Child Protection

	Roman Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth Parish of the Sacred Heart - Waterlooville Registered Charity No. 246871
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Child Protection

As part of the Catholic Church's commitment to protecting children from abuse we have established an active Child Protection team working within the Parish. This team will be extending its activities to include the protection of vulnerable adults.

The team is fully independent of the parish clergy and its role is to ensure that good practice is followed across all Parish activities.

In particular the team works to ensure that:

	Volunteers receive training in child protection matters and good practice.
	Records are kept of all activities involving children.
	All adults working with children are subject to CRB checks.
	All adults working with children are interviewed prior to taking up any role working with children.
	No adult works alone with children.
	A reporting system is in place to bring any allegations to the attention of local social services and police. (The team act as a buffer between the person with concerns and the "authorities" if this is needed)

The team DO NOT INVESTIGATE allegations made to them - these are passed on to the civil authorities for investigation

Contacting the Team:

	The Local Child Protection Representative is Mrs Janet Reah - she can be contacted via the Child Protection line on 07952 776 922.
	Her deputy is Mr. John Farrell who can be contacted on 023 9226 4884.
	Or by email

Child Protection Policy:

The Child Protection team's functions and activities are described in more detail in the Child Protection Policy

Alternate numbers for reporting any concerns:

	The Diocesan Child Protection Representative is Deacon Nick Reynolds who can be contacted on 01420 568157.
	The local social services can be contacted on 023 9247 1644 (working hours) 01489 589637 (Other times)
	Local Police 0845 045 45 45. Ask for Havant station, and then Child Protection.

Overall coordination of Child Protection processes within the Catholic Church in England and Wales is carried out by the Catholic Office for the Protection of Children & Vulnerable Adults