ACC has developed the following training options, in conjunction with an organisation called Safe Ministry Resources for all ACC people and pastors.
Safer Churches Induction online
This training is a requirement for all ACC Credential holders, or those applying for a credential who have not completed the face-to-face Induction workshop. It is in-depth training, also designed for Board members and key team leaders, particularly those in Children’s or Youth Ministry. This training was updated to reflect the National Principles of Child Safety as adopted by COAG in February 2019. It also reflects changes to legislation across several States and Territories.
Safer Churches Refresher online
All ACC Credential holders, or those applying for a credential must update their Safer Churches training every three years. This training is for those who have previously completed the face-to-face (or online) Induction workshop and includes updates to legislative requirements and best practice in Safer Churches ministry.
Safer Churches Training
Safer Churches Essentials for Volunteers online
This material, launched in June 2019, makes the training of volunteers more accessible. It covers:
• ACC Child Protection Policy and Safer Churches Guidelines,
• boundaries, codes of conduct and duty of care, and
• identifying and responding to concerns about harm.
This training can be done individually or as a facilitated group. It is not suitable for ACC credential holders, or those applying for a credential.
Safer Churches Resources for local churches
ACC local churches, as self-governing entities, bear the ultimate responsibility for implementing the ACC Safer Churches strategy in the church. This includes the ACC Child Protection Policy, which was adopted at the 2015 National Conference with an implementation date of 1 December 2015. To assist ACC local churches and pastors with implementing the Safer Churches strategy, comprehensive tools and resources are available to download from our National website: access.acc.org.au.
For further resources to assist you with implementing your Safer Churches strategy please refer to:
https://childsafe.humanrights.gov.au/tools-resources/links-resources
https://aifs.gov.au/cfca/publications
https://professionals.childhood.org.au/resources/
Pastoral and Family Resources
In keeping with National Child Safe Principles 3, 7 and 8, ACC is committed to providing resources for Parents, Carers, Children and Young People as well as those who are ministering to families in any way. The following sites provide helpful information about safety and access to support. As these are secular websites, they may include some content that is not consistent with ACC beliefs, so discretion may be required when using these sites.
Redress and Survivor Support
ACC recognises the enormous impact child sexual abuse has in a person’s life. For information and support, go to:
https://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/contact
https://www.nationalredress.gov.au/
Download infographic posters by clicking the images below.