| We have a Parish Child
Protection Officer, who applies national procedures set up to ensure
that all those who work with our children are screened and offered on-going
training. The screening takes the form of a police check with the Criminal
Records Bureau (CRB) carried out through the Catholic Office for the
Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults (COPCA) set up by the Catholic
Bishops' Conference of England and Wales. Any new volunteers are introduced
to the Diocesan Child Protection Procedures, and as part of their training,
will undergo their own police check.
Children are the future of the Church and the children of this parish take their rightful place in our community. It is to them that we make this statement:
"God has given you the right to be cared for by people you can trust
God gives you the right not to be hurt in your body by grown-ups
God has given you the right to have your feelings taken seriously
And so
Never believe somebody who tells you a secret you must not tell your parents
Never believe somebody who says it is your fault that you are being hurt or frightened
If a grown-up does not take you seriously or believe you, you must talk to someone else
If you are uncertain about something a grown-up tells you to do, ask your parents or teachers about it."
The Diocesan Child Protection Group consists of three members who help the Diocese to implement proper child protection procedures. The group members are: Mgr Philip Shryane, Mrs.
Barbara Warwick and Miss Margaret Mason. They may be contacted on 01284 754358 or 01362 638229 or via the Diocesan Office.
The Parish Child Protection Officer
is David Kerr. He was appointed to this post under the child protection
procedures set up by the Diocese. He writes:
"There are 3 main aspects to my job:
- To check the records of everyone who works with our
children.
- To be a point of contact for anyone who has concerns about child
protection issues.
- To pass on any safety information and advice that may help parents and
children.
From my background in Internet regulation, I can offer help for parents on
keeping children safe on the Internet. I suggest that you start by looking
at a web site such as the Internet Watch Foundation's
safe surfing pages,
and the links from them. If you are hesitant about "surfing the Web", the
first page of the Internet Watch Foundation's guide suggests that you enlist
the help of your child - it's a bonus to explore this issue together. But do
contact me if you have problems.
You can contact me at any time at 6 High Street, Hemingford Grey, Cambs. PE28
9DR, or phone 01480-462049 or 07802 453321, or by email to
All communications will be dealt with in confidence." |
