Child Protection Policy
Child Protection Policy
Ensuring a safe environment for children, young people and leaders.
Policy Statement
Newtownbreda Presbyterian Church reaches out to all children and young people and welcomes those from households where there is no Presbyterian or other denominational connection. We have a legal duty of care to look after all children and provide a safe environment for them as best we can.
This policy is aimed at creating an environment where children and young people may enjoy social contact, personal and spiritual development and where they, and the leaders and helpers working with them, will be kept safe.
Adoption of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) Child Protection Guidelines
The Kirk Session of Newtownbreda Presbyterian Church has adopted The Presbyterian Church in Ireland’s Child Protection Guidelines, ‘Taking Care Two’, approved by the General Assembly and revised in 2011. All organisations must adhere to these guidelines as agreed by the General Assembly in 2008. The Kirk Session will review the policy every three years and keep Taking Care on the agenda of the Kirk Session meetings.
1. Leadership
The Kirk Session believes that the recruitment and appointment process outlined in the Taking Care guidelines greatly assist the assessment of a person’s suitability to work with children and young people. As a result of implementing such procedures, leaders and helpers within this congregation will be more assured of their position and of the confidence placed in them by the Kirk Session.
The following procedures must be followed for the appointment of leaders who are 18 years and over.
- All leaders will be required to complete an application form for leaders.
- The application form includes the vetting process according to legislation and good practice.
- The Kirk Session will appoint up to two interviewers to meet informally with the applicant. At the interview the Child Protection Policy will be provided and explained. ‘We Care 4 U Too’ will also be provided.
- Applicants will be required to provide two references, by persons who are not relatives and who have known the applicant for at least two years. Referees should not be the minister, designated person or either of the interviewers.
- A letter of approval will be sent to the Designated Person from the Taking Care Office.