Frequently asked questions from Parishes

Q 1.
Is it a legal requirement for the PCC to have a child protection policy?
What happens if they don't?

Answer
It is not a formal legal requirement for the PCC to have a child protection policy. However, The Church of England has a child protection policy (see the House of Bishops' policy document: "Protecting all God's Children" (2004) which can be accessed through the link on the Canterbury Diocesan Child Protection Website) and this states that each parish should adopt and implement a child protection policy.

In line with the House of Bishops document the Diocesan Child Protection Guidelines state that that the Bishop expects every parish to adopt and implement a parish child protection policy. The guidelines provide - at Annexe D - a checklist to help the PCC review the implementation of its policy.

Aside from the issue of the PCC requiring a child protection policy the PCC is still bound by the law on child protection matters, such as the fact that a criminal offence is committed if an offender against children is employed in a "regulated position" working with children (see Question 8 for further details).

If the PCC fails to follow the guidance provided by the House of Bishops Child Protection Policy and the Diocesan Guidelines the parish runs the risk of invalidating its insurance cover on child protection issues (see paragraph 4. 6 of the Diocesan Guidelines). Furthermore, a PCC is in a safer position in having a child protection policy, being less likely to contravene any child protection legislation and thereby protecting children more effectively.

Q 2..
How regularly should the PCC adopt their child protection policy?

Answer
The policy should be adopted annually and should be displayed; a pro-forma of the Policy Statement is provided at Annexe B of the Diocesan Guidelines. In addition the implementation of the policy should be reviewed annually; a checklist to assist the PCC with this task is provided at Annexe D of the Diocesan Guidelines.

The Policy Statement does not need to be sent to Diocesan House. However, Anne Iles or one of her colleagues at Diocesan House (Tel: 01227 459401) should be notified if there is a change in the Parish Child Protection Coordinator (and/or Parish Disclosure Officer) so that diocesan records can be updated.

Q 3..
Should the PCC adopt a list of people approved to work with children?

Answer
The job description of Parish Child Protection Coordinators states that coordinators: "Have an overview of all parish activities involving children and young people and keep a record of these activities," and "Be familiar with diocesan guidance and ensure that leaders of activities involving children and young people are fully aware of, and are implementing, this guidance." ( Annexe C of the Diocesan Guidelines). The PCC is charged with ensuring that all those working with children have a CRB Disclosure (see Checklist of PCC tasks, Annexe D of the Diocesan Guidelines). The implementation of CRB disclosures in the Parish is carried out by the Parish Disclosure Officer who is appointed by the PCC. It is sensible administrative practice for the parish to have a list of people working with children and that they have had a CRB Disclosure.

Q 4..
Is the Parish Disclosure Officer the same job as the Parish Child Protection Coordinator?

Answer
No; although the same person may and often does cover both jobs. The job description of the Parish Child Protection Coordinator is listed in Annexe C of the Diocesan Guidelines. A summary of the CRB Disclosure system and role of the Parish Disclosure Officer is given in Section 9 of the Diocesan Guidelines. The job description of the Parish Disclosure Officer can be accessed via the child protection section of the diocesan website under the "Criminal Records Bureau" heading. There is a CRB Helpdesk (01227 459401) where advice can be sought.

Q 5..
If our church decides to allow people involved in activities with children not to have a CRB Disclosure what are the consequences?

Answer
People are much more understanding of the need for CRB disclosures as it is now an expectation of those working with children in the statutory and voluntary fields - not only to help to reduce the risk to children but as a protection for the worker themselves. Anyone in the Diocese appointed to positions involving contact with children, either paid or voluntary, must have a CRB Disclosure. There might be a number of reasons why someone refuses a CRB Disclosure. One of those reasons could be because they have something to hide. If a parish decides to allow someone to continue to work with children who has refused a CRB Disclosure it might be putting children at risk. Furthermore it is contrary to the House of Bishops Child Protection Policy and may invalidate the parish's insurance policy on child protection if something were to go wrong (see paragraph 8.6 and 4.6 of the Diocesan Guidelines).

Q 6..
How long should we retain log books or information in our records?

Answer
It is suggested that log books and records relating to child protection matters be retained in a secure place indefinitely.

Q 7..
Do we need to register our holiday club with the Social Services Department?

Answer
Church groups involving children under 8 in most cases come under OFSTED regulations and will need to be formally registered. Kent County Council Social Services Department is not involved in the registration process. Information on OFSTED regulation can be obtained from Kent County Council's Children's Information Service, Freephone 0800 323230. For children over 8 there is no official statutory guidance. It is important to read Section 10A in the Diocesan Guidelines for further details about creating a safe working environment for children.

Q 8..
If a person with offences against children comes into our congregation what should we do?

Answer
The short answer is to contact either one of the Diocesan Child Protection Advisers, Elaine Rose or Simon Tapp, as the issues are likely to be extremely complex. The Diocesan Guidelines are very specific stating that the Child Protection Advisers must be contacted in such a situation and their advice sought. Section 6 and Annexe H of the Diocesan Guidelines discuss some of the key issues to consider in relation to offenders in the congregation. A written contract is suggested in these circumstances. Annexe I lists clauses to consider including in a written contract with an offender joining the congregation. Annexe H, which reproduces the House of Bishops policy on the matter, states that a person who is known to have sexually abused children "should not accept any official role in the church which gives them status or authority as a child or young person may deem that person to be trustworthy." There are some individuals who are, by law, disqualified from working with children because of offences in their past. These people are prevented from working in what are known as "regulated positions", which are defined in legislation and broadly cover working with or being involved with children. If there is any possibility that this situation has arisen in a parish, or is likely to arise, then the advice of one of the Diocesan Child Protection Advisers should be sought as a matter of urgency.

Q 9..
How many people should accompany a child to the toilet?

Answer
There is no official guideline on this and common sense should prevail in terms of what is right and dignified for the child and the supervision of other children in the room whilst the child is being taken to the toilet. In only very exceptional circumstances should more than one adult be accompanying a child to the toilet. See Annexe K of the Diocesan Guidelines for advice on good practice in working with children.

Q 10..
Are 16 to 18 year old young people classed as adults and should they have a CRB check if working with children?

Answer
Technically young people aged 16 and 17 are not classified as adults. However, any 16 and 17 year olds working with children should have CRB Disclosures.

Q 11..
We have a worry about a family in our congregation in terms of child protection but we don't want to get them involved in Court proceedings; what shall we do?

Answer
You should contact one of the Child Protection Advisers. The House of Bishops Policy Document states: "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." (Paragraph 1.3). If parents are having difficulty in looking after their children appropriately it is important that the family is assessed and help is provided to them to improve the wellbeing of the children. Of those families referred to Social Services only a very small minority become involved in Court proceedings.

Q 12..
A child in our congregation has told me that she has been abused but she does not want me to tell anyone about it; what shall I do?

Answer
If a child discloses abuse it is important to listen carefully to what the child is saying but not to interview or closely question the child as this could jeopardise a formal investigation. Never promise confidentiality in these circumstances. Reassure the child that you have taken seriously what they have said and are going to have to speak to someone else to ensure that the abuse does not continue to themselves or to anyone else. The case should be discussed quickly with one of the Child Protection Advisers and the Parish Priest informed. It can be helpful to say to the child that you recognise they have trusted you enough to tell you of the abuse and that you hope they will continue to trust you to do what is right to ensure that they and other children are kept safe. Make a written record of the child's disclosure quickly. See Sections 5B to 5E of the Diocesan Guidelines for detailed advice and guidance on hearing and taking action on a child's disclosure..

Q 13..
We are a group of carol singers going from village to village and some children come with us.
Should we be CRB checked?

Answer
No, this is not necessary. Any children who are singing should have their parents' consent and, as with any Church activities/visits/trips, appropriate arrangements should be made for their supervision. It would be sensible to have someone with a designated responsibility for their supervision.

Q 14..
A young person I know in the youth group told me that she self-harms; what shall I do?

Answer
It is important to thank the young person for trusting you enough to tell you and give the young person reassurance that you want to help them. Say that you will need to seek advice on how best to help. In seeking advice you will need to contact the Parish Priest and one of the Diocesan Child Protection Advisers.

Q 15..
An adult in our congregation has told me that she was abused in the past.
What shall I advise her to do?

Answer
Advice should be sought from one of the Diocesan Child Protection Advisers. It could be that the person concerned might benefit from therapeutic help from a recognised agency specialising in helping victims of abuse, some of which are listed in Annexe M of the Diocesan Guidelines. A referral to the police will not necessarily follow unless the individual wants to report the offence. However, they will need to be made aware that a referral to Social Services will have to be made if the alleged abuser is working with children or caring for children. See the Diocesan Guidelines for advice on pastoral care for victims of abuse (Section 7) and disclosures of historical abuse (Annexe F).

Q 16..
I am told that a person in our congregation has abused a child in the past. What shall I do?

Answer
It is necessary to inform the Parish Priest and one of the Diocesan Child Protection Advisers as the information which will be second hand needs to be checked with the Probation Service and/or Social Services. If the person concerned has abused a child then the process as referred to in question 8 comes into play, such as the drawing up of a written contract.

Q 17..
I am worried that an adult in our Church has developed a close and exclusive relationship with a young person and I don't feel comfortable about this. What shall I do?

Answer
This is not an uncommon scenario. It is difficult because it does not involve the direct abuse of a child, merely a feeling of disquiet. The advice of one of the Diocesan Child Protection Advisers should be sought and the Parish Priest informed. Often others in the congregation have had similar concerns. It may be that the behaviour has an innocent explanation that can be put down to a lack of judgement. On the other hand there could be a more serious motive such as grooming behaviour which could lead to future sexual abuse. It is likely that the adult concerned will be spoken to and the concerns discussed with the parents and possibly the young person themselves.

Q 18..
We have a young person with learning difficulties helping in our Sunday School and sometimes their behaviour isn't always appropriate. What advice do you give and should they be police checked?

Answer
The Church can often provide a role within their activities for young people with special needs and in no way should this be discouraged. Any young person over 16 working with children (regardless of whether or not they have special needs) should have a CRB Disclosure. In the particular circumstances of this question the advice of one of the Diocesan Child Protection Advisers should be sought. The exact nature of the behaviour of the young person, why it is not appropriate and the effect that it is having or might have on the Sunday School children will need to be explored by the child protection adviser. A key feature will be the degree of supervision which the Sunday School teacher can provide to the young person concerned. In ensuring the protection of the Sunday School children sensitivity to the special needs of the young person and an understanding of these needs is essential.