INDICATORS

5.1.1. Safeguarding policies and procedures (especially the Code of Conduct and complaints procedures) are contextualized to the culture of the local church, while aligning with universal principles (such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child), ensuring that the zero-tolerance approach to abuse is maintained within the local cultural context.

5.1.2. The church body’s Safeguarding Policy and procedures demonstrate an understanding of the diverse circumstances that increase the risk of abuse and implements strategies to address it within their local context.

5.1.3. The Complaints Policy and procedures address impediments that may prevent disclosure of abuse and hinder personnel from recognizing and responding appropriately.

5.2.1. The diverse needs of First Nations and Indigenous People, those living with disability, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, children and adults who are unable to live in their homes, as well as those of diverse sexuality are addressed with a focus on empowerment and self-determination in the church body’s safeguarding policies and procedures. 

5.2.2. The church body actively seeks representation from local cultural representatives and those of diverse cultural perspectives in safeguarding teams and decision-making processes.

5.2.3. The church body has feedback mechanisms in place to gather insights from various community groups about their specific cultural, social, political, or economic safeguarding needs and experiences.

5.3.1. The church body develops and delivers (or provides access to) training programs sensitive to the region’s cultural nuances.

5.3.2. The church body’s safeguarding approaches are reviewed and revised to reflect the diversity within the local church community.

5.3.3. Training programs are continuously evaluated and improved to ensure they remain relevant and effective across the different cultural contexts of the church’s ministries.