Parish of the Sacred Heart Wimbledon Statement of Child Protection

Key Contacts:
Parish Priest, Fr Gerard Mitchell SJ, Tel: 0208 946 0305
Paddy Barry, Tel: 0208 542 9735
Sadie Smith, Tel: 0208 946 5198

The Parish Pastoral Council and clergy of the Church of the Sacred Heart believes in the dignity of children and we take seriously our responsibility to protect and promote their well-being. As a parish we rely on willing and conscientious volunteers to nurture and lead our young people and to help ensure that the parish community remains a safe and secure environment in which children and young people are kept free from harm and risk.

We recognise that any failure to respond to allegations of abuse undermines people's faith and the credibility of the Church, as well as the damage that it does to everyone's perception of this Parish and the Jesuit Community. These guidelines are a statement of the Parish's willingness to co-operate with all in challenging abusive behaviour. We are committed to raising child protection issues amongst all who have care for children and young people in our parish community.

There may be temptation to protect the person involved and the Parish from glare of publicity. There is no excuse for child abuse. It is a misuse of power. Anything less than an unequivocal search for truth is immoral and unjust. Misguided loyalty or fear of public disclosure can create a conspiracy of silence.

Our Parish Statement on Child Protection draws upon the Southwark Diocesan Pastoral Guidelines on Child Abuse and the Southwark Child Protection Parish Guidelines for Good Practice. Our statement should be understood in the light of these two documents, copies of which are to be found with the copy of the Parish Statement in the Parish Book Shop in the Presbytery.

What is Child Abuse?

Child Abuse describes the ways in which a child's development and health are damaged by the actions of others. Abuse can take four forms:

The failure to protect children through neglect or exposure to danger.
Actual physical injury or failure to prevent physical injury.
Persistent and severe emotional ill-treatment including severe rejection.
Sexual abuse or sexual exploitation.

What should you do if you suspect that abuse may have occurred?

Society over the past twenty years have been trying to get all those involved in working with children to work together. This policy is a public declared willingness by this Parish to co-operate with statutory agencies. If you think a child is in immediate danger or the matter is urgent you should contact Merton Children, Schools and Family Department on 0208 545 4226/7 (Out of Hours 0208 770 5000) the Police or the NSPCC.

If your concerns relate to parish activities and the danger is not immediate you should contact the Parish Priest 0208 946 0305 who has Lead Responsibility for all matters relating to child protection. In his role he is supported by two members of the Parish, Paddy Barry on 0208 542 9735 and Sadie Smith 0208 946 5198. In the event of any one of these not being available or the concern relating to any one of them, one should contact Helen Sheppard, Southwark Diocesan Child Protection Officer, Child Protection Commission, 59, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7JB 0207 960 2504.

Merton's Children, Schools and Families Department has a particular role in the investigation of allegation of Child Abuse. The normal practice would be, once one is reasonably sure that an allegation requiring investigation has been made, to contact the local Custodian of the Register. A copy of these guidelines was passed to that post holder. The telephone number is 0208 545 3633. There is also a Merton Local Safeguarding Children's Board Committee, which ensures a common approach by all agencies to child protection in Merton.

It is clearly open to any member of the Parish to contact the local Children, Schools and Families Department direct or to contact Helen Sheppard directly, particularly if they feel that the local personnel have not responded appropriately.

What the child tells you about abuse.

Accept what the child says. Listen carefully and reassuringly. Try not to show shock or surprise. Do not push the child to say more than they want to say and do not ask probing questions (e.g. Who? Where? What?) if the child does not provide this information spontaneously. Never agree that the information can become "our little secret". Reassure the child that they have done the right thing in speaking out and that you will need to speak to someone who will help them.

Make careful notes as quickly as possible after the event and date and sign your record.

Witnesses should do likewise. That should include any comments that the adult made in response to statements by the child. Make careful notes of who you speak to when you contact other agencies.

Be clear what steps they are intending to take. The child's wellbeing comes first.

The Alleged Perpetrator

It is never our role to investigate. We never confront, inform or question the alleged abuser. The alleged abuser must be removed from any church-based activity where he could either continue to abuse or attempt to influence the child to withdraw his allegation. How far and how quickly will depend on the circumstances. Such "leave" does not imply innocence or guilt.

Appointment of Paid or Voluntary Workers with Children.

We have produced these guidelines not only to protect children from harm but also workers and volunteers by helping them to become aware of good practice. It is for this reason that all staff and volunteers with contact with children are being asked to complete application forms and provide references. The Parish in turn will provide all such workers with a copy of the Parish Child Protection statement. As part of our support to volunteers we will be introducing regular training, clear guidelines and supervision.

Revised September 2007