Taking Care

Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Child Protection Policy
Donemana Presbyterian Church
Ensuring a safe environment for children, young people and leaders.
Policy Statement
This policy statement is aimed at providing a safe environment where children and young people may enjoy social contact, personal and spiritual development. Adults selected to work within youth ministries should be secure in the knowledge that they have the full support of the Kirk Session.
1. Adoption of Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) Child Protection Guidelines
The Kirk Session of Donemana Presbyterian Church has adopted The Presbyterian Church in Ireland's Child Protection Guidelines approved by the General Assembly and revised 2004. Alt organisations are expected to adhere to these Guidelines. The Kirk Session will review the implementation of the Guidelines annually.
2. Leadership
The Kirk Session believes that the selection procedures outlined in the Child Protection Guidelines greatly assist the assessment of a person's suitability to work with children and young people. As a result of implementing such procedures, leaders and helpers within this congregation will be more assured of their position and of the confidence placed in them by the Kirk Session.
The following procedures must be followed for the appointment of leaders/helpers who will be 18 years or over.
i) All leaders will be required to complete an Application Form.
ii) Applicants will be required to provide 2 references, by persons who are not relatives. (All confidential records e.g. applications and references will be stored safely by the Minister).
iii) The Kirk Session will appoint an interviewer to meet informally with the candidate. Interviewers will normally be the organisational leader and/or a Minister/Elder.
iv) At the interview the Child Protection Policy will be provided and explained.
3. Reporting of Concerns
The leaders in each of our organisations will be fully conversant with the referral procedure where there is concern about the welfare of a child, as outlined in the Child Protection Guidelines.
4. Code of Practice
Each organisation will be expected to comply with the Good Team Procedures outlined in the Child Protection Guidelines.
5. Parental Consent Forms
Organisational leaders must ensure that Parental Consent Forms are completed at the commencement of each session for each child attending organisations. Special consent forms will be issued for any 'off the premises' activity and residentials. Leaders in charge will store these forms in a safe place.
6. Designated Person(s)
The Kirk Session has appointed a Designated Person (*Dr A Fullerton) who will provide consultation, advice and support to organisations and to the Kirk Session on matters concerning the welfare of children and young people. The Kirk Session will keep organisational leaders updated with the name of the Designated Person(s). Any matter brought to the attention of the Designated Person will be treated in strict confidence. Information will be divulged only where there is a legitimate need to know.
7. Health and Safety
The Kirk Session expects organisations to adhere to the guidance on safety matters outlined in the Child Protection Guidelines.
8. Transport
Organisations are expected to adhere to the guidance of the Child Protection Guidelines relating to use of private cars and minibuses for transporting children to and from youth activities.
9. Residentials
Guidance on residential trips is provided in the Child Protection Guidelines and will be followed on all residential trips organised by youth organisations of Donemana Presbyterian Church.
10. Implementation and Review
The Kirk Session is responsible for overseeing the implementation of this policy, and will review it every three years with the leaders in charge of youth organisations. Back to top