A child protection concern may be raised by or received by anyone:

• The Church Board and the Vulnerable Person’s Coordinator and Team are responsible for ensuring that all leaders are sufficiently trained in the Procedure for Responding to Child Protection Concerns.
• The Vulnerable Person’s Coordinator and Team is responsible for completing the necessary reports (with assistance from the Ministry Leader) and notifying the relevant Authorities with the Senior Pastor.

LISTEN WELL:

• Move to a suitable environment, free from distraction. Remember, a private conversation still needs to be in a space visible to others. Let your Ministry Leader know where you are.
• Be CALM and PATIENT – allow time for the person making the complaint (eg: Child or Young Person) to be heard.
• Let the person use their own words – avoid asking leading questions.
• Avoid ‘quizzing’ the person about details of the abuse.
• Don’t be afraid of saying the wrong thing. Listening supportively is more important than what you say.

GENTLY REASSURE:

• Reassure the complainant that it is OK that they have told you what’s been happening.
• Check if there are any concerns about the child’s safety, especially immediate safety.
• Reassure the person, particularly if they are a Child, Young Person or Vulnerable Adult that they are not at fault, and not the cause of any distress that may be felt by anyone.

SHOW RESPECT:

• Respect that the person may only reveal some details.
• Acknowledge the person bravery and strength in sharing the information.
• Avoid making promises you can’t keep – manage the person’s expectations.
• Explain to the person that in order for the Child, Young Person or Vulnerable Adult to be safe, you will need to report this to someone else.

IMMEDIATELY REPORT:

• Immediately report the Disclosure to the Ministry Leader or a member of the Vulnerable Persons Team. If appropriate, keep the person informed of the reporting process.
• As soon as it is practical, complete an Incident Report Form, recording all details about the suspicion or disclosure of abuse.
• The Vulnerable Persons Team will be responsible for ensuring the appropriate form of action, that the Church fulfils its legal obligations and that all concerns are managed appropriately.
• A copy of the Incident Report Form is to be kept securely by the Church, and a copy sent to the QB Safe Spaces Coordinator and relevant authorities as required.

When a child protection concern is raised, the Vulnerable Persons team must assess what action needs
to be taken. The following questions provide a guide for the key actions that may be required.

Please refer to the flow chart below.

Is the disclosure about a child in immediate danger?

If YES:

• Contact the Police immediately on 000 and report the information.
• Follow instructions given by the Police.
• Address any immediate safety needs of others present.
• Organise support for the person who has disclosed the complaint or information.
• Contact QB Church Services for additional support for your Church.

If NO, Does the report include a disclosure or suspicion of harm?

If YES,

• Contact the Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services and report the disclosure or suspicion. Such Child Protection concerns are responded to by the Department by either:
  • Recording a Child Concern Report when the concern received does not reach the threshold for a notification.
  • Recording a notification if the concerns suggest the child has been harmed or is at risk of
    harm and does not have a parent able to protect the child from harm.
  • Moving a child to a safe place if required.
• It is important to note that this is the decision of the Child Safety Officers. Your role is to report
  and provide support as needed.

If the disclosure or suspicion of harm is historical and has been already dealt with by the appropriate authorities, the report to the Department can note that this is a historical event previously reported. Even if the harm has already been dealt with, it is important to report as there might be extra details that you can provide which may not have been disclosed previously.

Is the report about a Staff or Volunteer of the Organisation?

If YES,

• Notify the appropriate authorities as per the procedure above.
• Follow the appropriate steps in the Church Procedure for Handling Complaints against Staff and Volunteers (refer Governance Framework policy CCC03 Conflict and Grievance Management procedure)

Reporting:

• In all instances, an Incident Report Form must be completed, submitted to the QB Safe Spaces Team for action and filing.