send a free

Child Protection Guidelines adopted by the Church Council of First United Methodist Church

  1. All adults and youth, employed and volunteer, who work with minors must be screened prior to beginning work. All persons who work with minors must undergo a Screening Process. The forms to be used in the Process are labeled "Appendix A."

  2. Adults who have been convicted of either sexual or physical abuse of children/youth or those who have a history of inappropriate conduct with children will not be employed and shall not volunteer service in any church-sponsored activity or program for minors.

  3. Adult survivors of childhood sexual or physical abuse need and will receive the love and acceptance of our church family.

  4. Employees and volunteers who work with children and youth shall observe the "two-person rule" or the "open door policy" at ALL times. The "two-person rule" requires that employees and volunteers and supervisors shall make every reasonable effort to avoid situations where an employed or volunteer worker is alone with children or youth without a partner. The "open door policy" requires the door be open at all times. The "two-person rule" will be mandatory for all employees and volunteers with our nursery and kindergarten age children.

  5. All employees and volunteers working with children and youth are required to be members or active constituents of First United Methodist Church for a minimum of twelve months before they begin their work.

  6. Our guidelines and procedures for reporting suspected incidents of abuse or any behavior which seems abusive or inappropriate are labeled "Appendix B". These guidelines and procedures are intended to be in accord with IC 31-6-11-3 and IC 31-6-11-4. Where they might differ, the IC statutes shall take precedence.

  7. Our guidelines and procedures for responding to reported incidents of abuse are labeled "Appendix C".

    Implementation:

     We recommend that these guidelines and procedures be implemented within thirty days of their adoption, with the completion of the initial screening process within ninety days of adoption.

    The Pastor Parish Relations Committee will have the responsibility to implement and enforce these guidelines and procedures, including the training of employees and volunteers, maintaining confidential records, and implementing the screening process.

     

    PASTORAL NOTE ON THE GUIDELINES

    We feel strongly at First United Methodist about the safety of our children and youth. These guidelines were enacted in November of 1999. All workers have an application on file in the office and have been screened and approved. If you are interested in the "Appendices" write us for more information or stop by the church office to see the written copy of our Guidelines.