GCC reviews child protection policy

With National Child Protection Week held in Australia early this month, Professional Standards Department (PSD) Manager Tim Ross said it was timely that the LCA/NZ’s General Church Council (GCC) had recently reviewed the church’s Child Protection Policy.

GCC has also approved a new related procedure and both the policy and procedure set out in practical terms how LCA/NZ members can respond to God’s call to look after children.

‘The LCA and all believers have a special responsibility to care for all children and see that no harm comes to them’, Mr Ross said. ‘God calls us to make every effort to protect children.’

He said all churches should ensure their leaders held valid ‘working with children’-type checks. The Child Protection Procedure sets out detail on who needs a check and how to apply, as well as reporting suspected abuse. It is also important that leaders are properly trained regarding the attitudes and behaviours the LCA expects.

You can find details of the Professional Standards training program at www.lca.org.au/psd-training

You can access the Child Protection Policy and Procedure at www.lca.org.au/policies

For more information, contact your District Professional Standards Officer. See www.lca.org.au/psd for contact details.