CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE PEOPLE SAFETY

This section applies to all team members (including employees and volunteers) involved in church activities involving children and vulnerable people. This policy defines ‘child’ as any person 18 years or younger. Therefore, teenagers should be understood to be included in the term ‘child’.

These measures are taken to help the church maintain a safe and secure environment for all children and vulnerable people who participate in church programs or activities or who use any church facilities.

Our “Duty of Care” is defined as, “the responsibility to provide those in our care with an adequate level of protection from harm. Usually expressed as a duty to take reasonable care to protect children and vulnerable people from all reasonably foreseeable risk of injury.”(ChildSafe)

FCC is committed to protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and vulnerable people. To this end, the following minimum requirements shall apply to all dealings involving children and vulnerable people within the church programs. For additional guidelines, refer to the ChildSafe Code of Practice, available at request from relevant team leaders and the Safety Management Online (ChildSafe) website.

We are committed to the Biblical call to care for children and vulnerable people by actively preventing harm and abuse.

We are committed to embedding this care into all levels of our leadership and culture.

We are also responsible and accountable fulfilling our obligations under State and Federal law to protect children and vulnerable people.

1 SCREENING OF TEAM LEADERS AND MEMBERS

All potential team members who apply to work with children and vulnerable people:

a) Must supply two referees, ideally from previous volunteer organisations and/or employers, to confirm the identity of the candidate and their suitability to work with children and/or vulnerable people.

b) Must undergo a interview with an pastor/elder or ministry leader, to review past experience of working with children and/or vulnerable people.

c) Must have been regular attendees of the church for at least six (6) months. Exceptions may be made if the team member is well known to a pastor/elder or a team leader (Youth/Childrens team leader) or works under the supervision of a team leader. In these cases, the six-month period may be reduced at the discretion of the pastors/elders.

d) Must be in possession of a current Blue Card as required by Queensland Law and issued by the Queensland Government. For details of how to obtain this card, contact the Blue Card Co-ordinator. Blue Card details will also be stored on the Safety Management Online website.

e) Must have a signed agreement that authorises them to participate in the supervision, transport, or custody of children (Volunteer Service Form). The nominated Blue Card Co-ordinator will hold all of these signed agreements and ensure that there is a Blue Card and signed agreement for every member of children/vulnerable people-related ministries.

2 TRAINING OF TEAM LEADERS AND MEMBERS

All church team members who work with children and vulnerable people:

a) Must have their responsibilities regarding dealing with children and vulnerable people clearly outlined when they commence volunteering or employment with FCC.

b) Must complete the online training modules provided by Safety Management Online unless they provide a certificate showing training has been completed with another organisation working with children and vulnerable people e.g. education department, church, mission organisation

c) ChildSafe refresher training will be provided at the start of each year.

d) All team leaders and team members must be provided with a copy of the FCC Children and Vulnerable People Safety Policy and must provide the FCC Childrens co-ordinator with a signed receipt acknowledging their acceptance and agreement to abide by these policies.

3 SPIRITUAL SAFETY

As a Christian organisation, we have a responsibility for what is taught.

When recruiting leaders, ask:

a) What do they think the gospel is?

b) Who is God?

c) Who is Jesus?

d) What are their views on important moral issues?

Generally it is best to take time to disciple someone before bringing them into a ministry

4 LEGAL OBLIGATIONS WITH RESPECT TO CHILD / VULNERABLE PERSON ABUSE

The church has a duty of care to children and vulnerable people in its care and is required to take all reasonable steps to protect such children and/or vulnerable people. If the church does not ensure that volunteers and employees hold a Blue Card or report an incident of abuse, it has failed in its duty of care to children and vulnerable people who are abused whilst in its care.

Our duty of care includes reporting all reasonable suspicions of abuse to the authorities in accordance with legislative requirements. Team leaders and members of child/vulnerable people-related ministries should refer to ChildSafe for specific guidelines on reporting. Other church members should report to an elder or ministry team leader.

5 INTERNAL REPORTING / ESCALATION PROCEDURE

Children and vulnerable adults can only be protected from harm if it is reported and dealt with quickly and effectively. Therefore, FCC will ensure appropriate and timely reporting of all disclosures or suspicions of harm and any complaints relating to child and vulnerable people protection concerns, especially sexual abuse and/or sexual misconduct involving a

Child or Vulnerable person.

Any suspicion or allegations of sexual abuse and/or sexual misconduct should be reported to the relevant Team Leader, who will then notify the Co-ordinator, Risk Management Officer and the pastors/elders. If a team member suspects a team leader of sexual abuse and/or sexual misconduct they should report directly to the Co-ordinator or Risk Management Officer who will then notify the pastors/elders. At any time a team member or leader can report any suspicions or allegations of sexual abuse and/or sexual misconduct directly to the pastors/elders.

FCC will ensure that Child/Vulnerable people Protection concerns will be reported to the relevant authorities as soon as possible and in accordance with legislative requirements.

Team Leaders/Members who are are under any investigation (internally or by the police) for suspicion of committing sexual abuse and/or sexual misconduct will be automatically suspended from duties involving children/vulnerable people in FCC.

Team Leaders/Members who are found guilty of committing sexual abuse and/or sexual misconduct following an investigation or trial will be automatically terminated from duties involving children in FCC.

If a child or vulnerable person discloses information to you

• Listen carefully. Do not counsel.

• Let them know that you believe them.

• Make sure they know that it is not their fault.

• Do not promise to not tell anyone.

• Tell them that you must pass on the information to someone else.

• Tell them that you are pleased they have told you.

• Talk to your team leader, co-ordinator, risk-assessment officer or pastor/elder.

• Document everything as soon as possible.

6 PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH CHILDREN / VULNERABLE PEOPLE

The following are guidelines relating to physical contact with children/vulnerable people:

a) Any physical contact must be initiated by the child/vulnerable person themselves. Physical contact should be limited and in the company of others. Clear exemptions include appropriate contact during games, and when medical assistance is necessary.

b) Do not touch any part of a child/vulnerable person’s body that is normally covered by modest swimwear. Contact may be made between the shoulder blades and the elbow. Exemptions from this are:

i. A suitably qualified person such as a medical practitioner doing a medical examination

ii. A supervisor assisting a young child/vulnerable person (of the same sex as the supervisor) with toilet or bathing

c) Any physical contact should be as brief as possible, and in no way be sexually suggestive or resemble sexual contact.

d) Where possible, try to have another adult present. As a reminder, no adult should be with a child/vulnerable person unless within eyesight of another adult.

7 RESTRICTED ACTIVITIES BETWEEN CHILDREN

Avoid or disallow any activity between children that could potentially lead to sexual contact. This is to be insisted on regardless of whether the child consents to (or even seeks) to engage in such activities. Some examples of such activities are as follows:

a) Wrestling or tickling

b) Frontal hugging or kissing

c) Touching one another apart from the accepted “safe area” which is between the shoulder and elbow

d) Sharing a bed or couch, etc, or simply lying together

e) Sharing a shower or toilet

f) Engaging in sexual conversation, jokes, or inferences

g) Fighting

8 WORKING WITH CHILDREN

When working with children, the co-ordinator must ensure all programs and activities have a safe number of team members to children/participants. The standard ratio is one adult for every eight children who are 6 years and over, however the ratio varies with a. younger children (one adult to four children) or b. those with special needs, or c. depending on activity (see table below). There should always be a minimum of two team members.

Team members who work with children must observe the following guidelines:

a) Must show respect to all children and treat all equally without favouritism.

b) Any involvement in toileting or showering a child should be in full view of another worker.

c) Should the need arise to enter a toilet, bathroom, or bedroom with child, do so in full view of another worker.

d) Any one-to-one conversation or counselling should be in full view of another worker

e) Avoid kissing or cuddling except where a “side on” hug could be considered appropriate

f) There should always be another adult present, or at least in eyesight. No team member or leader should be alone with a child in a solitary place.

g) Ensure, as much as possible, that children are dressed modestly during church programs and activities

h) Never become involved in a sexual, dating, or otherwise intimate relationship with any member of the supervised group

9 FORBIDDEN ACTIVITIES

Those who work with children generally must observe the following guidelines. Do not:

a) Engage in inappropriate conversation of a sexual or otherwise inappropriately mature nature

b) Use coarse language, especially that of a sexual nature

c) Make suggestive gestures or remarks

d) Tell jokes of a sexual nature

e) Allow access by children to inappropriate literature or material (e.g. PG, M, MA, R, or X rated material)

f) Commit an act of violence in the course of an activity

10 SAFE ENVIRONMENT

It is paramount that a safe environment be maintained for all activities involving children. To this end, it is our policy to:

a) Ensure that there are nominated adults to keep the perimeter of the grounds as secure as possible. These responsibilities will include:

i. Keeping children from climbing on fences, rails, trees, etc

ii. Keeping a child from being alone with another child

iii. Ensuring that the level of activity is kept appropriate and that smaller children are not placed in a position where they can be hurt by the activities of larger children

b) Ensure all children wear appropriate footwear

c) Ensure that a first aid kit is always available, even when activities are held away from the church grounds

d) Ensure that children only leave in the company of someone authorised in writing by their parent/guardian. Nominated persons must be listed when the child is registered for the program or added by the parent/guardian at a later date.

e) Ensure that no child is withdrawn from the location of the activity by persons unknown to the supervisors without first identifying themselves and being confirmed as authorised by the child’s parent/guardian

f) Ensure that children do not leave the location of the activity once the program has commenced without the written permission of a parent/guardian.

g) Ensure that no one is present at child-related activities without a valid reason. Police may be contacted if such persons refuse to comply with any reasonable request to leave.

11 SOCIAL MEDIA/ PHONE POLICY

Social media is a central means of communication in the contemporary world. However, there are significant risks to mental, emotional, and physical safety that can arise. As such, the following rules apply to those working with children in a church-related context.

Children/Vulnerable person’s workers should not be connected with children/vulnerable people on their personal social media. This includes being Facebook friends, following on Instagram, or the equivalent on each social media platform. Any social media communication should be restricted to the appropriate ministry’s official page in order to ensure accountability with other leaders. These official pages should be monitored to ensure appropriate communication with children/vulnerable people.

Exemptions can be granted for adults who are connected with children/vulnerable people outside of the church program (e.g. family friends, church members). There is no requirement to remove them from an adult’s social media, though care should be taken to avoid breaching any relevant child/vulnerable person safety policies.

Team leaders are authorised to call children/vulnerable people throughout the week for the purposes of pastoral care and ministry updates. At leaders’ discretion, other team members may also contact children/vulnerable people. Such contact should be made through the parents/guardians or the group social media channels to ensure proper accountability.

12 GROOMING CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE PEOPLE

All team leaders and members should be aware of the potential for grooming which generally includes the following:

a) Forming a special relationship

b) Encouraging dishonesty

c) Testing reactions to physical touch

d) Advancing to personal and affectionate touch

Any suspicions of grooming behaviour should be reported as per section .05 of this policy.

13 ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

The consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs during childrens and vulnerable peoples programs/activities is not allowed under any circumstances. Any child or vulnerable person found to be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs is to be counselled and the parents/guardians contacted so that the child or vulnerable person can be returned home immediately.

14 SUN SAFETY

a) Participants are encouraged to wear sun protective clothing, hats, and sunscreen.

b) Leaders should role model the wearing of sun protective items

c) If possible, avoid outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

d) Where possible make use of shaded areas

e) Where possible use indoor or covered venues for games and swimming

15 TRANSPORTING CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE PEOPLE

In some circumstances (events held outside of church grounds, or where parents/guardians unavailable to pick up children) it may be necessary for team members to have children and/or vulnerable people in their car. Parents/guardians can give written approval to any driver who is a team member or team leader to transport their children/vulnerable people to, from, or during church related activities. The requirements of this section apply particularly to transporting children/vulnerable people in vehicles.

The following points are mandatory for any who transport children to, from, or during a church-related activity:

a) No adult should be alone with a child/vulnerable person in their vehicle. Two adults must be present.

b) The child/vulnerable person should sit in the back seat and not beside the driver.

c) All drivers must have a current ‘open’ driver’s license and must complete the applicable section on the Volunteer Service Form

d) All vehicles used for the transport of children/vulnerable persons must be currently registered and roadworthy (e.g. tyres legal, etc)

e) All vehicles used for the transport of children/vulnerable persons must be covered at least by a current “Third Party Property” insurance. Details of insurance must be recorded on the Volunteer Service Form.

f) Drivers and passengers must comply with all relevant road safety rules (e.g. mandatory wearing of seatbelts)

g) Always take children/vulnerable persons to and from an activity by the most direct route possible with limited stops along the way.

h) If a team member suspects that a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, then they shall make every attempt to stop a child/vulnerable person from being transported by that driver.

16 DISCIPLINE OF CHILDREN

From time to time, it will be necessary to discipline children who are participating in church activities. It must be remembered that children who are unruly and out of control pose a danger to others, either directly or through distracting the person in charge from their duty in caring for the whole group. The following guidelines do not purport to cover every situation but provide a foundation. Common sense must prevail in every situation whilst being mindful of any legal responsibilities and the church’s Christian witness.

a) Do not make physical contact with a child during any disciplinary process. Exemptions can be made when a responsible person/supervisor deems it necessary to apply reasonable force to protect someone from harm.

b) No form of emotional or mental discipline shall be administered that would cause any distress to the child.

c) The incident may need to be discussed with the child’s parent/guardian

d) If the incident is of a criminal nature it must be referred to the Police.

17 MEDICAL SAFETY FOR MINISTRIES INVOLVING CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE PEOPLE

In programs/activities where the parent and/or guardian is present, they should be the first point of contact, even if engaged in another activity.

In some cases, parents/guardians will leave their children/vulnerable person with a team leader and leave the venue. In such situations, each ministry/activity should have a nominated first aid officer available.

Parents/Caregivers/Guardians must be discouraged from leaving children at who are unwell. If a child/vulnerable person becomes unwell whilst in the care of Team Leaders, parents/guardians must be notified.

If an incident occurs, the following procedure should be followed

- The first aid officer should be the first respondant

- Determine if an ambulance should be called and if so proceed to call ambulance immediately; then call the parent/guardian of the child/vulnerable person

- An incident report should be filed with the Risk Management Officer by the Team Leader

- The Team Leader should follow up with the parents/guardians to ascertain the medical/care status of the child/vulnerable person

- The Risk Management Officer will followup to see that the proper procedure has been followed and that reasonable steps are taken to prevent any future occurances

18 COMPLAINT HANDLING

FCC will respond to complaints about breaches of the FCC Child/Vulnerable Person Safety Policy quickly.

These apply to both minor breaches and serious breaches, including child sexual abuse or

sexual misconduct involving a child, young person or vulnerable adult.

19 RECORD KEEPING

FCC will keep records relating to:

a. Complaints and incidents received

b. The outcome of the complaint/incident; and

c. Outstanding actions to be followed up

The Pastor/Elders will review records of complaints/incidents on an annual basis.