OUR COMMITMENT TO KEEPING CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE PEOPLE SAFE
Uniting Church Wangaratta has no greater responsibility or commitment, than to ensure that those entrusted to our care, as part of our activities and ministry are protected from emotional, spiritual, physical and or sexual abuse.
This is especially so in the case of those who are the most vulnerable members of our community, which includes children, vulnerable adults and the elderly.
Uniting Church Wangaratta has committed itself to fully implementing the Safe Church policies of the Uniting Church which include the “Keeping Children Safe Policy” and the recently introduced Victorian Child Safety Standards.
For more information please go to the Synod webpage by clicking this link VicTas Synod Keeping children safe Policy.
The Victorian Child Safety Standards can be found here.
Our Statement of Commitment
We are committed to implementing the Keeping Children Safe Policy of the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania.
We are committed to safeguarding children from abuse and neglect, and to promote child safety and well-being.
We will take appropriate action to protect children with whom we have contact from physical, sexual, emotional and psychological abuse and neglect.
We will work to ensure there is a clear awareness of the difference between appropriate and inappropriate behaviour.
We require clear boundaries between children and employees, volunteers, congregation members and people in specified ministries.
We will work to build the capacity of our people to recognise and respond to situations of abuse and neglect and to be aware of their responsibilities.
We encourage our people to raise, discuss and scrutinise concerns so that it becomes more difficult for abuse to occur and remain hidden.
We encourage children to express their views and make suggestions especially on matters that directly affect them.
We will teach children about their rights and what they can do if they feel unsafe or something is worrying them. We will listen to and act on any concerns children or others may raise with us.
We will develop and regularly review clear procedures to implement our commitment.
Culture of Safety Contact Persons
Safe Church Contact
Mrs Gigi Blanch
Phone: (03) 5722 1315
Email: graemegigi@ozemail.com.au
Safe Church Training
Child Safety Working Documents
Here is the link the latest Child Safety Uniting Church documentation and resources.