Child protection policy
Chelmsford Presbyterian Church has a child protection policy, which can be obtained from the session. All who work with children (people under the age of 18 for child protection matters) are required to be cleared with the Criminal records Bureau (CRB). We work through the Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service; some information about the organisation from their literature is copied below.
Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service
Who Are We?
The Churches Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS) was established in 1977. We are an independent Christian charity serving not only churches, but also other childcare agencies/organisations, children and families.
What We Do
- Offer help and advice to children, young people and adults who have been affected by abuse.
- Help churches and organisations prepare and implement child protection policies and develop programmes to prevent abuse.
- Give advice and support to children's workers and leaders where there are issues of child protection and allegations of abuse that may need to be investigated by Children’s Social Services and/or the Police.
- Offer counselling to adults and children where there has been abuse. (Limited to demand).
- Provide advice and support to child protection advisers and co-ordinators.
- Run many training seminars every year throughout the UK, to help leaders and workers recognise and respond appropriately to child protection issues such as developing safe practice, appointing workers, dealing with allegations of abuse and establishing child protection policies.
How We Are Funded
Largely voluntary giving by individuals, churches, groups and Trusts. The Department of Health endorse our work and until recently provided short-term funding to help publicise our services and extend our contribution to churches and organisations.
The Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service is the working name of PCCA Christian Child Care. Company Registered in England 2646487. Registered Charity No. 1004490.
Registered Office: PO Box 133, Swanley, Kent, BR8 7UQ.