St Francis de Sales Roman Catholic Church - Wash Common, Newbury, Berkshire

Parish Activities - Child Protection Policy

Parish Policy for the Safeguarding of Children, Young People and Vunerable Adults

We believe that each child or young person in our communities is created in God's image to 'have life in its fullness' (John 10.10).

We are committed to promoting the fullest human, moral and spiritual development of each of them.

We will do everything we can to ensure that children, young people, and vunerable adults in our care will be safe and free from harm or the threat of harm.

To this end all people within our community will adhere to the guidelines set out by the Diocese of Portsmouth, and follow the policies and procedures, in all activities, to ensure that above all else, that the welfare of the children and young people is nurtured, upheld and protected.

If you are concerned about the safety of a child or vulnerable adult please report your concern to your local Police or Social Services:

Police Tel: 0845 8 505 505

Social Services: 01635 503090

Then contact your local Safeguarding Representative:

Maureen Hudd – Tel: 01635 30108 or Mob: 07826 623982 and/or Diocesan Safeguarding Co-ordinator: Angela McGrory – Tel: 023 92 816396 or Freephone: 0808 1682855 (please note there may be charge when calling from a mobile phone number)

For any matters relating to child or vulnerable adult protection which you need help with contact either your Parish or Diocesan Representative

We undertake:

	To Treat everyone with respect
	To provide an example of good conduct which we wish others to follow
	To plan activities which involve more than one other person present, or at least in sight or hearing of others
	To respect an individual's right to personal privacy
	To encourage people to feel comfortable and caring enough to point out attitudes or behaviour they do not like
	To provide access for young people to talk to others about any concerns they may have
	To follow the Diocesan Guidelines for good practice
	To challenge unacceptable behaviour and report all allegations/suspicions of abuse

We further undertake:

	Not to have inappropriate physical or verbal contact with children, young people and vunerable adults
	Not to allow ourselves to be drawn into inappropriate attention seeking behaviour
	Not to jump to conclusions about others without checking facts
	Not to exaggerate or trivialise child abuse issues
	Not to show favouritism to any individual
	Not to rely on our own good name or on the good name of the church to protect us
	Not to believe it could never happen to any individual
	Not to take a chance when common sense, policy & practice suggest a more prudent approach

For more detailed Portsmouth Diocese Child Protection information please click here.

For the Nolan Report please click here.

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