child care practice. The Guidelines are designed to create a policy and procedural framework to further good practice in protecting children.

1.6
The key message of these Guidelines is that if an issue of child protection concern arises within the diocese then it should be discussed at once with the Diocesan Child Protection Advisers. They are always very ready to help

Elaine Rose
Tel: 01233-720930
 
Simon Tapp
Tel: 01233-756314

2. CHILD PROTECTION IN THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND

2.1
The Church of England, as the largest voluntary organisation in the country working with children and young people, opens its doors to everyone. Therefore people of all ages with a vast range of life experiences, including those with personal difficulties, come into its buildings every day. The majority of people want to share their beliefs and positive life experiences to ensure that children are given the chance and opportunity to enjoy the Christian experience and benefit from the fellowship of others. Many children and young people, particularly those who have not had the best start in life, may experience for the first time a sense of belonging and love by being part of a church activity.

2.2
However, among those who come to churches and church activities are people who may possibly abuse children. The abuser may be a man, woman or other child or young person. It is imperative that the church is a safe place for children and adults alike and so The House of Bishops has issued a Child Protection Policy which sets out the principles which underpin all the Church's work with children.

2.3
The following sections from the House of Bishops' CP Policy set out the key features of the Church of England's approach to child protection:

Principles of the House of Bishops' Child Protection Policy

• We are committed to the safeguarding, care and nurture of the children within our church community.
• We will carefully select and train ordained and lay ministers, volunteers and paid workers with children and young people using the Criminal Records Bureau amongst other tools, to check the background of each person.
• We will respond without delay to every complaint made, that a child or young person for whom we are responsible may have been harmed.
• We will fully cooperate with statutory agencies during any investigation they make into allegations concerning a member of the church community.
• We will seek to offer informed pastoral care to any child, young person or adult who has suffered abuse.
• We will care for and supervise any member of our church community known to have offended against a child. (page vii)

1.2 - Our theological approach

Every human being has a value and dignity which comes directly from God's creation of male and female in his own image and likeness. Christians see this as fulfilled by God's re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as filled with the Holy Spirit and therefore to protect them from harm. Christ saw children as demonstrating a full and intimate relationship with God. He gave them status, time and respect.

Because redemption and the possibility of forgiveness are so central to the gospel, the church is not only well-equipped to assist in the rehabilitation of offenders but is also particularly challenged by them. Our congregations can be a refuge for those who have perpetrated abuse but are seeking help in maintaining a non-abusive way of life. Other abusers may see church membership as an opportunity to be close to children in order to continue their abusive patterns of behaviour. Experience shows that whether penitent or not, abusers always need support in taking responsibility for their own actions and in stopping their abusive behaviour, and of course children need protecting from them. The genuine penitent will accept the need for careful arrangements for their return to church fellowship. This is in line with the Church's realistic understanding of sin and its effects.

A Christian approach to child protection will therefore ask both individuals and communities to create a safe environment for children, to act promptly on any complaints made, to care for those who have been abused in the past and to minister appropriately to those who have been abused. The Church must take seriously both human propensities to evil but also God given sources of goodness.

1.3 - The Child Protection Policy Statement
        of the Church of England

The Church of England, in all aspects of its life, is committed to and will champion the protection of children and young people both in society as a whole and in its own community. It fully accepts, endorses and will implement the principle enshrined in the Children Act 1989 that the welfare of the child is paramount. The Church of England will foster and encourage best practice within its community by setting standards for working with children and young people and by supporting parents in the care of their children. It will work with statutory bodies, voluntary agencies and other faith communities to promote the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. It is committed to acting promptly whenever a concern is raised about a child or young person or about the behaviour of an adult, and will work with the appropriate statutory bodies when an investigation into child abuse is necessary.

3. THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DIOCESE

3.1    Diocesan Policy
The diocese fully endorses the House of Bishops Child Protection Policy. The diocese is responsible for implementing that policy and supporting parishes in achieving its implementation.

3.2    Diocesan Child Protection Advisers
The key means of providing support to parishes is through the Diocesan Child Protection Advisers who are available to assist parishes with any child protection queries or concerns.

3.3    Child Protection Management Group
In compliance with the recommendations of the House of Bishops, the diocese has set up a Child Protection Management Group which has representation from parishes. This Group is responsible for developing policy, procedures and practice guidance to assist parishes and for monitoring the implementation of these. Details of the membership and terms of reference can be found in the child protection section of the diocesan website.

3.4    Disclosures from the Criminal Records Bureau
The diocese provides access to the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) so that parishes and other diocesan organisations can obtain Disclosures for people applying to work with children. Some information about this is given in Section 9; further information can be found in the CRB Parish Folder and on the diocesan website.

4. THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PARISH

4.1    Responsibilities of the Parish
The House of Bishops' CP Policy sets out (in section 3.4) a number of clear and distinct responsibilities of the parish relating to child protection. These are reproduced at Annexe A

4.2    Parish Child Protection Policy
The Bishop expects every parish to adopt and implement a parish child protection policy as set out atAnnexe B. This should be adopted annually at the first meeting of the new PCC and then displayed.

4.3    Parish Child Protection Coordinator
The Bishop expects every parish to appoint a Parish Child Protection Coordinator. This person will be the key link between the diocese and the parish concerning child protection matters. She/he will have an overview of all parish activities involving children and young people and will monitor the implementation of diocesan guidance. Diocesan House should be advised of any change of Parish Child Protection Coordinator. A job description can be found at Annexe C.

The Parish Child Protection Coordinator will help the parish to coordinate the response to any child protection issue and will inform the Diocesan Child Protection Adviser as soon as practicable.

The House of Bishops' CP Policy says that: "Ideally this coordinator should be someone without other pastoral responsibility for children in the parish." (paragraph 3.4). While this is desirable, it may not be practicable. What is important is that the parish appoints a coordinator and that this person is someone capable of carrying out the responsibilities listed in the job description at Annexe C.

4.4    Children's Advocate
The House of Bishops' CP Policy states that the parish has a responsibility to appoint a person, who may be different from the Parish Child Protection Coordinator, to be a children's advocate - someone whom children know they could talk to about any problems, if they so wish. The diocese recognises that such a role could prove helpful in some parishes; the role could be undertaken either by the Child Protection Coordinator or by a separate person. However, the Bishop accepts that in some parishes the PCC may decide that it is sufficient to display the Childline telephone number.

4.5    Childline
The Bishop expects every parish to display the Childline telephone number (0800 1111).

4.6    Insurance
One of the responsibilities of the parish listed in the House of Bishops' CP Policy is to provide appropriate insurance cover. Insurers require the parish to adopt best practice regarding child protection, based on available guidance. Therefore a parish runs the risk of invalidating its insurance cover relating to child protection issues if it fails to follow guidance provided by the House of Bishops' CP Policy and the diocesan Guidelines.

4.7    Key Tasks for the PCC
A check-list of key tasks for the PCC in relation to child protection may be found at Annexe D.

5. CHILD ABUSE

A. Definitions
5.1
The abuse of children can take many forms. Children and young people with disabilities (physical, sensory and/or learning difficulties) are especially vulnerable and need special care and protection. There is increasing evidence that considerable emotional harm is caused to children who witness domestic violence.

5.2
Crucial to any assessment is knowledge and sensitivity to racial, cultural and religious patterns. Whilst different practices must be taken into account, all children have a right to protection. Differences in child rearing do not justify child abuse; no racial group advocates the abuse of children.

5.3
The central government document "Working Together to Safeguard Children" (DOH, 1999) categorizes and defines abuse as follows:

Physical Abuse
Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer feigns the symptoms of, or deliberately causes ill health to a child whom they are looking after. This situation is commonly described using terms such as "factitious illness by proxy" or "Munchausen syndrome by proxy".

Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional ill-treatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child's emotional development. It may involve conveying to children that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only in so far as they meet the needs of another person. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. It may involve causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of ill-treatment of a child, though it may occur alone.

Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, penetrative (e.g. rape or buggery) or non-penetrative acts. They may include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, pornographic material or watching sexual activities, or encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways.

Neglect
Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child's health or development. It may involve a parent or carer failing to provide adequate food, shelter and clothing, failing to protect a child from physical harm or danger, or the failure to ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment. It may include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child's basic emotional needs.

5.4
Possible signs and symptoms of abuse are listed at Annexe E.

5.5
The enquiry into the death of Victoria Climbie found that she had been severely traumatised by "deliverance prayer" sessions at her church which led her to believe that she was possessed by demons and was evil and wicked. A child should never be told this or encouraged to believe it. Sensitivity and discretion is required in prayer for children. The welfare of the child is paramount. The guiding principle should be the example of Christ himself; in his dealings with children he was always gentle and never frightening.

B. Abuse by Children and Young People
5.6
Abuse by children and young people is more common than is generally realized. Children and young people have always been curious about the opposite sex and/or experimented sexually. However, where a child is in a position of power and responsibility over another child and abuses that trust through some sexual activity, then this is abuse. Where one child forces themselves on another child of any age, this also is abusive. Such situations should be taken as seriously as if an adult were involved and would be investigated in the same way by the child protection agencies. This is important as the effect on the child victim may be as great, and the perpetrator could himself/herself be a victim and in need of help.

C. Hearing a Child's Disclosure
5.7
When a child discloses abuse it is important to "actively listen" to what the child is saying but not to start asking questions since this might put ideas into the young person's mind that were not there before and might prejudice a formal investigation should that be necessary. Never attempt to undertake an investigation yourself or speak directly to the person against whom allegations have been made.

5.8
It is important to tell the child that you will need to pass the information on to someone else. Never promise confidentiality. Let the child know what you are going to do next, reassure the child that they were right to tell you and tell them that they were not to blame for what happened and that what they are saying will be taken seriously.

5.9
Make a written note of:

• what the child said
• your responses to the child
• the circumstances leading to the disclosure
• the physical and emotional appearance of the child
• the date and time of the conversation.

The written record should, if possible, be made within an hour of the discussion and kept in a secure place.

D. Action to be Taken
5:10
If a child needs urgent medical attention the appropriate emergency services should be called or the child taken to the nearest Accident and Emergency department. The hospital staff should be told of your suspicions and your Parish Priest and/or Parish Child Protection Coordinator informed. They should then inform the Diocesan Child Protection Adviser.

5.11
If the child is not in immediate danger then concerns should be discussed immediately with either the Parish Priest or Parish Child Protection Coordinator. They should then discuss the case with the Diocesan Child Protection Adviser. If you are uncertain whether abuse has occurred you should always discuss your concerns with the parish priest or Child Protection Coordinator. You can always raise your concerns with the Diocesan Child Protection Adviser without disclosing the names of the people involved.

5.12
The Diocesan Child Protection Adviser will discuss how best to deal with the matter, in particular whether a referral should be made to Social Services. During the investigation careful consideration will need to be given to support for the child and their family. It may also be appropriate to arrange support for the person referring the matter and for the alleged perpetrator.

5.13
Adults will sometimes disclose abuse which occurred when they themselves were children. Great sensitivity is required in dealing with this as it is likely to have been a major step for the individual to trust someone enough to tell them and the advice of the Diocesan Child Protection Adviser should be sought. The House of Bishops' CP Policy provides guidance on this issue which can be found at Annexe F .

E. What Happens Next
5.14
Under Section 47 of the Children Act 1989 Social Services have a duty to investigate where they have "reasonable cause to suspect that a child who lives, or is found, in their area is suffering, or is likely to suffer significant harm."

5.15
Immediately following a referral, Social Services will hold a strategy discussion to decide on how the matter will be dealt with and the person making the referral will be included.. The strategy discussion could be by telephone or a face to face meeting. If Social Services decide to pursue the investigation the child will be interviewed by a social worker and police officer in plain clothes.

5.16
The full process of a Social Services investigation is detailed at Annexe G .

6. OFFENDERS IN THE CONGREGATION

6.1
There are detailed procedures which explain what to do when someone in the parish is alleged to have committed an offence against a child and the parish has to refer on their concerns thereby causing investigations to be made. These procedures are set out on pages 33 to 35 of the House of Bishops' CP Policy document. Prompt advice from the Diocesan Child Protection Advisers must be sought in these circumstances.

6.2
If someone, either an adult or a young person, attending the church receives a conviction for abusing a child or moves into the parish with such a conviction then the parish priest must ensure that a discussion takes place as soon as possible with the person concerned and that efforts are made to sustain open communication. It will be necessary to establish clear boundaries both to protect the children in the congregation and to lessen the possibility of the adult being wrongly suspected of any form of abuse in the future. The House of Bishops has provided detailed guidance, which is reproduced at Annexe H.

6.3
Because sexual offences are often addictive, it is naïve to assume that the offender has learnt their lesson and that it is possible simply to "forgive and forget". They may well be tempted to re-offend, may fantasise about abusing and may try to gain access to children and young people by befriending parents. They may try to manipulate and control, and start attending the church specifically to come into contact with children.

6.4
Details about a convicted offender should be shared, on a 'need to know' basis, by the parish priest with key individuals such as the Parish Child Protection Coordinator or individuals in the leadership team of the church. The offender could derive sexual pleasure or undue attention from their story being too widely known. The person should never be on their own with children and young people.

6.5
Sexual offenders can be highly manipulative people and it is important for the parish priest to make contact as soon as possible with the Diocesan Child Protection Adviser who will advise about setting up a formal written agreement with the person concerned. A model agreement can be found at Annexe I.

6.6
As well as those with convictions against children, there may be others whose position in the congregation needs to be sensitively assessed in order to determine whether they pose a risk to children. This might include people convicted of violent offences against adults, people involved in severe drug or alcohol addiction and adults with a mental disorder which might in rare cases result in erratic behaviour. Advice from the Diocesan Child Protection Adviser should be sought in cases where a member of the congregation is considered to pose a possible risk to children.

6.7
Situations sometimes occur when allegations are made which do not result in a criminal conviction or even a court hearing yet concerns remain. Guidance on such circumstances is set out in Annexe H.

7. PASTORAL CARE FOR VICTIMS OF ABUSE

7.1
Parishes may find themselves in a situation where they have to support families where abuse has taken place and a plan must be developed. It is important that people involved in support are not involved with any investigation or disciplinary procedures and sometimes a person will need to come from another church or diocese to guarantee neutrality.

7.2
Many churches are likely to have amongst their members adults and young people who have experienced abuse during their childhood. Child abuse can damage a person's capacity to develop loving and trusting relationships; survivors may suffer from anxiety and low self esteem and may have difficulties in sustaining relationships. Parishes should be accepting and welcoming communities where healing can take place as there is a particular need for such people to find acceptance within a Christian community. Some survivors may need professional help. Some professional bodies which can help survivors can be found at Annexe M.

7.3
Occasionally people claim to have experienced sexual abuse where there is no certainty of this. If you suspect this may be the case, advice can be sought from the Diocesan Child Protection Adviser.

8. RECRUITMENT

A key way of protecting children from harm is to ensure the careful recruitment of those working with them.

8.1
In line with guidance from the House of Bishops, prospective volunteer workers should:

• be regarded as job applicants
• have a defined role, with a job description
• complete an Application Form
  (parishes may choose to use the model form at Annexe J; this can be downloaded from the website)
• as required by the House of Bishops' CP Policy, complete aConfidential Declaration (this can be found at Annexe J and can be downloaded from the website)
• name two appropriate referees, who are in a position to comment on their character and their skills (If the person has newly arrived in the parish, one of the referees should be the incumbent of the previous parish)
• be interviewed, to asses whether they have the required qualities, skill and experience.

8.2
If a decision is made to appoint, a Disclosure should be obtained from the Criminal Records Bureau - see Section 9. Although this is only one part of a good recruitment process, it is a key part.

8.3
Once a satisfactory Disclosure has been received:

• the appointment should be confirmed in writing
• the appointment should be reviewed after the first six months and at regular intervals after that
• clear and consistent arrangements should be made for supervising and supporting the person appointed
• appropriate training (including updating training) should be provided.

8.4
Each parish should create and retain adequate records on all those working with children, taking care to store them securely.

8.5
Some volunteers may initially be troubled by being the subject of checks and procedures, believing them to be over-intrusive. However, if the reasons for such good practice are explained, responsible adults and young people offering their services will normally appreciate the reasons for a thorough recruitment process and will not be personally offended.

8.6
It is recognised that there will be some parish priests who feel some discomfort about operating a robust recruitment process, and requiring Disclosures, when the individuals concerned are well known, are volunteers and may well have been encouraged to apply for the position. However, the primary concern must be the need to protect children. In addition, a well conducted recruitment process protects the interests of both the PCC and the person appointed; it also makes clear to the person appointed the value the parish places on the work being undertaken and the contribution that the person appointed is making.

8.7
The above guidance is applicable for the appointment of volunteers. Expert advice should be taken about the recruitment of paid workers where employment law will apply.

9. DISCLOSURES FROM THE CRIMINAL RECORDS BUREAU

9.1    Disclosures
A Disclosure is a document containing information held by the police and government departments. It can be used by employers and voluntary organisations to make safer recruitment decisions. Disclosures are provided by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB), an executive agency of the Home Office. By providing access to criminal records information, the CRB helps organisations to identify applicants who may be unsuitable for certain work, especially work involving contact with children or other vulnerable members of society.

9.2    Arrangements in the diocese
The diocese has registered with the CRB so that it can access the Disclosure service on behalf of parishes. It has issued comprehensive guidance on the process for obtaining Disclosures in the CRB Parish Folder; information can also be found on the diocesan website. Advice about the Disclosure process can be obtained from the CRB Helpdesk at Diocesan House - telephone 01227 450401 or email crbhelpdesk@diocant.org

9..3    Parish Disclosure Officers
The Parish Disclosure Officer (PDO) is appointed by the PCC to liaise between the parish and the diocesan office regarding the administrative aspects of the Disclosure process. PDOs have very different responsibilities from those of Parish Child Protection Coordinators (see Section 4.3); however, in some parishes both positions are held by the same person.

9.4    Disclosures and child protection
Obtaining a CRB Disclosure for people in positions involving work (paid or unpaid) with children is an important means of protecting children. The CRB Parish Folder offers detailed guidance on which positions require a Disclosure; information can also be found on the diocesan website. Parishes need to ensure that Disclosures are always obtained in compliance with diocesan guidance for all those involved in work with children.

10. A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR CHILDREN

A.   A Safe Working Environment

Church groups involving children under 8 that meet for 6 days or more in any one year and where the activity lasts for more than 2 hours in the day come under statutory regulations (OFSTED). Such activities must be formally registered. Registration involves ensuring good practice standards across a wide range of issues including group leaders, staffing ratios, suitability of premises, health and safety and facilities for children with special needs. These kinds of issues of course need to be considered within any Church group regardless of whether or not it needs to be registered by OFSTED.

10.2
The staffing levels for registered groups are as follows. It is suggested that non-registered Church groups should aim for the same adult/child ratios:

2 years and under    
3 years     
4 to 8 years    

Adult    
1
1
1

Children    
3    
4    
8    

Each group should have at least two workers. Information on OFSTED registration can be obtained from Kent County Council Children's Information Service, Freephone: 08000 323230.

10.3
For children over 8 there is no official statutory guidance. Numbers should always be based on a risk assessment. As a minimum there should be at least 2 adults for every 10 children (preferably one of each gender) and an additional adult for each additional 10 children. Following a risk assessment staffing numbers would need to be increased for outdoor activities and more so if that activity is considered high risk or dangerous or when children with disabilities or special needs are involved. (Guidance issued by the Churches' Child Protection Advisory Service).

10.4
For all groups:

• A register should be kept and be available at all group meetings. As well as attendance it should include up to date information on parents' contact numbers and any specific medical information (e.g. allergies).
• A First Aid kit should be available on any premises that are used by children.
• An accident book should be available and all accidents recorded.
• There should be access to a telephone.
• Any significant incidents should be recorded (e.g. a fight between children) and it is suggested that a log book is kept for this purpose and stored in a secure place.
• Parents must sign a consent form before children are taken off site for activities.
• When taking children off site a detailed programme and list of contacts should be left with someone in the parish.
• Activities planned to take place away from church premises should have PCC agreement in order to be covered by insurance.

10.5
Further advice on any matter concerning groups and activities involving children and young people can be sought from the Diocesan Youth Officer or the Children's Ministry Adviser who are both contactable at Diocesan House (Tel.: 01227 459401).

B   Good Practice in Working with Children

10.6
Annexe K provides a check list of good practice for those working with children. It provides a framework within which children can be kept safe and adults protected from false allegations and temptation.

10.7
Sympathetic attention, humour, encouragement and appropriate physical contact are needed by children as part of their coming to understand human relationships. Some physical contact with children, particularly younger children, is wholly appropriate. The following guidelines regarding touching are suggested:

• Keep everything public. A hug in the context of a group is very different from a hug behind closed doors.
• Touch should be in response to a child's needs and not related to the worker's needs.
• Touch should be age appropriate, welcome and generally initiated by the child, not the worker.
• Avoid any physical activity which is, or could be construed as, sexually stimulating to the adult or the child.
• Allow the child to determine the degree of physical contact with others except in exceptional circumstances (e.g. when they need medical attention).
• Ensure that workers at all levels take responsibility for monitoring one another in the area of physical contact with children. They should be encouraged to challenge another worker if necessary. Concerns about possible abuse should always be reported.

(Guidelines drawn up by the Churches' Child Protection Advisory Service - CCPAS)

C   Confidentiality

10.8
The House of Bishops' CP Policy states:

A3.2 General duty of confidentiality

Both law and sound morals impose a general duty not to pass on information which has been received in the clear expectation that it will be treated in confidence. That duty is not absolute, however, and the courts will not intervene to restrain disclosure where (a) the information relates to a crime or other serious misconduct and (b) disclosure is in the public interest. Thus where a child is judged to be at risk of significant harm, usually it will be legally possible, appropriate and highly desirable to disclose relevant information to the public authorities for the sake of protecting children.

The key factor in deciding whether or not to disclose confidential information is proportionality : is the proposed disclosure a proportionate response to the need to protect the welfare of the child? The amount of confidential information disclosed, and the number of people to whom it is disclosed, should be no more than is strictly necessary to meet the public interest in protecting the health and wellbeing of a child. The more sensitive the information is, the greater the child focussed need must be to justify disclosure and the greater the need to ensure that only those professionals who have to be informed receive the material.

10.9
A particular issue regarding confidentiality is raised by the practice of formal confession. The House of Bishops' CP Policy offers the following guidance:

A3.3 Confession

It is in everyone's interest to recognise the distinction between what is heard in formal confession (however this might take place), which is made for the quieting of conscience and intended to lead to absolution, and disclosures made in pastoral situations. For this reason, it is helpful if confessions are normally heard at advertised times, or by other arrangements, or in some way differentiated from a general pastoral conversation or meeting for spiritual direction.

10.10
Help over issues of confidentiality can be sought from the Diocesan Child Protection Advisers.

11. FURTHER HELP AND GUIDANCE

11.1
The Diocesan Child Protection Advisers are qualified and experienced child care practitioners who work for the diocese in order to provide advice and guidance to parishes whenever necessary. The Advisers are available to the clergy, Parish Child Protection Coordinators, diocesan staff and others to discuss and give advice on specific and general child protection concerns and worries. If you have any concerns or worries, or just want to discuss a situation generally, then do not hesitate to pick up the telephone to speak to them.

11.2
These Guidelines have been prepared to help make the Church a safe place for children. They are not the last word. They will be supplemented by updated information in the child protection section of the diocesan website and periodic training opportunities for those working in the parishes.

USEFUL CONTACTS

Diocesan Child Protection Advisers

Elaine Rose
01233-720930
e-mail elainerose@f2s.com

Simon Tapp
01233-756314
e-mail simontapp@fsmail.net

Diocesan
CRB Help Desk
01227-459401
www.canterbury.anglican.org/crb
E-mail crbhelpdesk@diocant.org

Diocesan House
Lady Wootton's Green
Canterbury
Kent CT1 1NQ
Tel: 01227-459401

Child Line
Freepost 1111
London N1 0BR
Tel: 0800 1111
(Note: children can write to Child Line
rather then telephone if they wish)

The Churches' Child Protection
Advisory Service (CCPAS)
Helpline: 0845 120 4550
Website: www.ccpas.co.uk
(Helps churches, organisations
and individuals faced with
child protection issues)

Kent County Council Contact Centre
Tel: 01622 696717
(Open 24 hours a day 7 days per week.
The caller will either be directed to the
Social Services County Duty Service
where referrals are received or to the
appropriate Social Services Office if a
consultation is required.)

Kent County Council
Children's Information Service
Tel: 08000 323230
(For information on National Standards
for groups and day care including
OFSTED information.)

Further addresses and contacts can be found at Annex M