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In a 36 page document entitled 'Child Protection Guidelines' the Presbyterian Church has set out procedures to be followed by congregations in their work with children and young people.
The Guidelines passed by the General Assembly in June have now been officially launched at Presbytery meetings this week and are designed to create a safe environment for children, young people and leaders within the Presbyterian Church.
"Churches and youth organisations come into contact with more children than any other organisation except schools," says Pamela Lockie, Advisor in Social Services to the Presbyterian Church. "Our Church is not immune from the problems of trusted adults misusing their position. This requires a response which is both preventative towards the children and caring for those who have been abused. These guidelines will raise standards of care and protection in every congregation while leaders, teachers and helpers will be more assured of their own position in the event of accusations, whether real or false."
Included in the guidelines is procedure for the vetting of potential leaders,the necessary provision of training for ministers and leaders and a clear procedure to be followed should abuse be suspected. By the end of this year every congregation is to appoint a designated person who will be trained to supervise the implementation of the guidelines and the training for all leaders should be implemented by 31st May 1997
Churches are exempt from the provisions of the Children (NI) Order 1995 but the Presbyterian Church considers it a moral obligation to implement these procedures which are based on the new legislation and Childcare Northern Ireland's 'Our Duty to Care' document.
"Treating children and young people with dignity and respect and upholding their best interests is also in the best interests of the club or organisation within the church, said Rev Norman Cameron, convener of the working party who prepared the guidelines. "As well as offering congregations good practice procedures for those working with children and young people, the guidelines also affirm and encourage those adults and older young people who give their time and skills in this area of Christian service."
A copy of the guidleines are available on request from Church House.
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