Anglican Parish of Scarborough
Procedures
for dealing with disclosures or incidents of abuse and neglect
Adopted by Parish Council 28/11/04
1.
This policy addresses the issues of abuse and neglect, with an
emphasis on children.
2.
These procedures are to be read in conjunction with Diocesan
Council Policy 41: Protocol for dealing with complains of sexual
misconduct by clergy and church workers, the Diocesan Council
Policy 40: Policy Guidelines for Child Protection, and the
Professional Standards Statute 2003 (these are available in the Parish
Office).
3.
The Parish considers any misconduct by a clergy person, church
worker or church volunteer, especially sexual misconduct, as very serious.
4.
The Parish is committed to support the victims and their families,
the accused and their families, the informant, and the wider community.
5.
All persons involved in situations where abuse is suspected or
disclosed, whether of a child or an adult, must treat the situation with
sensitivity, must observe appropriate confidentialities, and
have an obligation to ensure that this information is kept secure.
6.
Child abuse
is defined as maltreatment of a person under 18 years of age. It is the
result of action or inaction on the part of an adult which results in harm
or injury to a child or which endangers or impairs a child's physical or
emotional well-being. Maltreatment includes: Physical abuse, Sexual
abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical and emotional neglect.
7.
In this Parish the ‘responsible person’ is the Parish
Priest, or in the priest’s absence, the Rector’s Warden. The ‘responsible
person’ is responsible for the management of suspected or disclosed
incidents of abuse and neglect within the parish.
8.
A person to whom a disclosure is made (the informant) has a
responsibility to report it. The informant does not have an
investigative role or a responsibility to determine whether abuse or
neglect has occurred. Nor is it appropriate for the informant to confront
a suspected perpetrator or intervene with the child's or person’s family.
Other authorities are best placed to undertake these onerous tasks at the
appropriate time. Investigation by an unauthorized person, including
clergy, may jeopardize the prospects of apprehending offenders and expose
an abused person to greater risk of harm.
9.
Those who have concerns that abuse or neglect may be occurring
should keep brief written, dated records of their suspicions or
observations and keep the ‘responsible person’ informed.
10.
Where there is a disclosure of child abuse or strong concerns about
the well-being of a child, the informant must report the matter to
the relevant authority, namely:
-
Department of Community Development – for child abuse originating
within families (ph 9223 1111 any time), or
-
Police (WA Police Service Child Abuse Unit) – for child abuse
originating outside the family or abuse of adults (ph 9492 5444; after
hours contact 131444 or 9356 0555 (Family and Domestic Violence)
11.
Where the disclosure concerns any misconduct by a clergy person,
church worker or church volunteer, it is also necessary for the
responsible officer to advise the Director of Professional Standards
and their Regional Bishop.
12.
The informant can confidentially consult the Director of
Professional Standards on procedures. Church Office can arrange for legal
support or other support as necessary. The Professional Standards
Committee exists to assist those with complaints against clergy.
13.
It is important to note that the safety and welfare of the child
is all important and this must always be the primary concern.
14.
A copy of this policy is available in our Parish Office.