Child Protection

Since 2004 AYM has worked to bring about a change in the way we as a church perceive and enact SAFE MINISTRY PRACTICES with young people. Now with the oversight of the diocesan Professional Standards Unit (PSU), AYM is involved with delivering training, screening and policy development in this area.

This new enterprise for AYM has come about together with new developments in state legislation and Anglican policy. These require parishes to become appropriately trained and screened to work in a children's or youth ministry setting. Coupled with new national guidelines foreshadowed for all denominations, the issue of making churches 'child safe' will become the new benchmark in best practice for all churches in Australia.

The following are a number of freqently asked questions about child protection.

 

You will do two modules - Child Protection Essentials (module A) and Child Safe (module B)


 
Module A only 

Date: Saturday 28 April 2007

Location: TBA 

Time: 9am-1pm

Cost: $20 including course material & morning tea.

Module A + B

Date: Saturday 16 March

Location: Wollaston College Conference Centre, Wollaston Rd, Mt Claremont

Time: 9.00am-4.00pm

Cost: $25 including course materials, lunch, morning & afternoon tea.

Module A only

Date: Wednesday 15th & 22nd August

Location: TBA

Time: 7.00pm till 9.00pm

Cost: $20 including course material and supper.

Module A & B

Date: Saturday 1st September

Location: Wollaston College Conference Centre, Wollaston Rd, Mt Claremont.

Time: 9,00am till 4.00pm

Cost $25 including course materials, lunch, morning and afternoon tea.

There are a number of obligations you have as a Youth or Children's Leader in the Diocese of Perth:

  • You must have or apply for a Working With Children Check (WWC Check). Application forms are available from any Australia Post branch.  The WWC Check is being implemented over five years commencing 2006.  Check guidelines to ensure when you must apply. Cost is either $10 or $50 (unpaid/paid). Go to our downloads page under 'General downloads' to get a copy of the WWC Check booklet. 
  • You are asked to provide a Police Clearance. If you are a volunteer and already have a WWC Check then your volunteer police check is free. If you do not yet have a WWC check your volunteer police check will cost $10. If you are a church employee you will need to obtain a Federal Police check which is available through any police station for $38.00.  Go to our downloads page to download an application form.
  • A license from the diocese if you are being paid.  Contact Hamish Milne of the Professional Standards Unit (PSU) for more information (9325 7455).
  • Attendance at ACM/AYM Child Protection training (Module A + B) is compulsory for all license holders.  This training is also sufficient for clergy training.
  • Why not connect with other youth and children's leaders at diocesan networking gatherings called (YAC-Net).

    • In wishing to maintain high standards of safety and ministry it is important that not only are you a 'leader' but that you are also a 'learner'. AYM provides quarterly ministry training and also provides additional child protection training. If you are unable to attend our scheduled training please call us on 9227 8317 to arrange training at a time suitable for you. 

    If you help out for less than five days per year (excluding overnight camps):

  • You do not need a Police Clearance.
  • You do not need a WWC Check.

    • However if you are helping on an overnight camp, you will need WWC Check and some training.

    Check out the WWC Check website for more information. 

    Everyone involved in children's and youth ministry needs to complete the Diocesan Volunteers form. If you are a ministry coordinator then you need to fill out an additional Diocesan form which is to be returned to the Director of Professional Standards.

    All adults, including parents, must have a Working with Children Check card if they are going be involved in an overnight camp. 

    It is also important to note that overnight camps or events require additional preparation and organisation. For example, you must ensure that your sleeping arrangements are in line with Diocesan guidelines. For more information on how to properly organise an overnight camp contact AYM on 9227 8317

    Child Safe is a risk management system that is currently being trialed in Perth and across Australia. For more information log on to www.childsafe.org.au

    It is recommended that you complete child protection training at least every three years. Regular refreshers will ensure that you continue to stay alert to risk factors.