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2. Consider whether there is an immediate danger to a child
Where there is an immediate danger to a child
• contact the Police immediately on (131 444 or 000) and report the
information;
• follow any instructions given by the Police;
• address any immediate safety needs of others present; and
• organise support for the person who has disclosed the complaint or
information.
3. Internal Reporting
a) Complete Safe Church Concern Form
If a staff member or volunteer has or is notified of a child protection concern they
should complete a Safe Church Concerns Form as soon as possible. This form
should include relevant details of the concern, contact information, and the
signature of the person completing the form.
b) Notify the Safe Church Team
• If a staff member or volunteer has or is notified of a child protection concern
they must inform the Safe Church Team as soon as possible. The Safe Church
Team is responsible for ensuring the church fulfils it’s legal obligations and
ensuring that all concerns are managed appropriately.
• If there is any delay before the Safe Church Team can be contacted, the
individual should consider whether it is necessary to report their concerns to
external government agencies as outlined in step 4 below. They may contact
the Ministry Standards Hotline on 1300 647 780 for advice.
• Staff and volunteers should ensure they do not discuss any concerns raised
with the accused person at this point in time. Doing so may impede future
investigation processes.
• If the concern raised would create a conflict of interest for a member of the Safe
Church Team consider contacting the Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT Ministry
Standards Hotline on 1300 647 780 for advice.
4. External Reporting to Government Agencies
a) Safe Church Team responsibilities
The Safe Church Team should
• ensure all necessary reports are made. Reports to different government
agencies is required for different purposes and therefore multiple reports
may be required.
• keep detailed contemporaneous notes of all information and steps taken.