Child Protection
- CHILD PROTECTION IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS WE DO!
Since 2004 AYM has worked to bring about a change in the way we as a church perceive and enact safe ministry practices with young people. Now with the oversight of the diocesan Professional Standards Unit (PSU), AYM is involved with delivering training, screening and policy development in this area.
This new enterprise for ACYM has come about together with new developments in state legislation and Anglican policy. These require parishes to become appropriately trained and screened to work in a children's or youth ministry setting. Coupled with new national guidelines foreshadowed for all denominations (click here for more information om the NCCA-Safe Church Training Agreement), the issue of making churches 'child safe' will become a new nationally recognised aim and benchmark in best practice for all churches in Australia.
- FAQ's
The following are a number of freqently asked questions about child protection.
- What will I do in the Child Protection Training?
- When and where will the training be in 2009?
- What do I do if I am a Children's or Youth Leader?
- What kind of training do I need to do?
- What if I only help out now and then?
- What is the Working With Children Check (WWC Check) and do I need it?
- Do I need a licence from the diocese to do Children's or Youth Ministry?
- What about overnight camps?
- What is the Church Safe program?
- How often do I need to do the training?
- What will I do in the Child Protection Training?
You will do two modules - Child Protection Essentials (module A) and Child Safe (module B)
- When and where will Child Protection training be in 2009?
CHURCH SAFE
To be announced in an area near you from July onwards
- What do I do if I am a Children's or Youth Leader?
There are a number of obligations you have as a Youth or Children's Leader in the Diocese of Perth:
- What training do I need to do?
In wishing to maintain high standards of safety and ministry it is important that not only are you a 'leader' but that you are also a 'learner'. AYM provides quarterly ministry training and also provides additional child protection training. If you are unable to attend our scheduled training please call us on 9389 9238 to arrange training at a time suitable for you.
- What if I only help out now and then?
If you help out for less than five days per year (excluding overnight camps):
- What is the Working With Children Check (WWCCheck) and do I need it?
Check out the WWC Check website for more information.
- Do I need a license from the diocese to do Children's or Youth Ministry?
Everyone involved in children's and youth ministry needs to complete the Diocesan Volunteers form. If you are a ministry coordinator then you need to fill out an additional Diocesan form which is to be returned to the Director of Professional Standards.
- What about overnight camps?
All adults, including parents, must have a Working with Children Check if they are going be involved in an overnight camp.
It is also important to note that overnight camps or events require additional preparation and organisation. For example, you must ensure that your sleeping arrangements are in line with Diocesan guidelines. For more information on how to properly organise an overnight camp contact ACYM on 9389 9238.
- What is the Church Safe program?
Church Safe is a risk management system that is currently being formally piloted in Perth and is being rolled out across Australia. For more information log on to www.childsafe.org.au. Church Safe will become the national standard for risk management and child protection in Australia across all denominations as part of the National Council of Churches-Safe as Churches national accreditation program. More news as this develops.
- How often do I need to do the training?
It is recommended that you complete child protection training at least every three years. Regular refreshers will ensure that you continue to stay alert to risk factors.