Child Safety

The purpose of this Policy is to guide the Christian Reformed Church of Sydney (CRCS) in developing a child-protective culture. CRCS is committed to welcoming children and their parents or carers and providing a ‘child-safe’ environment, culture and programs for children and other vulnerable people who attend the services and other programs. We see such a commitment as flowing naturally from our vision and mission to operate according to biblical, Christian principles for living and for recognising the unique value and potential of every person, regardless of race, age, gender, ability or disability.

All children who come to CRCS have a right to feel and be safe. The welfare of children in our care will be our first priority. The authorised leaders accept the responsibility of providing a safe and friendly environment where children are listened to, feel safe, have fun, accept challenges, learn and grow. This duty of care applies at all times, although when children attend church and remain with their parents, then the parents have the primary duty of care.

The role and responsibilities of our team members are as follows.

  • Team Member: Team Members have a level of responsibility for the program and are accountable to their Team Leader. Legal responsibility to care for a participant can only be given to Team Members who are 18 years of age or older. 

  • Junior Team Members: Are under 18 years of age. Are helpers and must be supervised in their role. Are learning to become valuable Team Members. Must not be solely responsible for participants. Are counted as participants in the participant/leader ratio Check the legal requirements of your jurisdiction regarding the inclusion of Junior Team Members. 

  • Team Leader: Team Leaders have responsibility for the team, all team members in the program, and for the conduct of a particular program or event. They receive additional information and extra training. 

  • Coordinator: Team Leader's are accountable to the Coordinator. The Coordinator monitors safe practice and assesses risk management plans. 

  • Risk Management Officer: The Risk Management Officer is responsible for ensuring that the whole organisation is safe. They should be an experienced and senior person in the organisation

For more information contact us or read the detailed policy below. Alternatively, you can download a child-friendly version of our policy here.

For more information contact us or read the detailed policy below.