Child Protection Statement
 St Seraphim Orthodox Youth Camp  (SOYC) holds a trusted position and therefore, has a responsibility to protect and safeguard the welfare of the children at camp.
This policy outlines the procedures and standards expected by workers of SOYC.
SOYC is committed to:
  • Listening to and valuing children and young people, ensuring their protection whilst participating in all camp activities.
  • Protecting children and young people from all forms of abuse
  • Ensuring workers are given appropriate support and training
  • Ensuring there is a system for dealing with concerns about possible abuse.
  • Encouraging and supporting parents and carers.
Policy statement
  1. SOYC is committed to the welfare, nurturing and safekeeping of all, especially children and young people
  2. Child protection is the responsibility of trustees, camp managers and all workers
  3. No one will be expected to work with children and young people without adequate and appropriate supervision, support and training.
  4. SOYC will use all available resources at its disposal to develop safe, wise and quality work with children and young people
  5. SOYC is committed to ensuring that all workers comply with the child protection policy and guidelines
  6. SOYC will ensure that those who work at camp with children and young people know how to deal with a situation where a child or young person is considered to be at risk from abuse, or discloses abuse.
  7. SOYC will maintain a register of workers and retain all workers application forms and references for a minimum of 2 years.
  8. SOYC will obtain DBS checks as appropriate and keep all necessary records of workers for a minimum of 2 years.
SOYC recognises that children and young people can be victims of neglect, physical, sexual or emotional abuse.    
SOYC has agreed a process of consultation and of action if abuse is suspected or disclosed.  The process is in accordance with the Child Protection Policy of the Russian Orthodox Diocese of Sourozh.  It is the required course of action for workers if abuse is suspected or disclosed within the camp environment
To ensure that the policy is implemented and the objectives achieved, SOYC have appointed a ‘Child protection coordinator.’  This role is currently undertaken by:  Anna Platt