Did You Know?

DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know? “From 5 July 2021, it is an offence to fail to protect a child from a sexual offence in an institutional setting.”

Did you know? “The maximum penalty for failing to protect a child from a sexual offence is 5 years’ imprisonment.”

Did you know? “From 5 July 2021, it is an offence for any adult not to report sexual offending against a child by another adult to police.”

Did you know? “The maximum penalty for failing to report belief of a child sexual offence is 3 years’ imprisonment”.

For more information on this law please go to: https://www.qld.gov.au/law/crime-and-police/types-of-crime/sexual-offences-against-children/failure-to-protect

Did you know? If you complete and maintain currency in LCA/NZ Safe Church Training, you will be kept up to date with church and legislative requirements.

In recent times we have often heard the word ‘safety’, especially as we learn to live with, and react to restrictions and requirements about COVID. Our church, the LCA/NZ also has requirements.

The LCA Standards of Ethical Behaviour outline how we can demonstrate God’s love to ane another, through our Personal Behaviour, our Pastoral Care, our Care for Children, our Communication, and how we manage our Financial and Administrative matters.

Through the Professional Standards Department our church provides advice, a Safe Church Training program which is available to all but required for those who are appointed to certain roles, support to implement the LCA Policies and Procedures, and a process to handle complaints.

The LCA/NZ is working to implement the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations through our LCA Child Safety Standards for Congregations. It is anticipated these will be implemented from next year.

Those working with children, and those in leadership and governance roles with authority for decisions that affect children or where trustworthiness is implied or perceived, are also required to hold a valid Blue Card (working with children check). Congregations are required to maintain a current Blue Card register.

How can you, an individual or congregation, keep up to date to ensure you meet church and legislative requirements?

1. Attend Professional Standards Training

2. Read the PSD section in the District Newsletter

3. Contact the Professional Standards Officer in our District