Healthy Church
‘So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.’ Genesis 1:27
Since we are created in the image of God we have a responsibility to care for one another, to protect one another, to defend one another. In answer to Cain’s question, “Yes, God expects us to be our brothers and sisters keepers.” Genesis 4:9b
Our Church is a place of peace, gentleness and safety for people of all ages, genders,
ethnicities, and beliefs. God loves mankind without exception and we are commanded: “Love your neighbour as yourself ”. Matthew 22:39
Jesus’ teaching and example for us is to reject all forms of abuse, condemnation and
judgement be it physical, emotional, intellectual or spiritual, we pray for healing for those who
have been abused and for those who have abused, and we offer safety and security for everyone who seeks it.
CHILD SAFETY POLICY
Church of Christ Castlemaine is committed to promoting and protecting the interests and
safety of children. We have zero tolerance for child abuse.
Everyone working, or engaged in ministry, at Church of Christ Castlemaine is responsible for
the care and protection of children and reporting information about child abuse.
The purpose of this policy is to:
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Facilitate the prevention of child abuse occurring within Church of Christ Castlemaine;
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Work towards an organisational culture of child safety;
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Prevent child abuse within Church of Christ Castlemaine;
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Ensure that all parties are aware of their responsibilities for identifying possible
occasions for child abuse and for establishing controls and procedures for preventing
such abuse and/or detecting such abuse when it occurs; -
Provide guidance to staff, ministry team leaders and ministry team members as to action
that should be taken where they suspect any abuse within or outside of the organisation; -
Provide a clear statement to staff, ministry team leaders and ministry team members
forbidding any such abuse. -
Provide assurance that any and all suspected abuse will be reported and fully
investigated.
Policy
Church of Christ Castlemaine is committed to promoting and protecting at all times the best interests of children involved in its programs.
All children, regardless of their gender, race, religious beliefs, age, disability, sexual orientation, or family or social background, have equal rights to protection from abuse.
Church of Christ Castlemaine has zero tolerance for child abuse.
Everyone working and engaged in ministry at Church of Christ Castlemaine is responsible for the care and protection of the children within our care and reporting information about suspected child abuse.
Child protection is a shared responsibility between the Church of Christ Castlemaine, all employees, ministry leaders, ministry team members and members of the Church of Christ Castlemaine community.
Church of Christ Castlemaine will consider the opinions of children and use their opinions to develop child protection policies.
Church of Christ Castlemaine supports and respects all children, staff and volunteers.
Church of Christ Castlemaine is committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children, and those from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, and to providing a safe environment for children living with a disability.
If any person believes a child is in immediate risk of abuse, telephone 000.