Professional Standards FAQs
Do you have questions about Safe Church training, ChildSafe safety management, Safety Management Online (SMO), or Working with Children Checks? Take a look at our most frequently asked questions.
Safe Church Training FAQs
A copy of the Safe Church Training model, and details of who needs to complete each level, are provided on this webpage www.lca.org.au/safechurchtraining/#required-training
No.
If you are simply a participant in a program or activity, it is not necessary to complete Safe Church Training. However, all are welcome, and we would particularly like to encourage parents to come along!
Those who are regularly helping in ministry with children or vulnerable adults, in the capacity of supervising or having close intentional interaction with the children or vulnerable adults, are to engage in the relevant training and be screened.
No.
As long as the individual is a participant, and does not have a leadership or supervisory role for this group.
The church’s current approach is that only specifically appointed Safe Church trainers can deliver training.
This makes the training program easier to manage and consistently applied.
It is intended that Level 2 training builds on the knowledge of the Level 1 training. However, it is recognised that there may be reasons for someone wanting to complete Level 2 first.
Prior learning is currently recognised, in relation to Level 1 training requirements -
Level 1: Induction
Lutheran Education Australia’s course for staff in Lutheran schools, Valuing Safe Communities is recognised as aligning with Safe Church Level 1: Induction
Level 1: Safeguarding
In relation to this part of the Level 1 training, there is recognition of other similar courses in the area of safeguarding.
If you would like to apply for recognition of prior learning, please contact the Professional Standards team.
Level 2 training is designed to suit the LCANZ’s own unique context. Prior learning is not recognised.
It is recognised that there are a number of communities in the LCANZ for whom some adjustments are desirable.
These include:
- those who come from a culturally and linguistically diverse background
- the deaf community
- Indigenous communities
Professional Standards acknowledges this is an issue and continues to explore solutions, bearing in mind constraints on church resources. Professional Standards currently relies heavily on local leaders to work with their communities to assist them in their understanding of Safe Church.
ChildSafe safety management system & Safety Management Online (SMO) FAQs
The ChildSafe safety management system - Safe People, Safe Program, Safe Places - helps congregations plan and run safe activities.
Safety Management Online (SMO) - is the ChildSafe database (a web-based tool). To support the ease of implementation of the ChildSafe safety management system, the LCANZ has invested in SMO for congregations to use at no cost. There are numerous templates and resources available on SMO.
Contact us for more information.
Contact the Professional Standards team for assistance.
Yes, the church requires you to use SMO to enable district councils and boards, as well as the General Church Board, to receive adequate information and assurance regarding safety management across the church.
However, if everyone involved in your ministry has issues with using technology, please speak with the Professional Standards team.
You can find all of the LCANZ policies and procedures on this web page –
The pastor is in the best position to know his general work plan for the year. He should be able to understand the key risks associated with his work. It is recommended the pastor provides a safety plan, seeking permission to proceed, to his local church council.
Where a special event or activity occurs during the year, which is not covered by the initial safety plan, this can then be added as appropriate.
Where a pastor, as the spiritual leader, models this there is encouragement for other leaders in the congregation to do likewise.
The ChildSafe safety management system’s planning and safety principles are applicable to all ministry programs and activities. You are encouraged to use SMO for all programs and activities, not just those involving children.
You have some options:
- Call parents of the participants and seek their presence – this is about keeping an eye on their children
- Call some of your other screened and trained responsible adults, and seek their presence.
- Consider if the event should be cancelled (note that this means ensuring all participants can be picked up and safely transported home)
Anyone in the team! Team Members have a level of responsibility within their team's program and are accountable to their ‘Team Leader’.
Team Members are required to complete Safe Church Level 1 training.
Junior Team Members are 16 or 17 years of age.
Junior Team Members take on valuable roles, but carry a reduced responsibility and require the direct supervision of an appropriately trained adult Team Member, ‘Team Leader’ or Safe Church Coordinator at all times during a program.
No Safe Church training is required.
The Team Leader is the principal onsite director or the leader of a program or activity, who is responsible for the team.
The Team Leader is required to complete Safe Church training up to Level 2. They are accountable to their Safe Church Coordinator.
The Safe Church Coordinator oversees Team Leaders, monitors safe practice and assesses risk management plans. They are also required to complete Safe Church training up to Level 2. Under the ChildSafe safety management system they are accountable to the local leadership body, such as church council.
Working with Children Check FAQs
A working with children check (WWCC) indicates whether a person is suitable to work with children.
People who work or volunteer in child-related work must usually hold a current WWCC.
WWCCs are required and issued under state and territory laws. The name of the check, requirements, and the application process is different in each state and territory.
Check your local state/territory for WWCC requirements. There are working and volunteer WWCCs.
The LCANZ’s Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Procedure sets out who requires a working with children type check.
Your Safe Church Coordinator
Other
The Royal Commission was a landmark event in Australian history and the lessons from it will continue to significantly impact our communities, for many years to come.
Well over half of the numerous accounts of child sexual abuse, which were raised during the Royal Commission, related to churches.
A full copy of the Royal Commission’s final report can be accessed here -
https://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/final-report
The LCANZ participates in the National Redress Scheme for people who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse, which was established after the Royal Commission.
For more information regarding the way the LCANZ is implementing the Royal Commission’s recommendations, see www.lca.org.au/css
How did we do?
Did you find what you were looking for? Did you find anything out of date or not working properly? Please tell us how we can improve this page.
Contact us
Professional Standards
197 Archer Street North Adelaide SA 5006
08 8267 7300
psd@lca.org.au
