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ST. ALBAN AND STEPHEN PARISH, CHILD PROTECTION REPORT
In February 2005 the parish team held an open meeting to report on work undertaken
so far, to update on child protection issues and to answer questions. We
also invited child protection representatives from a number of neighbouring
parishes to pool resources and share information and expertise. We
were delighted that Mngr. Harry Turner from Harpenden, who has responsibility
for this subject in Westminster on behalf of the Cardinal, was able to attend.
A summary of issues is as follows:
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Most
of those working with children in parishes have been identified, the forms
required have been completed and checks (with the exception of criminal records)
have been carried out. Parishes are still sometimes struggling with keeping
track of new volunteers and the difficulties of occasional helpers.
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The
CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) has still not issued the forms for these checks
to be done although we were pleased to hear that one parish has just received
them. We would like more pressure to be put on the CRB to get our checks
done as other organisations using volunteers seem to have achieved this.
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We discussed how far the guidelines cover other activities such as travel, Eucharistic ministers etc.
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National organisations such as the SVP and Focolaire are now undertaking their own checks.
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The guidelines do not cover vulnerable adults but are helpful in setting out good practice.
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We
asked if the Diocese could make a video about the Child Protection Guidelines
and Procedures. This could be used as part of an induction for new volunteers
and as a learning tool. It would also be helpful to have a quarterly newsletter
from the Diocese about new developments.
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Groups
should try to keep their parish and each other informed about child protection
issues, by regular use of the parish bulletins and by exchanging information
with other parishes.
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The
Parish Child Protection representatives would like this forum to be repeated
and to have a contact list. Some adjoining parishes such as those in Hemel
Hempstead have decided to meet as a group.
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Representatives thought it would help to meet for practical and spiritual support and an annual mass was suggested.
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Msgr. Turner then outlined the work which he has been doing.
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Generally
there is much greater awareness of Child Protection issues and good practice
in the 215 parishes in the Diocese. Mgr Turner, Peter Turner, Diocesan Child
Protection Officer and one part time secretary are responsible for all aspects
of child protection across these parishes.
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The
CRB checks are sent off via his office and there are 12 – 15 thousand to
process for volunteers alone. The processing is, in his view, working well.
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All
priests and religious have undergone their CRB checks This includes retired
clergy. Visiting priests and religious have to have a letter of suitability
from their own bishop.
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It is hoped that all volunteers will have completed theirs by the end of 2006.
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Mngr.
Turner and his team deal with allegations. These are very time consuming
which prohibits other work, such as Parish audits, from being done.
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The
diocese has employed someone to help survivors of abuse. This person assesses
the need and refers victims to the appropriate specialised help.
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Eucharistic ministers are not included in the Child Protection procedures.
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There
is no policy on the position of teenagers working with children. Adults involved
have to take necessary precautions ensuring the safety and protection of
all.
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There
is clear guidance that ‘portability’ is not sufficient, i.e. those who have
already been checked in one capacity e.g. their employment must nevertheless
be checked again by the parish.
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HERTFORDSHIRE POLICY AND PRACTICE
The representative from Herts. Social Services who had been expected cancelled
her attendance, so Caroline McCaffrey from the Catholic Children’s’ Society
kindly stepped in and summarised the child protection routines operated by
Social Services. Copies of these can be obtained from Cath White via the
Presbytery.
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL ASPECTS OF LEARNING
Martin Egan, a child psychotherapist, presented an interesting account of
the work now being undertaken within the education system to support children
and young people who are suffering from emotional distress. At the
moment this support is being offered on a trial basis in a number of schools,
but it is due to be rolled out later in the year. So far, results are
encouraging.
He also spoke about the work of rainbows in helping children to cope with loss (e.g. as a result of parents’ separating).
WHAT NOW
We would like:
· A newsletter for parishes and diocese;
· To keep in touch;
· To press for the video to be produced;
· To provide a quarterly report on work;
· To hold an annual Mass.
· To meet again.
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