National Child Protection Week 3-9 September

Many activities have been planned across Australia to give opportunities for communities to think about how we can all work together to keep all children safe.

This is a great opportunity to highlight within your church community ways that you are protecting children and keeping them safe. It is also a good reminder to have a look at your policies and procedures that relate to child safety, review and update them as necessary to ensure that they are current and relevant to your unique church community.

It is fantastic to have a week of focus on Child Protection and the safety of children, but we need to ensure that it is not a one off event, and is embedded in to the culture of our churches.

Visit the NAPCAN website for more information and resources to help your church community engage with National Child Protection Week.  

 ________________________________________________________

Safe Church Tip

Participation and empowerment of children, young people and vulnerable

Participation and empowerment is a crucial element in building a culture of safety in your church for children, young people and vulnerable adults. When people have an opportunity to have a say about issues and decisions that affect them, the church can build better programs and run safer activities because you know what people need in order to feel safe. 

When people feel their views are valued and welcomed they are more likely to speak up, ask questions, tell you about concerns or feeling unsafe, or make a complaint. Empowerment is about helping children and vulnerable adults to have a say. They have a right to be heard and feel valued and respected. Most importantly, empowering people and facilitating their participation enhances their safety. Give them the tools and opportunity to do so.

Remember: When everyone is involved in decision-making, everyone benefits.