Bell Farm Christian Centre recognises the importance of its ministry to children and young people and its responsibility to protect and safeguard the welfare of children and young people entrusted to the church's care.

As part of its mission, Bell Farm Christian Centre is committed to:

Bell Farm Christian Centre recognises the need to provide a safe and caring environment for children and young people. It also acknowledges that children and young people can be the victims of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, and neglect. Bell Farm Christian Centre has therefore adopted the procedures set out in this document (hereafter “the policy”). It also recognises the need to build constructive links with statutory and voluntary child protection agencies.

The policy and guidelines are based on a model published by the Churches' Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS) and in consultation with the local authority. Bell Farm Christian Centre undertakes to file a copy of the policy and practice guidelines with CCPAS and Children’s Social Services, and any amendments subsequently published.

Bell Farm Christian Centre is committed to on-going child protection training for all children/youth workers and will regularly review the operational guidelines.

Bell Farm Christian Centre also undertakes to follow the principles found within the Abuse Of Trust guidance issued by the Home Office and it is therefore unacceptable for those in a position of trust to engage in any behaviour which might allow a sexual relationship to develop for as long as the relationship of trust continues.

Under no circumstances should a worker or volunteer carry out their own investigation into the allegation or suspicion of abuse. The person in receipt of allegations or suspicions of abuse will do the following:

1. Concerns must be reported as soon as possible to Tony Pilkington (hereafter the "Co-ordinator") who is nominated by Bell Farm Christian Centre to act on their behalf in dealing with the allegation or suspicion of neglect or abuse, including referring the matter on to the statutory authorities.

2. The Co-ordinator may also be required by conditions of the Church Insurance Policy to immediately inform the Insurance Company.

3. In the absence of the Co-ordinator, or if the suspicions in any way involve the Co-ordinator then the report should be made to Diane Faichney (hereafter the "Deputy Co-ordinator"). If the suspicions implicate both the Co-ordinator and the Deputy Co-ordinator, then the report should be made in the first instance to the Churches' Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS) PO Box 133, Swanley, Kent, BR8 7UQ. Telephone 0845 120 4550 or alternatively contact Children’s Social Services. The local Children’s Social Services office telephone number between 9.00am and 5.00pm is 01895 250111.

The Police Child Protection Team telephone number is 0208 246 1938.

4. Suspicions must not be discussed with anyone other than those nominated above. A written record of the concerns should be made in accordance with church procedures and kept in a secure place.

5. Whilst allegations or suspicions of abuse will normally be reported to the Co-ordinator, the absence of the Co-ordinator or Deputy Co-ordinator should not delay referral to the Children’s Social Services Department.

6. Bell Farm Christian Centre Management Committee will support the Co-ordinator/Deputy Co-ordinator in their role, and accept that any information they may have in their possession will be shared in a strictly limited way on a need to know basis.

7. It is, of course, the right of any individual as a citizen to make a direct referral to the child protection agencies or seek advice from CCPAS, although Bell Farm Christian Centre hopes that individuals will use this procedure. If, however, the individual with the concern feels that the Coordinator/Deputy Co-ordinator has not responded appropriately, or where they have a disagreement with the Co-ordinator(s) as to the appropriateness of a referral they are free to contact an outside agency direct. We hope by making this statement that Bell Farm Christian Centre demonstrates the commitment of the church to effective child protection.

The role of the co-ordinator/ deputy co-ordinator is to collate and clarify the precise details of the allegation or suspicion and pass this information on to the Children’s Social Services Department. It is Children’s Social Services task to investigate the matter under Section 47 of the Children Act 1989.

If a child has a physical injury or symptom of neglect, the Co-ordinator/Deputy Co-ordinator will:

In the event of allegations or suspicions of sexual abuse, the Coordinator/Deputy Co-ordinator will:

Bell Farm Christian Centre will ensure all workers will be appointed, trained, supported and supervised in accordance with the principles set out in government guidelines “Safe from Harm” ( HMSO 1993), CCPAS guidance and Bell Farm Christian Centre procedures. The same principles will be applied to those appointed to work with vulnerable adults.

Bell Farm Christian Centre will provide details of the supervision for each specific activity in the church practice guidelines attached.

Bell Farm Christian Centre is committed to offering pastoral care, working with statutory agencies as appropriate, and support to those attending the Centre who have been affected by abuse.

When someone attending the church is known to have abused children, Bell Farm Christian Centre will supervise the individual concerned and offer pastoral care, but in its commitment to the protection of children, set boundaries for that person which they will be expected to keep.