Membership Services
	Child Protection Policy Protecting children from harm and abuse is a statutory, civic and godly duty. Churches and organisations who fail to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults are culpable of the charge of being negligent or callous. In so doing they are placing the future of not only a child, young person or vulnerable adult at risk but also the future and integrity of their organisation. In some instances trustees or directors may be liable for any punitive damages awarded in a court of law if it is proven that they did not take reasonable steps to protect the vulnerable person. Consider the following: What criterion do you use in selecting Sunday school teachers, youth leaders, volunteers and staff? How did you decide who should drive the minibus to take children and adults to and from events? How did you decide who qualifies to be part of your visitation team? The truth is that all these individuals, and many more, will have an opportunity to act inappropriately and in the name of your organisation. How should your workers respond if they suspect someone is being mistreated and abused? Following the Victoria Climbie Inquiry, ACEA took the view that all their member organisations who work with children and young people should have a Child Protection Policy. If one does not currently exist they will be required to have one within the anniversary of their joining. It follows that those who also work with vulnerable adults should have an appropriate policy. We strongly recommend that organisations carry out mandatory Criminal Records Checks on their staff and volunteers. In addition we have made available a Draft Child Protection Policy for you to use as a basis for developing your own. For further information on support and training on Child Protection and related issues please contact ACEA on acea@eauk.org Click here to view ACEA Policy