Child Protection

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At HRPC we aim to see people become faithful followers of the Lord Jesus Christ and to create a safe environment for Children, Young People and Leaders.

At HRPC we aim to provide a safe environment where children and young people may enjoy social contact, personal and spiritual development. Adults selected to work within youth ministries should be secure in the knowledge that they have the full support of the Kirk Session.

The Kirk Session of Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church has adopted The Presbyterian Church in Ireland's Child Protection Guidelines approved by the General Assembly and revised 2004. The Youth Subcommittee of the Kirk Session oversee the monitoring and implementation of the Policy.

Each Leader in Charge will have a copy of the above Guidelines for reference and implementation within their organisation. Each leader will have a copy HRPC's policy document and a copy of PCI's "Child Protection Fact sheet" dated 2004 for personal information and reference.

Any outside organisation using the church facilities are expected to either have their own policy or to abide by HRPC’s policy.

Designated Persons

The Kirk Session has appointed two Designated Persons (Mr John Sheldon and Mrs Bella Agnew) who will provide consultation, advice and support to organisations and to the Kirk Session on matters concerning the welfare of children and young people. Any matter brought to the attention of the Designated Persons will be treated in the strictest confidence. Information will be divulged only where there is a legitimate need to know.

Training

All leaders working with children/young people within our organisations will have completed the following training in child protection issues:

1. Completed an Enhanced Disclosure Form
2. Supplied two references (All confidential records e.g. applications and references will be stored safely by the Minister/secretary)
3. Have read the Child Protection Policy and associated information.
4. Watched the training DVD - available on line.
5. Attended an interview on child protection issues
6. All Application forms will be sent to PCI for police check via Access NI.
7. Any leader with a break in leadership service of more than two years will be required to re-submit to the selection procedure.
8. All leaders will be retrained every three years.

All leaders must adhere to our policy and procedures at all times.

For further information or advice on child protection please contact the church office on tel: 91473213 or email office@hrpc.org.uk

To view the video, please click here.