Eastcoast Church is committed to providing safe, fun and welcoming spaces for families, children and young people. The safety and wellbeing of children holds the highest priority in all our decisions and actions regarding children and young people. We are committed to outworking the NSW Child Safe Standards, the Australian Christian Churches (ACC) Safer Churches policy and the child safety laws mandated by the NSW government within all of our programs. We are building a culture where families, children and young people can feel safe and secure to raise any concerns they may have. We believe every child is born with a God-given purpose and we make it our mission to make sure every child knows that they are valued, loved and called. We acknowledge that children come from diverse backgrounds and have varying needs. As a congregation, we endeavour within our available resources to offer age-appropriate programs that are allencompassing and encourage maximum participation by all children. Upholding the well-being of children and young individuals is a collective responsibility shared by everyone at Eastcoast Church: be it the Board, Staff, Leaders, Students, Volunteers or Church Attendees. Eastcoast Church is committed to:

1. Use our available resources to offer age-appropriate programs that embrace all children and young people.

2. Provide opportunities for the active participation of children and young people within their program.

3. Embed the 10 Child Safety Standards into all activities concerning children and young people

4. Take all disclosures and allegations of abuse or neglect seriously, responding appropriately and to report concerns to relevant authorities.

5. Conduct quality screening, training, supervision and support of all people working with children.

6. Conduct regular reviews of child safety-related procedures in accordance with ACC Safer Churches policies.

7. Educate and empower children to recognise when they feel unsafe and identify appropriate individuals to talk with.

8. Maintain the safety, suitability and security of all physical and online environments which children and young people access. If you require further details or have any questions regarding our Safer Churches Policies or Procedures, feel free to reach out to us at admin@eastcoast.org.au or get in touch with a member of the safer churches committee. The complete ACC Safer Churches Policy is available here.

Safer Churches committee members

● Zoe Peachey

● Tyrah-Jade Shadlow

● Suresh Kandiah

● Tom Lundie

● Lou Antonius

NATIONAL HELPLINE

The ACC Churches also operates a National Helpline for any person wishing to discuss abuse

or misconduct relating to an ACC Church. Please call 1800 070 511.