The following process must be followed when a new person volunteers to work with children under 18 years of age in the CRCA in either a congregation or organisation:

STEP 1:

A person wishes to join a ministry that works with children under the age of 18 years within a CRCA congregation or organisation.

STEP 2:

The person must:

• Complete the ‘Volunteer Application’ form, provide proof of identification and also provide contact details of two referees. Referees should ideally be people who have known the person for a significant amount of time (years rather than months) and who are not relatives.
• Complete an application for the Working with Children Check/Blue Card or provide proof of holding a current Working with Children Check/Blue Card.
• Read and sign the ‘Children’s Ministry Role Description’ form
• Agree to attend Safe Church Basic Training (Team Member Training)

Link to the required form.

STEP 3:

It is the responsibility of the Safe Church Representative (or the Team Leader of the Children’s Ministry) of the congregation or organisation to

• contact the referees and complete the ‘Confidential Record of Reference Checks’ form
• document sighting proof of photographic identification, such as a current driver’s license
• copies must be kept by the Safe Church Representative (ChildSafe Coordinator) of the congregation/organisation

The Safe Church Representative (ChildSafe Coordinator) must treat as strictly confidential all applications and records of contacts with referees. Such information may only be accessed by the Safe Church Representative, the Session (if necessary) and the SCU. The information should be marked “confidential” and all personnel files should be kept in a secure facility (for both electronic and paper records) for purposes of confidentiality. Access is limited to those so authorised, and the applicant, who may view only their own file.

STEP 4:

Upon receiving the forms the applicant is screened. If through screening the applicant is approved the person is then registered with the SMO (Safety Management Online) database of persons who work with children under 18 in the local church of the CRCA. The person must attend Safe Church Basic (Team Member) Training within the first 12 months of being approved and before participating in any volunteer activities.

If the applicant is not approved by the SCU OR fails to secure a Working with Children Check/Blue Card the person cannot minister or work with children under 18 in any CRCA congregation or organisation. A person who has applied for a Working with Children Check/Blue Card must not commence in their role until the approval and number has arrived and been communicated to the local church (via the Safe Church Representative/ChildSafe Coordinator). “No Card – No Start”.