The Methodist Church South-East District
SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE and VULNERABLE ADULTS

DISTRICT POLICY & GUIDELINES - 2007

DISTRICT POLICY
As the people of the Methodist Church, we are concerned with the wholeness of each individual within God’s purpose for everyone.

We seek to safeguard people of all ages involved in District events and to encourage Circuits and Churches actively to promote policies, to ensure that all are safeguarded in the day-to-day life of the church.

It is the responsibility of each one of us to prevent physical, sexual or emotional abuse and neglect of children, young people and vulnerable adults and to affirm, encourage and support those working with them. Vulnerable adults must also be protected from emotional and financial abuse.


DISTRICT GUIDELINES
The District adopts the Guidelines set out in ‘Safeguarding’ published by The Methodist Church, with particular reference to the following check list:

1. Those organizing District events should pay particular attention to staffing levels and transport arrangements. (See Safeguarding, Guideline 2, on page 32, for detailed advice.)

2. Take suitable measures to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults when choosing staff or volunteers. (See Safeguarding, Guidelines 4 -11, on pages 33-34.)

3. All leaders and helpers should complete the Registration and Job description forms contained in Safeguarding (adapted as necessary). They should obtain Enhanced CRB Disclosures, if they have not already done so, for their own Church.

4. Guidelines on how to deal with a disclosure or discovery of abuse should be issued to organizers, leaders of, and helpers at District events where children, young people and vulnerable adults are present. An adult responsible for Safeguarding should be nominated for each event, known to
all staff and volunteers, and have participated in an approved training course.

5. This Policy is to be monitored and evaluated annually by the District Policy Committee.


GUIDELINES FOR THE DISTRICT, CIRCUIT AND LOCAL CHURCHES

The District, Circuits and local Churches must be aware of the decision of the 1998 Methodist Conference that states that:

‘No person who has been convicted of or has received a formal caution from the police concerning an offence against children as mentioned in the First Schedule to the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 shall undertake work with children and young people [or vulnerable adults] in the life of the Church.’

‘No person who has been convicted of or has received a formal caution from the police concerning sexual offences against children, [young people or vulnerable adults] shall be appointed to any offices …….[within the life of the church].’

Local Churches and Circuits must develop their own polices, guidelines and procedures for Safeguarding, which involves work with children, young people and vulnerable adults. This District Policy cannot act as a substitute for Church or Circuit Safeguarding Policies.

All workers with children, young people and vulnerable adults should undertake suitable training, which is appropriate to the role and level of responsibility, as facilitated or provided by the District or the Connexion.


DISTRICT SAFEGUARDING ADVISORY GROUP
Purpose and function
. to respond to requests for help, advice and information;
. to implement the Connexional and District Policy;
. to initiate programmes of awareness and good practice; and
. to work with other agencies on child protection.

Contact with the District Safeguarding Group can be made through the District Safeguarding Co-Co-ordinator Helen Richardson
Tel: 01732 453839; email - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or other members of the Advisory Group, details of which are set out in the District Directory (all ministers have a copy).
Approved by the District Policy Committee on 21 March 2007


VULNERABLE ADULTS
‘…a vulnerable adult is someone who is or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness; and who is or may be unable to take care of him or herself, or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation’. Lord Chancellor’s Department 1997

. Vulnerable adults are to be protected from exploitation and abuse that may take many forms – physical, sexual, psychological, financial, and spiritual or neglect. Abuse is not just a physical or violent act.

. Abuse and exploitation can take place at home, in a day centre, community setting or in a public place such as a church. Any abuse or exploitation, be it a single incident or repeated, is a violation of individual, human and civil rights.

. When the church is engaged in the development of special activities such as day centres or luncheon clubs, more careful thinking has to be done about the way in which people are appointed to office, how activities can be monitored and how concerns can be expressed.

. Good practice is not just about what we do to people or how we do it. Churches need to look carefully at their buildings and equipment, consider matters such as access, lighting, heating, toilet facilities, acoustics, and appropriateness for use by vulnerable adults

Types of Harm or Abuse:–
Physical Harm
This is ill treatment, which may not cause physical injury. It includes hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, forcing, inappropriate restraining, squeezing and biting.

Emotional Abuse
This is the use of threats or fear to negate the vulnerable adult’s independent wishes. It includes lack of privacy or choice, denial of dignity, deprivation of social contact or the creation of deliberate isolation. It also includes making someone feel worthless and humiliated.

Financial Abuse
This is the deliberate extortion or manipulation of a vulnerable adult’s legal or civil rights, including the misappropriation of monies or goods. It includes persuading a person to make gifts or change their will.

Sexual Abuse
This includes both contact and non-contact behaviour that is abusive. To be deemed abusive, the behaviour has to be done without the consent of the other party. This includes making sexual remarks and suggestions, introduction of indecent material, indecent exposure and being forced to touch someone in a sexual manner.

Spiritual Abuse
Churches need to be aware of pastoral practices which may be ‘forcing’ people into accepting religious values and ideas.


How can the Church Protect Vulnerable Adults?

1. Get volunteers to fill out a job description and take up references.
2. Get volunteers CRB checked, using the same criteria as for working with children. Those adults who assist in some small capacity should sign form C.

Please note that the Methodist Church does not issue CRB checks for adults working with Vulnerable Adults. If your volunteers require CRB checks,
complete the same form as for working with children but write the correct job description. Do not tick the Vulnerable Adults box.

Extracts from ‘Safe to Belong’ Baptist Union 2006 and ‘Pastoral Care’ Methodist Church 2005