Children's Ministry » Safe Place

NEW Cyber Smart Resources

Emma — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 01:46:32 +0000

Cybersmart is a website which provides activities, resources and practical advice to help young kids, kids, teens and parents safely enjoy the online world. You might think this is just an issue for teens but younger kids are ‘connected’ and making use of online/social media at an increasing rate too!

Through the online story books/videos, games and downloadable youtube videos you can learn more about fast-changing world. Young people (and adults!) are not only connected by computers and laptops with internet, but the explosion of social media and mobile phone online access anytime, virtually anywhere! Particularly young people can be oblivious to the dangers and just how public what they are ‘posting’ even to friends can be.

This website and resources have been developed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority. Cybersmart is part of the Australian Government’s cybersafety program.

To check out Cybersmart, follow the link below or cut and paste into your browser:
http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/

NSW Child Protection Legislation Changes and New, Interactive Working with Children Check Website

Rowena — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 03:11:57 +0000

The NSW Commission for Children and Young People has recently launched a new, interactive working with children check website with updated information to reflect new laws with respect to working with children and young people. The new website follows a question and answer format to help people understand the requirements for the many varied volunteer/employment situations, as well as providing information for parents.The main practical change for volunteers is that the existing child protection declaration for working with young people 0-18 years – the Prohibited Employment Declaration also known as an ‘Attachment 4’ or ‘PED’ – has been replaced by a Volunteer/Student Declaration. The Volunteer/Student Declaration is available from www.kids.nsw.gov.au/check and is designed to be completed online and then printed for signing.

For those who have already completed an ‘Attachment 4/PED’ for their current volunteer position, it remains valid*, but for a new volunteer (from the 31^st March 2010) the new Volunteer/Student Declaration* will need to be completed.

Another major change is that volunteers who mentor disadvantaged young people or provide for individual personal care for disabled young people now need consent to a ‘working with children check’ via an Applicant Declaration and Consent, instead of just signing the Volunteer/Student Declaration.

We encourage you to check out the new NSW Commission for Children and Young People website (www.kids.nsw.gov.au/check) which is now easier to navigate and provides ready access to further information and the forms mentioned above.

*Volunteers providing more intimate personal care will need to complete the new Applicant Declaration and Consent to continue to meet the requirements.

Child Friendly Church Awards

Rowena — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 01:48:57 +0000

Download the questionnaire to help you gauge How Child Friendly your church is.

How Child Friendly is Your Church?

First Aid in Church

Rowena — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:59:27 +0000

The following is an article extracted from the Aug 2009 Issue of ‘What’s Up?’, A newsletter created by the Synod of SA for people in ministry with children and their families. The article raises some good questions that can guide you in providing a safe place for children.

What’s Up?

Mary Jo recently attended a First Aid course run by St John. It turned out to be an enjoyable, non threatening, and helpful experience. And it got her musing. In our duty of care for children in our churches:

Ø Do I know who among our regular attendees is qualified to administer first aid or CPR?

Ø Should there be a list posted prominently so ushers/stewards and Sunday school leaders know who to call on?

Ø Is someone with this training present at all events involving children?

Ø Do we have an adequate first aid kit? Do all our Sunday school (kids club, playgroup) leaders know where it is?

Ø Do we understand that where parents/carers attend an activity with their children, they have primary duty of care for their child in the case of an accident or injury but if parents are not present, it is our responsibility?

Ø Do we always know how to contact parents when they leave their children with us?

Ø Do we know of any medical conditions of the children that need ongoing monitoring or that might impact on the first aid administered in case of an emergency?

Ø Is there a phone available at all times for ringing 000 in case of an emergency?

Ø When did we last do an assessment of the building and surrounds to spot potential hazards? Have we dealt adequately with these hazards?

Ø When did our leaders and First Aid officers last browse through the Uniting Church of SA’s Called to Care document? Has everyone acted to fulfil their responsibilities? Have I fulfilled my responsibilities?

If any of this resonates with you. If you are already doing some of the things suggested or have other ideas, please let us know at the Resource Centre, so we can pass on your ideas to other What’s Up readers. rccfm@bigpond.com