Safe Churches Training Agreement (SCTA) Approved Training

As the NSW and ACT Synod is a member of the National Council of Churches Safe Church Training Agreement, members of any UCA congregation may attend training run by any of the denominations who are SCTA training partners. Following completion of the workshop, templates to assist UCA congregations meet safe church requirements (including an Action List and Code of Conduct) can be forwarded to them.

For upcoming training dates, download the SCTA Calendar for the second half of 2010.

Child (Vulnerable People) Protection Courses

The Synod requires volunteers involved with programs for children and young people, especially leaders, to attend a training session.

Ministers, youth workers, SRE teachers and those staff who have contact with children should also attend.

It is expected that the Synod’s expanded training program which will meet the broader SCTA standards (with a focus on vulnerable people, not only children) will be available from mid 2010.

Topics include:

• What is appropriate behaviour towards children and other vulnerable people?
• What does the law actually say about child abuse?
• How does a church make sure its leaders and volunteers are safe people?
• What happens if a church leader or volunteer is accused of doing the wrong thing?
• When do you need to report a concern about a child at risk of harm to DoCS?
• How does the church ensure that it provides safe environment and programs?

To arrange training, please contact Emma Parr (02 8267 4290; emmap@nsw.uca.org.au)