Its not all celebration - there are serious issues to face up to as well....

Year of the Child 09 is not only about celebration.  30 years ago it was necesserry for the world to stop and listen to the voice of children and to seek ways in which to protect them.  The rights of the child are an important step in that protection, as well as 'Every Child Matters'.  Unfortunately, and all too often, children are exploited in many ways.  There are those prevented from growing up in secure environments or who are targetted by adults for their own selfish and corrupt ends.

CROP is a small national voluntary organisation based in Leeds working with parents, carers and schools to end the sexual exploitation of children and young people by pimps and traffickers.  We hear a great deal about the trafficking of girls from Eastern Europe and Africa, but little about the grooming and exploitation of young girls from the UK. Yet it is happening all over the country.

CROP aims not only to help those affected, but to raise awareness of the issues and to train and equip children's and youth work leaders and teachers to see the signs and know what to do.  Year of the Child is a great opportunity to do this.  You can find out more details from their web site www.crop1.org.uk  If you are a church leader or represent an organisation, perhaps you could consider inviting CROP to come and lead a training event in your area.

CGMC and Children Matter!

CGMC (Consultative Group on Ministry among Children) and children matter are producing a DVD for use in local churches.  The hope is this will stimulate thinking and motivate churches to enable inclusion and participation by children in the whole life of the Church throughout the country. The DVD is introduced by Bishop Paul Butler, Bishop of Southampton.  Bishop Paul represents the concern for children in the Church of Engleand House of Bishops.

It will be launched in October.  A similar DVD was launched in America last year and is very thought provoking. 

Pre-orders and more details contact Alan Charter at Scripture Union: AlanC@scriptureunion.org.uk

CGMC also produce CORE Skills children's work training course.

Here’s a brief video called 'Like a Child' you might like to use to inspire your church council / meeting / vestry meeting to consider the needs and place of children in the church. Click on the link:  Like a Child

Frontier Youth Trust - Year for Youth

The Future of Christian Youth Work

Frontier Youth Trust have developed a similar initiative to Year of the Child!  Over the last year or so Frontier Youth Trust and Worth Unlimited have been talking to youth workers about what might happen in the future with regard to Christian youth work.

They have drawn together the thoughts of many youth workers have talked to and are calling for some clear, achievable and defining actions to help ensure that Christian youth work takes its place at the heart of effectively serving young people in the UK.

The following commitments are being encouraged:

That 2009 be a year when young people are invested in, celebrated and empowered in churches, Christian organisations and the wider community.

That churches and Christian organisations commit to spending at least 25% of their income on working with young people - especially marginalised young people.

That Government commit to long-term funding of Christian faith based youth work.

FYT are calling for these actions in response to the issues raised in consultations with youth workers. 

A report detailing the full findings of the consultations can be found on the
FYT web site, www.fyt.org.uk/resource,pdf,1.htm

If you are planning any special events where you are or have resources that may help develop the Church's work with children and young people, please do share them with us. Contact nigel.chapman@yorkdiocese.org