Child Protection Procedure

REPORTING PROCEDURE This Reporting Procedure applies to all employees, volunteers, contractors and Board members of the Church (workers) and should be read in conjunction with the Church’s Child Protection Policy.  

CONTACTS FOR RELEVANT BODIES Business Hours – Department of Health and Human Services Victoria:

After hours and to report concerns about the immediate safety of a child:

• Child Protection Crisis Line (24hours) 13 12 78
• Victoria Police – Sexual Offences & Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT)

Police  – SOCIT – Contact Appropriate Local Office:

CCYP – Commission for Children and Young People:

• 1300 78 29 79; or:
• https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/reportable-cpnduct-scheme/notify-and-update/

STEP 1

• When an adult forms a reasonable belief that a sexual offence has been committed in Victoria against a child under 16 years old by another person aged 18 years or older, that person must make a report to the police as soon as possible.
• Any person that forms a belief on reasonable grounds that a child is in need of protection from child abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, psychological or neglect), may disclose that information to the Police or the Department of Health and Human Services (“DHHS”). The Church encourages all persons with concerns to raise this directly with the CSO, and in the event that allegation raised against Executive this should be raised with Board of Elders and/or the Executive Minister, who can assist the person to make the report to DHHS as required.
• The individual, employee, volunteer, contractor or Board Member of the Church should discuss these observations and concerns with a CSO and/or Executive Minister, who can assist the person to make the report to DHHS as required.
• If the Executive Minister becomes aware of a reportable allegation against an employee, volunteer, contractor or Board Member, the Executive Minister must notify the Commission in writing within 3 business days of becoming aware of the reportable allegation.
• Any person may disclose a reportable allegation to the Commission for Children and Young People.
• It is the responsibility of the Executive Minister to inform the Board.

STEP 2 The following guides the process for making a report to DHHS and/or the police and/or the Commission. Making a Report

• • Ring DHHS and ask for Child Protection.

AND/OR

• • Ring the police on 000.

AND/OR

• • Ring the Commission on (03) 8601 5281 or email the Commission at childsafestandards@ccyp.vic.gov.au.

Information for Making a Report:

• • Name, age and address of child (if you have that information).
  • The reason for suspecting that the behaviour or injury is a result of abuse.
  • An assessment of the immediate danger to the child.
  • A description of the injury or behaviour observed.
  • The current whereabouts of the child.
  • Any other information about the family.
  • Any specific cultural details, e.g. English speaking, disability, etc.

• Ask that the Church be informed of each step of the procedure.
• Request that if an interview is to take place at the Church the visiting police officer/Commission representative is in plain clothes and the time of the interview is specified so that appropriate arrangements for a meeting room can be organised.
• When a person informs a CSO that he/she is to make or has made a report, the Church will form a Case Management Group comprised of the CSO, Child Minister and/or the Executive Minister to discuss the matter and to offer support to the child and the reporter.
• If the complainant alleges that a crime has been committed by an employee, volunteer, contractor or Board Member that person will be stood aside immediately.
• If the Executive Minister becomes aware of a reportable allegation, he/she will notify the Commission within 3 business days of becoming aware of the reportable allegation.
• The Executive Minister (or Chair of the Board if the allegation involves the Executive Minister) will conduct an investigation into the allegation to the extent that it will not interfere with any investigations by DHHS, the police and/or the Commission, and will co-operate with the authorities as required.
• The Church will secure and retain records of the allegation of child abuse and the Church’s response to it.

STEP 3 If the child is agreeable to be interviewed by DHHS, the Commission and/or the police, and the CSO should offer to be present at the interview to give support to the child (unless the complaint involves the CSO and then the Children’s Pastor or Executive Minister can offer to   be present).

STEP 4 Following a report, DHHS, the police and/or the Commission may need to contact the Executive Minister about the notification.

STEP 5 Following a report, it is important to protect confidentiality and the interests of the child and family at all times. Special comments:

• DHHS will only interview the child if he/she is agreeable.
• The family will not be contacted until it is believed there is a case and the child is at risk.
• If the incident which caused the report to be made has occurred in the past – the child may be seen to be no longer at risk and no further action may be taken.
• The identity of the person making a notification will be kept confidential (except when that information is required in a court case) unless that person gives permission for the information to be divulged.
• Throughout the entire process of observation, discussion and reporting, the interests of the child and their family should be protected from unnecessary disclosure of information concerning abuse.

Following the making of a report, any investigation that takes place by that external authority (i.e. DHHS, the police or the Commission) is the responsibility of that authority.

STEP 6: Within 30 calendar days after becoming aware of any reportable allegation/s, the Executive Minister will provide the Commission with:

• Detailed information about the reportable allegation;
• Information about proposed disciplinary or other action to be taken in response to the allegation; and
• Any written submissions made by the employee, volunteer, contractor or Board member about that disciplinary or other action.

STEP 7: After the independent investigation has concluded, the Executive Minister/ will provide the Commission with:

• A copy of the investigation findings and reasons; and
• Additional information about proposed disciplinary or other action to be taken in response to the allegation.

RELATED DOCUMENTS

This policy must be read in conjunction with:

• • The law of the Commonwealth or of the relevant state or territory;
  • Child Safety Code of Conduct; and
  • Child Protection Policy; and
  • Confidentiality Policy

AUTHORISATION
Solveig Fabiyanic
Executive Minister
FAITHLIFE CHURCH INC