The Acts of the Apostles

Safeguarding Children Policy

(For full Policy click the button below)

1.1. The CYC is a youth group comprising young people from Christadelphian Ecclesias within the greater Sydney region.

1.2 The CYC operates as an extension of, and under the auspices of, these Ecclesias, with its organising committee consisting of representatives appointed from them.

1.3. The CYC is committed to the safety and wellbeing of Children and Young People involved in its Activities. This includes providing a Child-safe environment.

1.4. The CYC has zero tolerance for Child Abuse and is committed to acting in the best interests of Children and Young People involved in its Activities, taking reasonable steps to protect them from Harm.

1.5. The Bible teaches that Children are a heritage from the Lord (Psalm 127:3) and should therefore be cherished and nurtured by families and Ecclesias (including the CYC). Table 1 lists Bible passages that underpin this Policy.

1.6. The CYC recognises that the safety and wellbeing of Children and Young People is a shared responsibility. Parents, CYC Committee members, Volunteers and Attendees need to work together to foster an environment that reflects care, safety and respect within a CYC youth context. 

1.7.    Appendix A defines terms used in this Policy.

Foundation Bible Passages which form a basis of this Policy

The Bible teaches that children are God’s heritage. Matthew 19:14; Psalm 127:3

The Bible teaches that we should “do all to the glory of God”. This provides an overarching principle and guide for planning, managing and deciding matters within the Ecclesia/the CYC. 1 Corinthians 10:31

The Bible teaches that we should follow the commandments of Christ and strive to develop the fruit of the spirit. John 14:15; 15:14; Galatians 5:22-24; Ephesians 4:17-20; Philippians 4:8

The Bible teaches that we are to be holy and abstain from all appearance of evil. 1 Peter 1:15-16; 1 Thessalonians 5:22

The Bible teaches that all forms of abuse, including Child Abuse, violate the commandments of Christ and are contrary to the fruit of the spirit. Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:3-12; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

The Bible teaches that we are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love our neighbour as our selves. Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 19:19; 22:37-39; Mark 12:29-31; Luke 10:27; Romans 13:9; Galatians 5:14; James 2:8

The Bible teaches that we should obey the laws of the land in which we live, unless they directly contravene the teachings of the Bible. Romans 13:1-5; Matthew 22:21; Acts 5:29

The Bible teaches that we have particular responsibility to care for those in the Ecclesia who may be vulnerable or may have special needs. Psalm 82:3-4; Proverbs 31:8-9; Acts 20:35; James 1:27

The Bible teaches that those who oversee the Ecclesia are responsible to care for it as “shepherds of God's flock” and protect it from “wolves”.  Acts 20:28-32; 1 Peter 5:2-4

The Bible teaches that the Ecclesia should seek to recover those who are “overtaken in a fault” and “err from the truth”.  Galatians 6:1; James 5:19-20