Safe Places

This Church supports limits, so kids in our care can reach theirs!

Our local church upholds a Code of Coduct,
screens all volunteers who work with kids
& follows a Child Safety Policy

Our Child-Safe Policy

This Church is opposed to child abuse and sexual misconduct. Such conduct is a breach of trust and an abuse of power.

This Church will respond to child abuse and sexual misconduct when it occurs within the congregation by seeking help from Government authorities and specialist services within the church community

This Church supports the investigation of allegations and complaints of child abuse and sexual misconduct about Church workers, volunteers and attendees within the Church.

This Church will create a safe haven for children to grow and flourish by:

  • Screening volunteers who work with children
  • Promoting a Code of Conduct
  • Assessing the risk of Church-run events and activities that are planned from child sexual assault.

What is sexual abuse/misconduct?


Sexual abuse & misconduct is a sin against God and a crime under state legislation. The term refers to all sexual behaviours directed at another person which violates his or her personal boundaries and includes:
  • Sexual harassment
  • Sexual exploitation
  • Sexual assault
  • Child sexual assault.

Sexual abuse or misconduct means:

  • Any form of unwanted sexual behaviour, whether by act or words
  • Any form of sexual behaviour involving a minor
  • Any form of sexual behaviour that is unacceptable because the factors of power, trust and dependency limit the possibility of the other person involved freely giving consent to the sexual behaviour.

Disclosure

If someone tells you that they have been abused remember:

Listen ... and do not add anything to what the child says
Reassure ... the child that they have done the right thing in speaking to you
Inform ... the child that you need to tell people who can help
Ensure ... that the child is not in immediate danger
Let them know ... 'you are not alone' in being abused
Don't ... start an investigation into the information yourself
Don't ... promise the child that the abuse will stop
Don't ... tell anyone who does not need to know
Don't ... appear shocked to the child

REPORTING & SEEKING HELP

Who Can I Tell?

If you reasonably suspect that a child (under 16 years of age) as at risk of being harmed please tell:

a) the local church Child Safe Coordinator (Scott Lane)
b) the Church Pastor (Tim Shelton)
c) or someone in leadership that you trust.

If the child is in danger, or where a serious crime has been alleged and someone from the local church is not available, report the matter direct to the local Police or DOCS (Department of Community Services) 132111

If you are unsure if a situation should be reported, you can call Adventist Safe Place Services on 1800 220 468 to discuss if a report should be made.

When to report?

You should report as soon as possible if you believe or suspect that a child is being abused or is at risk of abuse or neglect.

Who reports?

Anyone can make a report, even to the Government Help lines. It is the local Church Safe-Place Coordinator's role to ensure that reports are made on matters within the local church. If you make a report direct to the Government Help line, advise the local Church Safe- Place Coordinator so that they can keep a log of the local church's response.

For More Information:

Adventist Safe Place Services (Wahroonga)
Phone: 1800 220 468

Resources:

Child Safety Policy Volunteer Declaration Form Code Of Conduct