CrossReach Church of Scotland UK

Commitment 1 - Child Protection

Commitment 1a: Ensuring a child-safe church environment

Safeguarding Department: the Church of Scotland aims to ensure the best care and protection for every child and young person. We have put in place good structures, safeguarding policies and procedures and people in place at congregational and national levels to minimise the likelihood of harm occurring. All congregations have rigorous policies in place and have a Safeguarding Coordinator who receives regular training. This ensures that with appropriate support and training, there is a timely and appropriate response.

Commitment 1b: Contributing to ending violence against children in society at large

CrossReach: our social care arm is engaged in national policy development and delivery and works directly with children and families, addressing issues affecting physical and mental health, enabling them to develop confidence and resilience, overcome challenges and experience an improvement in wellbeing

Commitment 2: Promoting meaningful child participation

- Church and Society Council: this Council has worked on key reports on Growing up in Scotland and Corporal Punishment and the recent Speak Out listening exercise has identified the key need for more investment in young people.

- Our General Assembly, the Church of Scotland’s governing body, has accepted recommendations in these areas. The Council is a key advocate speaking out for the rights and wellbeing of children, and promoting children’s rights in public policy and practice. As a nation, Scotland is forward- thinking in integrating child rights into children’s planning and participation and we are actively engaging the Church in this.

- Mission and Discipleship Council: this Council supports and promotes best practice in all areas of work with children and young people. The National Youth Assembly is a key agent bringing young people together, sharing their concerns and contributing to decisions across the church.

- During the forthcoming Year of Young People 2018, promoted by the Scottish Government, we will focus the worship, witness and work of the Church on every level throughout the Church of Scotland, locally, regionally and nationally.

- During 2018, we will be increasing our commitment to the participation of young people, encouraging their engagement in the Church and wider society and celebrating their achievements. The Moderator of the General Assembly and the Youth Moderator of the 2017 National Youth Assembly will be promoting ongoing work in the areas of these commitments to children and young people.

We seek to join with the WCC and other member Churches to be at the forefront of offering care and protection, increasing their participation and involvement in churches and communities, and working with them to address particularly critical issues for children and young people in our time.