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protecting our young people

Safeguarding Children and Young People

“The Church of Scotland has a deep concern for the wholeness and wellbeing of each individual. It seeks to safeguard the welfare of all people, regardless of age, who comes into contact with the Church and its organisations. It is the responsibility of each individual within the fellowship of the Church to prevent the physical, sexual or emotional abuse of children and young people”.

In Clackmannan Church, safeguarding children is a top priority. Nobody is allowed to begin any of our children’s or young people’s work without having been through a strict vetting procedure including an Enhanced Disclosure check. Our present youth workers are currently undergoing retrospective disclosure checks to comply with this policy.

We have a clear policy in place if a child or young person discloses information to any of our leaders and helpers. We take seriously our obligation to pass on any concerns we may have over a child or young person’s wellbeing but seek to act sensitively at all times.

Want to volunteer?

If you wish to work in one of the church groups you must approach the leader of that group and first of all complete an application form. The group leader will then chat with you to give a brief job description and assess your suitability for any role. After this a disclosure form will be provided for you to complete and hand back with various proofs of ID etc to our Safeguarding Co-ordinator.  Only after confirmation of disclosure and submission of your name to the Kirk Session can you take up position within your chosen group.

New helpers are encouraged to borrow and read a fact file for Children’s and Young People’s Workers available from our Child Protection Co-ordinator, or from the leader of the group which they are working in. This provides basic “do’s and don’ts” as well as advice on what to do if a child or young person makes an allegation of abuse. Training is available from time to time and again volunteers are encouraged to attend.

Our Safeguarding Co-ordinator is Catrina Mackey. Please contact her if you have any questions or visit the Safeguarding Office pages within The Church of Scotland website at http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/councils/safeguarding/index.htm.

©Clackmannan Parish Church of Scotland, April 2009