child protection

The Bible consistently expresses God's concern for the well-being of the weak and powerless members of society, children in particular. 

​

Christ's words and example provide a strong rationale for churches being responsible for all those in their care. ATS takes this responsibility very seriously.

 

As ATS is charged with leading and caring for others in ministry, we have a responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all under our care. 

​

All people have the right to be emotionally and physically safe, respected, and have their views and opinions valued at all times. 

​

We also live in a country that legislates for people's safety, particularly in the area of child protection. This Child Safe Policy has been developed to help us live out our biblical mandate and our responsibilities under relevant legislation, and has the following goals: 

• To minimise the risk of abuse, ministry misconduct and the misuse of positional power within ATS. 

• To ensure that all cases of suspected abuse and ministry misconduct are handled in a consistent, unbiased and thorough manner. 

• To ensure that leaders and programs are safe. To ensure that all people are respected and valued irrespective of their gender, age, country of origin, cultural heritage, socio-economic background or ability.

 

Therefore, ATS and all team members are to comply fully with their obligations of mandatory reporting under the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017 (CAYPSA). 

 

ATS seeks to protect, as far as possible, children from child abuse and to ensure their safety and wellbeing. 

 

The safety and wellbeing of children is to be the paramount consideration, insofar as, it is within the power of ATS to promote it. 

 

Children are to be protected from any form of child abuse and in dealing with child abuse ATS and its members are to put the interests of victims and children generally above those of the organisation. 

​

In any other case where an ATS member reasonably suspects child abuse that team member is to be instructed to report it under the CAYPSA and to act in the best interests of the victim and children. 

​

Where an ATS member believes or reasonably suspects that any person associated with ATS is or has been a perpetrator of child abuse, will act to protect children from abuse by that person. 

​

ATS members will responsibly and reasonably cooperate with government law enforcement and child protection agencies. 

 

Where an ATS member is reasonably suspected of child abuse, his or her continued employment with ATS during the period taken to make a final determination of whether that worker is guilty of any child abuse is to be determined by an independent committee. 

​

Baptist Churches South Australia and Northern Territory provides a Child Protection Policy and Procedures Manual containing recommended procedures for implementing child protection policies.