Churches, Children and Child Protection

Transcription

1 Churches, Children and Child Protection A national survey sponsored by the Churches Child Protection Advisory Service CHRISTIAN RESEARCH CHURCHES Child Protection ADVISORY SERVICE

2 Introduction The Churches' Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS) led by David Pearson, commissioned Christian Research in both 2003 and 2005 to undertake a study of how far churches in England were conscious of child protection issues. Christian Research carefully selected a substantial sample of churches to reflect the full spectrum of denominations, churchmanship (or leadership), geographical locations (urban/rural) and congregational size. Information was sought separately from both the church leadership (the clergy) and those working directly with children and young people from 0 to 18 years. Altogether nearly 900 questionnaires were returned in 2005; over 30% of the children's workers approached but a smaller percentage from church leaders. Two fifths, 41% of English churches have NO children in their Sunday school or congregation, and many of the leaders of these churches feel that child protection issues are not really relevant to them. But what if children do start attending, or visit with their churchgoing grandparents and are they writing themselves out of a future children s ministry? CHURCHES Child Protection ADVISORY SERVICE PO Box 133, Swanley, Kent, BR8 7UQ Tel: Fax: info@ccpas.co.uk Web: 2 First published ISBN X Peter Brierley

3 Changes from 2003 A very similar survey was undertaken in What has changed overall in the last two years? Is CCPAS being used more? Percentages shown below compare 2005 to CPP=Child Protection Policies 2005 % 2003 % Difference Using CCPAS materials for child protection training up 6% Using CCPAS model contract to keep children safe up 5% Going to CCPAS for advice re possible abuse up 5% Increasing use of Guidance to Churches up 5% Criminal Record checks through CCPAS up 3% CCPAS as a source of info on CPP issues* up 3% There were a number of things to encourage also - Job Descriptions are being reviewed more regularly (34% to 28%), use of criminal records checks (90% to 80%), use of a designated person to oversee CPP (75% to 65%); fewer churches providing no training (2% to 14%). While child protection is clearly being taken seriously, there is the need for continuing vigilance. Some things have slipped: less training for workers in CPPs (44% to 64%), less use of leaflets (40% to 49%) and fewer routine meetings (54% to 60%) informing the church about CPP. Equally there are some trends which are important to watch. The percentage of ministers overseeing CPP is down to 17% (from 26%), because greater use is being made of a Child Protection Officer; a church's own CPP specialist is being used less (36% to 41%), fewer churches are issuing Job Descriptions on application (45% to 50%), and more on appointment. How much does your church use CCPAS? Could the training pack shown on the back page help your work in this area? How much ACTION: attention is given by your church to ongoing information about CPP? 3

4 Awareness of Child Protection Publications Church Leaders awareness of child protection publications. (Figures are shown in percentages.) Publication Ang Bapt RC Ind* Meth New SAy URC Rest* ALL 2005 Denomination's own policy Safe from Harm (Home Office) Guidance to Churches (CCPAS) ALL 2003 Local Child Protection Committee Guidelines Working Together (DoH) Abuse of Trust (Home Office) Time for Action Report (CTBI) Ang=Anglican Bapt=Baptist RC=Roman Catholic Ind=Independent Meth=Methodist New=New Churches SAy=Salvation Army URC=United Reformed Church Rest=All other denominations. DoH=Department of Health CTBI=Churches Together in Britain and Ireland. * These groups either have their own policy or follow the CCPAS model. Virtually all church leaders knew their denomination's policy on child protection. About three quarters were familiar with the three publications in the middle of the Table, but knowledge of the three in the bottom section was poor, only a third being aware of them. Overall there has been an increased awareness between 2003 and 2005, especially of the CCPAS manual. ACTION: If the leaders in your church are not aware of these publications, should they obtain them? 4

5 Providers of Child Protection Training and Materials Used Training provided to children s workers. (Figures are shown in percentages.) Source Ang Bapt RC Ind Meth SAy URC Rest ALL 2005 ALL 2003 Denomination Specialist known to church Another agency CCPAS Social Services Church provides NO training Ang=Anglican Bapt=Baptist RC=Roman Catholic Ind=Independent Meth=Methodist SAy=Salvation Army URC=United Reformed Church Rest=All other denominations. Two thirds, 66%, of children's workers are trained in child protection issues by their denomination, as they were in However, the proportion of Workers having no training on this topic has drastically reduced, and is now only 2%. When training does take place, on average, it lasts 3¼ hours.. Materials For this training, 73% of the training materials used were provided by the denominations, the same as in 2003 (some using CCPAS materials), 26% by CCPAS direct (up from 21% in 2003), 11% by Social Services (against 19%), and in 12% (against 9%) the trainers provided their own. How frequently is training provided in your church on child protection ACTION: policies? Is such training extended to all Children's Workers? 5

6 What Children s Workers Think about Churches Child Protection Policies Children s Workers disagreed or strongly disagreed with the following statements: We re not allowed to touch children now It s a pity we have to bother You can t do anything spontaneously any more We must do all activities with a leader of the opposite sex A sledge hammer to crack a nut Introduces bureaucracy we don t need A lot of fuss about nothing 46% 52% 58% 58% 71% 73% 90% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% While the majority percentages disagreeing with these various statements show how much child protection is valued and supported by most Children's Workers, the percentages are all much lower than in 2003, showing that more agree with them than they did, perhaps because the topic is no longer featured as prominently as it was. Some children's workers will presumably be qualified school teachers and, as such, well used to the importance of protection issues. They would therefore respond accordingly in a survey of this type. A worrying 25% of workers agreed that they are not now allowed to touch children (the remaining 29% were neutral). ACTION: Have you or your denomination considered using the CCPAS guidelines for safe physical contact with children? 6

7 Should there be Physical Punishment? Children s Workers disagreed or strongly disagreed with the following statements: An occasional smack by loving parents is acceptable The church should encourage parents NOT to smack Children should never be physically punished Schools should re-introduce physical punishment Smacking should be made illegal 11% 28% 57% 71% 71% 0% 25% 50% 75% Over two thirds, 71%, of children's workers disagree that smacking should be made illegal, a percentage which is the average of 79% of evangelicals, 56% of catholics and 68% all others. While only 11% disagreed that an occasional smack by loving parents is acceptable, a further 22% were neutral, leaving two thirds, 67%, in agreement with the statement, an average of 68% by evangelicals, 48% of catholics and 56% of all others. The evangelicals obviously feel concerned about the issue of smacking, and are much more strongly in favour of it than non-evangelicals. ACTION: Because Christians are so divided on the acceptability of physical punishment, how can you encourage open and constructive debate on the issue? 7

8 Children s Workers Say What is Acceptable Physical Punishment A light tap on hand/leg/bottom using a hand A light tap on hand/leg/bottom with slipper/spoon A firm smack with the hand which may leave a mark Something else A firm smack on leg or bottom with an object leaving a mark Striking with an object anywhere that may mark A cuff round the ear Caning or use of a belt 19% 15% 9% 6% 4% 3% 2% 67% 0% 25% 50% 75% This was a new question introduced in the 2005 survey. Over three quarters of Children's Workers disagreed with any kind of physical punishment which left a mark or used an object to hit a child. Only a light tap on the hand, leg or bottom using a person's hand attracted a majority support: two thirds, 67%, being in favour and a fifth, 22%, against. 11% were neutral. Church Leaders were in agreement with Children's Workers that many forms of physical punishment were unacceptable. They also only agreed that a light tap using a person's hand was acceptable (again 67%). 8

9 P r e N umber of churches Introducing Child Protection Policies The chart below shows when child protection policies were introduced in churches The shaded box in 2005 estimates the total that might have been started that year, had the survey been undertaken in 2006 and not in October A majority of churches, 54%, shown in the chart introduced child protection policies (CPP) between 2000 and 2003, with 17% in 1998/99 and another 17% in 2004/05. This suggests that the peak period has now passed, and that only new churches or churches outside the main denominations are introducing CPP. Child protection policies are reviewed on average every 1½ years, with two thirds of churches doing this annually. 6% of church leaders indicated that their church had NO child protection policy in place, down from 9% in Smaller churches were less likely to have a policy than larger churches, and evangelical less likely than non-evangelical. 6% represents over 2,250 churches. If your church is one of these, how ACTION: can you best implement child protection policies? 9

10 Appointing a New Children s Worker How churches appoint SALARIED Children s Workers Take up written references Candidates complete application forms All applicants are interviewed Workers appointed for probationary period Voluntary disclosure forms always completed Ask other people in church (eg group leader) No selection process; take all who apply 93% 92% 89% 86% 85% 45% 0% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% How churches appoint VOLUNTEER children's workers Four fifths, 78%, of churches have an established policy for recruiting volunteer children's or youth workers, up from 31% in Very few take all-comers. Two thirds of churches ask volunteer candidates to complete a voluntary 1 disclosure form. Virtually all the churches in the major denominations insisted on this. Three quarters of churches interview all volunteer applicants and ask them to complete an application form, up from two fifths in Slightly fewer take up written references. Over 90% of the churches take the precaution of asking other people in the church about the person who has volunteered, up from half in All this mounts up to a very considerable improvement in the methods used by churches in the appointment of volunteer children's workers in the two years 2003 to ACTION: 10 Are the procedures mentioned in place in your church, and are they always rigorously followed, both for paid and volunteer workers? 1 Declaring offences and cautions.

11 Job Descriptions Church Leaders were asked whether their Children s/youth Workers have a job description. NONE 47% ONLY GROUP LEADERS 23% ALL 30% In 2003, job descriptions were always issued for 26% of workers, so this too had improved by Job descriptions were issued either on appointment (50%), or on application (45%), or when somebody remembered (5%). A tenth (10%) of these job descriptions were never reviewed (14% in 2003), and a third (31%) only irregularly (31% in 2003). Of the other 59%, 34% were regularly reviewed (28% in 2003) and the remainder, 25%, were specifically reviewed annually (27% in 2003). How professional is the practice in your church in the provision, giving ACTION: out and review of job descriptions? 11

12 Criminal Records Checks Five churches in six, 85%, use criminal records checks for new children's workers, (87% in 2003), when they are appointing one. Virtually all (94%) had used them on existing workers (73% in 2003). How are Criminal Record Checks made? Denominational Agency 45% CCPAS 16% Register Directly 18% 6% Don t Use 15% Use but not stated Denominational Agencies include Interdenominational Agencies and others also. The percentage directly registered with the Criminal Records Bureau will fall substantially in 2006 as it is de-registering smaller bodies; most churches will be unable to meet the minimum threshold of 100 checks a year and will therefore have to turn to others for this work. While it is good that 85% of churches use criminal records checks, the ACTION: other 15% also need to use them for new children's workers. 12

13 Sharing, Safety and Support One children's worker in 7, 14% (20% in 2003) replied YES to the question, 'Have you ever been concerned about possible abuse concerning a child for whom you had some sort of responsibility?' EVERYBODY shared those concerns with someone else (75% with the Child Protection Officer, 25% with the Minister). Where Leaders and Workers went for advice. (Figures are shown in percentages.) Source Leaders Workers Overall 2005 Overall 2003 Social Services Denomination The Police CCPAS Others Base 'To your knowledge are there people attending your church who could present a risk to children, eg because of past offences or concerns?' YES, said 12% of leaders, 13% of workers (14% and 13% respectively in 2003). 'What special measures did church leaders take, if any, to keep children safe or support an individual?' 88% used a model contract such as provided by CCPAS (up from 83% in 2003). When children's workers were asked if they felt the individual(s) attending the church were appropriately supervised in order that children are kept safe, 94% said YES (93% in 2003). 'How does your church support or care for those affected by past abuse?' Leaders replied, with 2003 figures in brackets: 83% (74%) Through pastoral support 63% (50%) With prayer 38% (34%) By offering counselling 33% (23%) Through referral to a special agency 10% (11%) We do not support them. There is greater awareness in 2005 of these problems since 2003, greater use of the Child Protection Officer, more support given, and more use of CCPAS materials. ACTION: How can your church become better equipped to care effectively for all those affected by abuse? 13

14 Fascinating Facts Other findings in the survey More children attend a church's midweek activities than come on a Sunday, even though the number of children attending church has declined since When children were involved in Sunday worship it was usually by inclusion in leading worship/music (44%, up from 41%), reading the Bible (41%, down from 47%), praying (35%, down from 40%), or taking up the collection (34%, down from 38%). Virtually all, 97%, of church leaders, and 98% of children's workers considered child protection issues to be important. Two thirds, 65%, of church leaders and two fifths, 44%, of children's workers received information on child protection through their denomination. After that, 36% had specialists in their congregation, 25% used CCPAS, 17% Christian periodicals and 15% Social Services. Three quarters, 75%, of churches have a Designated Person for child protection issues (65% in 2003). A further sixth, 17%, use the Minister (26% in 2003). Anglicans tend to use their denomination's local office for their main source of CPP information, Catholics their national office and other denominations CCPAS. Half, 49% (49% in 2003), of evangelical church leaders used their denomination for training in child protection, and a fifth, 20%, (22% in 2003), used CCPAS. Over half, 56% (52% in 2003) of evangelical church leaders used their denomination for training materials in child protection, and two fifths, 42% (35% in 2003), used CCPAS. Church leaders are least likely to contact the NSPCC for advice on child protection issues, only 4% (6% in 2003). ACTION: Now to work it all out! 14

15 Who is Christian Research? A registered charity which has been serving the church, mainly in the UK for over 20 years (under another name until 1993) A team of researchers who undertake a wide range of commissioned research for Christian churches and organisations A book publisher who produces resources for leaders, including the UK Christian Handbook, its companion volume Religious Trends and several other booklets similar to this one A membership organisation which helps its members keep up-to-date with trends in church and society through their bimonthly bulletin Quadrant and monthly research brief People with a concern for leaders, who therefore offer briefings, forums, seminars and consultancy to help understand the implications of current trends Please send me details of membership to keep information coming my way Please send me a sample copy of your Quadrant bulletin on latest statistics Please send me a sample of one of your other booklets Please put me on the list for your monthly research brief My address is: Title: Name: Denomination: Address: Post Code: Christian Research Vision Building, 3 Footscray Road, Eltham, London SE9 2TZ Phone: Fax: admin@christian-research.org.uk and

16 Safeguarding children in church & the community Facing the Unthinkable Child Protection Training - Now on DVD Facing the Unthinkable Training for Places of Worship DVDs INCLUDE: What is Abuse? Signs, Symptoms and Effects Taking Action Safe Practice PowerPoint Slides CHURCHES Child Protection ADVISORY SERVICE 3 DVD set Safeguarding Children and Young People Facing the Unthinkable SPECIALIST TRACKS: Emotional abuse and neglect Good practice - African led church Children with special needs Implementing a child protection policy Working overseas 'Facing the Unthinkable' is a comprehensive child protection training course presented by David and Pauline Pearson. As well as instruction in the essential areas, there are several in-depth sessions (specialist tracks) on topics covered within the basic training, plus group tasks and exercises. The pack has been specially designed for flexibility so that tailor-made courses of anything between four and fifteen hours can be run over a number of evenings or days. The DVD includes PowerPoint slides and the approximate running time is 7 hours. The pack comes with Trainer s notes, participants handbook and the CCPAS manual 'Guidance to Churches', with regularly updated versions available for downloading from the CCPAS website. Total Cost of DVD pack (with p&p) Non-members (includes a year s CCPAS membership) Members For more information or to order contact CCPAS: Tel: info@ccpas.co.uk Web: Address: PO Box 133, Swanley, Kent, BR8 7UQ.