Safeguarding children and vulnerable Adults POLICY
The Methodist church along with the whole Christian community believes each person has a value and dignity which comes directly from God’s creation of male and female in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this as fulfilled by God’s recreation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of god and therefore protect them from harm.
The Brownhills and Willenhall Circuit recognises that none of us is invulnerable but that there is a particular care for those whose vulnerability may be temporary or permanent and may be visible or invisible. But that it does not diminish our humanity and seeks to affirm the gifts and graces of all God’s people.
The Brownhills and Willenhall Circuit is committed to the safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and vulnerable adults and the needs of children or of people when they are vulnerable is paramount
This policy addresses the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults. It is intended to be dynamic policy. It is intended to support the church in being a safe supportive and caring community for children, young people and vulnerable adults, for survivors of abuse, for communities and for those affected by abuse.
The Brownhills and Willenhall Circuit fully agrees with the Connexion statement reiterated in Creating SAFER Space 2007
We are concerned with the wholeness of each individual within Gods purpose for everyone. We seek to safeguard all members of the church community.
The Brownhills and Willenhall Circuit recognises the serious issue of the abuse of children and vulnerable adults and recognises that this may take the form of physical, emotional ,sexual ,financial ,spiritual or institutional abuse or neglect . It acknowledges the effects these may have on people and their development including spiritual and religious development. It accepts its responsibility for ensuring that all people are safe in its care and that their dignity and right to be heard is maintained. It accepts its responsibility to support, listen to and work for healing with survivors, offenders, communities and those who care about them. It takes seriously the issues of promotion of welfare so that each of us can reach our full potential in God’s grace.
The Brownhills and Willenhall Circuit commits itself to respond without delay to any allegation or cause for concern that a child or vulnerable adult may have been harmed, whether in the Church or in another context. It commits itself to challenge the abuse of power of anyone in a position of trust. It commits itself to providing informed pastoral care to those in need including the supervision of those who have committed criminal offences.
The Brownhills and Willenhall Circuit commits itself to ensuring the implementation of Connexional Safeguarding Policy, government legislation and guidance, and safe practice in the circuit and in the churches.