Child Protection

In 1997 the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland authorised the writing of the following policy statement which must be displayed in each and every parish church.  The policy statement enables churches to offer the highest possible level of care to children and vulnerable adults.

"The Church of Scotland has a deep concern for the wholeness and wellbeing of each individual. It seeks to safeguard the welfare of all people, regardless of age, who come into contact with the Church and its organisations. It is the responsibility of each individual within the fellowship of the Church to prevent the physical, sexual or emotional abuse of children and young people."

More information about the Church of Scotland's Safeguarding policies and office can be found at

http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/councils/safeguarding/index.htm

Mayfield Salisbury Parish Church and Safeguarding

In their report entitled “A Good Childhood” The Children’s Society introduce their reflections on the wellbeing of our nation’s young people with these words:

“There is only one assertion that requires no evidence.  Children are a sacred trust.  They are not just our future adults.  Their current feelings and experience matter as much as those of adults, and, being more vulnerable, they deserve even more consideration.  Unless we care properly for our children, we shall never build a better world.” 

Mayfield Salisbury places Safeguarding and Child Protection at the very heart of her ministry to young people.  Safeguarding is far more than keeping young people from harm (although this is a central facet of this work) but also to remember, consider and act on the needs of young people in all the services we provide.  To that end, our voluntary workers with children are all educated in Safeguarding issues, involving training on such things as ‘risk assessment’, ‘risk management’ and recognising and reporting indicators of a child at risk.  This training emphasises that, in following best practice, not only is it possible to keep a child safe from harm but that these precautions also lead to a higher quality of children’s ministry.  Where safeguarding and child protection have been central to the planning of a session, children and leaders alike have more fun!

“Let the children come to me;
do not try to stop them;
for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

Christ is explicit as to the high place in which he holds children.  Mayfield Salisbury wishes to be true to her Head’s example and present a safe and fulfilling space for children and young people.