Self-Assessment Tool for a Child-Friendly Parish Environment

As part of the Child-Friendly Church project, the Child Dignity Center of UCU has prepared a self-assessment tool for parishes.

“Children should grow up in love. They need an adult nearby who will care for them, foster a sense of safety, teach them, and create all the conditions necessary for their personal development. The environment in which a child grows and develops plays an important role. It should be comfortable, engaging, and, most importantly, safe and welcoming. The Church is one such environment. In their own way, children communicate with God there, explore the world, and spend time together. Therefore, the Church must ensure that this space is safe for children and that the adults present treat them with respect and honor their dignity,”
— Natalia Tarnovska, Head of Projects and Programs, Child Dignity Center.

At the following link you will be able to analyze your work with children from the perspectives of safeguarding and their integration into parish life, understand what is already well organized, and identify what should be strengthened to create a safe environment.

By using the self-assessment tool, you will also receive advice, recommendations, and free resources to help your parish or organization improve its efforts in building a safe and child-friendly environment.

The assessment can be completed individually or with a team. You can then review the results and, based on the indicators, develop your further strategy for working with children.