PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE ADULTS

The Catholic Church in England and Wales embraces its role in helping children, young people and vulnerable adults achieve their full potential. This role includes a responsibility to act and intervene when it appears that children, young people or vulnerable adults need to be made safe from harm, whether the abuse be sexual, physical, emotional harm or neglect.

This policy assumes the right of all children, young people and vulnerable adults to live in an environment where they are protected from exploitation, abuse and harm. Where the actions of individuals mean that children, young people and vulnerable adults are denied this right, the Church will act in an open, transparent and accountable way in working in partnership with the Statutory Authorities to protect them, and help bring to justice the perpetrators of crimes against them.

All those who bring abuse to the notice of the Church will be taken seriously and receive a consistent and sensitive response.

The principles contained in Working Together to Safeguard Children (Home Office, 1999) are upheld, with the acknowledgement and understanding that the Church must not act alone but in partnership with other agencies to combat child and adult abuse. Pastoral care will be available to those affected by child abuse.

The rights of the alleged perpetrator of abuse will be respected. Where there is a conflict with the rights of children and vulnerable adults, the welfare of the child or vulnerable adult will be the paramount consideration.

Extract from the National Policy on Child and Adult Abuse in the Catholic Community in England and Wales.

The Parish complies with Diocesan policy on the protection of children and vulnerable adults.

Contact: Claire Loigworth - Margaret Smith, via the Parish Office 020 8688 5002