How can the implementation of child protection policies in churches be improved?
Specific expectations from government re churches and faith groups having procedures and policies in the recently published edition of ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ are an important development. Insurance companies have been stepping up their demands. These developments have been pushing the issue up the agenda. The challenge, as always, is to reach ‘closed communities’ and new groups. Discovering these groups will fall by and large to local agencies. A development in one London borough whereby providers of community meeting facilities are being asked to ensure that all groups (including churches) hiring premises have child protection policies in place is a welcome development. It’s also important to help all organisations working with children see that sound policies and procedures are not only essential for children but vital for workers and organisations too. If the primary aim is to protect your organisation, the child will almost certainly be failed. If the emphasis is
