It’s Time to Prioritise, Keeping Children Safe!
Child Protection Week- Let’s all play our part!
Children thrive when we all understand how to play our part in keeping them safe and well. There are many things that we can all do every day in all the different aspects of our lives… in our jobs, in our families, in our churches and communities to keep children protected and safe. But when children don’t feel protected and safe we know something is not right.
As we continue to work with Children and Leaders of Children’s ministry one of the key principles is ensuring Children are safe and protected. Making sure Leaders are well equipped in safety rules, governance and regulations. As well as knowing signs when children might not feel safe.
Staring on Sunday 5th, The Uniting Church raises awareness of our shared commitment to keeping children and young people safe. Not only the Church but as well as the wider community. A week filled with continuous daily resources and webinars available to leaders and congregations, this is definitely an affirming step in the right direction for emerging generations.
Along with our churches resources, NAPCAN is an organisation deeply imbedded to sharing not only resources but First Nations culture on the importance of deep listening in creating strong communities for children. This is an awsome resource with many pleding their support to! Making sure young people are the priority with being safe and healthy to reach their best potential.
Every child, in every community, needs a fair go.
To treat all of Australia’s children fairly, we need to make sure every family and community has what kids need to thrive and be healthy.
Visit https://www.napcan.org.au/get-involved-2021/ to find out more about the campaign, including activities for families.
In particular, check out the Children’s Art Activity which asks children what they think is most important in a child-friendly community https://www.napcan.org.au/art-activity/.
Our NSW/ACT Synod has a confirming statement published, that affirm our priority in safety of children.
It reminds us of our core responsibility to those young people we work for.
“We believe that all people, including children and vulnerable adults, are made in the image of God,
and that our relationships with each other should express love, integrity, compassion and respect.
We recognise everyone who is involved in any of the Synod’s activities, services, events or programs
has a right to feel and be safe. We therefore acknowledge our moral and legal responsibility to ensure the
safety of children and young people involved with any Synod organisation.”
https://nswact.uca.org.au/media/9982/safe-church-commitment-statement.pdf
https://safechurch.uca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/CSW_prayer.pdf
This week as we prioritise the Safety and Protection of young people, here is a prayer lead by our former President Diedre Palmer for all those who work in child safety and protection. May we continue to make our communities a place where young people feel safe to thrive and be the best they want to be!
Remember you can keep in touch with PULSE by signing up for our monthly newsletter, or for further information contact our team via email, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok.
Joyce Tangi is the Field Officer (South), and Children’s/Family ministry leader as a part of the PULSE team.
