Safeguarding Children

CRCSG is committed to providing and developing a 'child-protective culture'.

To that end, Church Council (Session) has adopted and is in the process of implementing a policy, code of conduct and procedures based on the model template.

The policy statement from this document, "Safeguarding Children - A Child Protection Policy; Code of Conduct and Procedures", is reproduced below. The full document is available from the link provided at the bottom of this page.

Policy Statement: A Commitment to Child Protection

The purpose of this Policy is to guide Christian Reformed Church of South Gippsland (CRCSG) in developing a child-protective culture. CRCSG is committed to welcoming children and their parents or carers and providing a ‘child-safe’ environment, culture and programs for children and other vulnerable people who attend the services and other programs. We are committed to demonstrating our care and respect for every child and vulnerable person by protecting them from abuse of any kind. We see such a commitment as flowing naturally from our vision and mission to operate according to biblical, Christian principles for living and for recognising the unique value and potential of every person, regardless of race, age, gender, ability or disability.

Our priority is to:

• provide safe physical, emotional and online environments.

• develop and implement clear expectations to guide the behaviour of adults towards children, expressed in a Child-safe Code of Conduct that provides advice for managing relationships between adult and children.

• develop and implement strategies for identifying, mitigating or eliminating risks to children’s wellbeing and safety.

• provide clear and accessible pathways for acting on observations, allegations and disclosures, including reporting abuse.

We recognise the particular need for sensitivity for those from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds, including those with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage. We take into consideration the needs of children with disabilities and seek to include them and make them feel safe and welcome. All children, regardless of their gender, race, religious beliefs, age, disability, sexual orientation, family or social background, have equal rights to protection from abuse and discrimination. Our pastoral care and protection of all children expresses our love and commitment to their wellbeing, even if their statements and choices do not align with the beliefs and doctrines of this church community.

This Policy recognises both Federal and State legislation and commits workers to responsibly and reasonably cooperating with Government departments, law enforcement and child protection agencies. The operational principles of our Code of Conduct support and facilitate the protection of children and young people.

CRCSG takes a zero tolerance approach to any behaviours that jeopardise a child’s safety, including all forms of abuse.

If any person believes a child is in immediate risk of abuse, telephone 000.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Safeguarding Children statement identifies three primary roles. The person or persons responsible for these roles can be contacted as follows;

• The Chair of Church Council (Chairman of Session) (chairman@crcsg.org.au)

• The Minister (pastor@crcsg.org.au)

• The Child Protection Officer (child.protection.officer@crcsg.org.au)

Note: Whilst the church is without a minister/pastor, emails are redirected to the Session Chairman.

Download Full Policy

The complete "Safeguarding Children - A Child Protection Policy; Code of Conduct and Procedures" document is available below.