CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY

 

 

Introduction

The General Conference of The United Methodist Church, in April 1996, adopted a resolution aimed at reducing the risk of child sexual abuse in the church. The adopted resolution includes the following statement:

Jesus said, "Whoever welcomes (a) child.., welcomes me." (Matthew 18:5). Children are our present and our future, our hope, our teachers, our inspiration. They are full participants in the life of the church and in the realm of God.

Jesus also said, "If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones..., it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea." (Matthew 18:6). Our Christian faith calls us to offer both hospitality and protection to the little ones, the children. The Social Principles of The United Methodist Church stale that "...children must be protected from economic, physical and sexual exploitation, and abuse."

Tragically, churches have not always been safe places for children. Child sexual abuse, exploitation and ritual abuse (ritual abuse refers to abusive acts committed as part of ceremonies or rites; ritual abusers are often related to cults, or pretend to be) occur in churches, both large and small, urban and rural. The problem cuts across all economic, cultural and racial lines. It is real, and it appears to be increasing. Most annual conferences can cite specific incidents of child sexual abuse and exploitation in their churches. Virtually every congregation has among its members adult survivors of early sexual trauma.

Such incidents are devastating to all who are involved: the child, the family, the local church and its leaders. Increasingly, churches are torn apart by the legal, emotional, and monetary consequences of litigation following allegations of abuse.

God calls us to make our churches safe places, protecting children and other vulnerable persons from sexual and ritual abuse. God calls us to create communities of faith where children and adults grow safe and strong. (From The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church--1996. Copyright 1996 by The United Methodist Publishing House. pp.384-386) Thus, in this covenant with all United Methodist congregations, we adopt this policy for the prevention of child abuse in St. Paul United Methodist Church.

 

Purpose

Our congregation's purpose for establishing this Child Abuse Prevention Policy and accompanying procedures is to demonstrate our absolute and unwavering commitment to the physical safety and spiritual growth of all of our children and youth.

 

Statement of Covenant

Therefore, as a Christian community of faith and a United Methodist congregation, we pledge to conduct the ministry of the Gospel in ways that assure the safety and spiritual growth of all of our children and youth as well as all of the workers with children and youth. We will follow reasonable safety measures in the selection and recruitment of workers; we will implement prudent operational procedures in all programs and events; we will educate all of our workers with children and youth regarding the use of all appropriate policies and methods (including first aid and methods of discipline); we will have a clearly defined procedure for reporting a suspected incident of abuse that conforms to the requirements of state law; and we will be prepared to respond to media inquiries if an incident occurs.

 

Conclusion
In all of our ministries with children and youth, St. Paul congregation is committed to demonstrating the

love of Jesus Christ so that each child will be "…surrounded by steadfast love,…established in the faith,

and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal" ("Baptismal Covenant Il", United Methodist Hymnal, p. 44).

 

Definitions:

  

 

Adult - any person 18 years of age or older

 

Child- any person under the age of 18

 

Youth- any person between the ages of 13 and 17

 

Vulnerable adult - any person over 18 years of age whose mental, physical, emotional, and/or spiritual condition makes them at risk for abuse.

 

Ministry Team Leader/Coordinator - any person who is responsible for children's or youth ministries

 

Staff person - any person employed by the St. Paul United Methodist Church or the Central Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church

 

Volunteer - long-term volunteer - a person 18 years of age or older who conducts or assists in conducting activities under the supervision of a staff person and/or Ministry Team Leader/Coordinator on a regular basis, i.e. Sunday School, small group class.

 

short-term volunteer - a person 18 years of age or older who conducts or assists in conducting activities  during a specific program or event, i.e. Vacation Bible School, Creation Fest, etc., under the supervision of the event director or leader.

 

Abuse - serious physical, mental, emotional or spiritual injury which is not explained by the
            available medical history as being accidental; sexual abuse or sexual exploitation; or
            serious physical neglect of a child, youth or vulnerable adult if the injury, abuse or
            neglect of a child, youth or vulnerable adult has been caused by the acts or omissions
            of the child's, youth's or vulnerable adult's parent, by a person responsible for the
            child's, youth's or vulnerable adult's welfare, by an individual residing in the same
            home as the child, youth, or vulnerable adult or by a paramour of a child's, youth's or

            vulnerable adult's parent.                   (Adapted from #32704 PA Code. Title 55. Public Welfare)

 

Accusation - report of misconduct

 

Accuser - a person who submits an accusation

 

Inappropriate behavior - when a person's manner of speech, actions or conduct is not deemed prudent, correct, or suitable for use in a particular situation or interaction.

 

Supervision - Staff persons or volunteers shall know the names and whereabouts of the children, youth or vulnerable adult in his/her assigned group. Staff persons or volunteers shall be physically present at all times with the children or youth in his/her assigned group.          (Adapted from #3270. 113a PA Code. Title 55. Public Welfare)

 

SCREENING

 

1.      All Staff, Ministry Team Leaders and volunteers who have regular and direct contact with children and/or youth and/or vulnerable adults shall be required to fill out a Volunteer /Staff Application that shall include but is not limited to:

a.       Standard contact information

b.      Interest and experience for the position

c.       Voluntary disclosure of past criminal history and allegations of criminal history

d.      Authorization and request for criminal records chock allowing the church to secure background checks necessary for the application. -OR­-

e.       A copy of completed PA Child Abuse History Clearance form(CY 113 3/95) dated less than one year prior to the application and a copy of completed PA Request for Criminal Record Check (SP 4-641/97) dated less than one year prior to the application.

f.        For St. Paul children's/youth ministries, persons shall demonstrate an active relationship with St. Paul Church for at least six months before being allowed to be in a supervisory role in children's/youth activities. In the case of new staff hires, references deemed adequate by the Staff-Parish Relations Committee will replace the six-month waiting period.

 

2. No adult who has been convicted of child abuse (either sexual abuse, physical abuse, or emotional abuse) will knowingly or willingly be accepted as a volunteer or employed as a staff person to work with children or youth in any church-sponsored activity.

 

3. Persons who have a break in service of one or more years shall submit to screening procedures. St. Paul Church reserves the option to repeat background chocks of persons who have had 5 or more years of service.

 

4. All forms and reference reports shall be kept, as a part of an applicant's confidential personnel file which the Parish Administrator will maintain. Detailed notes on a designated form shall be for all reference checks, which shall also be included in the personnel file. All applications and related forms must be completed.

 

5. Non-local church programs shall maintain their own personnel files. St. Paul United Methodist Church reserves the right to obtain an explanation of the non-local church's record-keeping process and, upon written request of a pastor, to be given copies of documents applicable to programs conducted at St. Paul Church. (See Facility Use Form.)

 

6. The person in charge of the children's activity(ies) or youth activity(ies) is responsible for reviewing this policy with each applicant prior to service.

  

SUPERVISION for Children

 

1. All Staff persons, Ministry Team Leaders, and Volunteers working with children in St. Paul Church activities are required to attend an orientation annually that includes information regarding this Safe Sanctuary Policy, procedures for supervision, as well as information on how to identify and report child abuse.

 

2. No child will be left unsupervised while attending St. Paul Church's children's activities including Children's Choir rehearsal, Children's Worship, Sunday School, VBS, Children's Center (daycare), or any other program or event.

 

3. Two unrelated adults (18 or older) must be present at all times during any church sponsored-program, event, or ministry involving children. A person shall be designated to roam or float and oversee children in various rooms, hallways, and bathrooms.

 

4. Each room or space where children are being cared for shall have a window in the door. Every door window will remain uncovered. Any windowless door will remain open at all times. A teacher left alone will let the door open when working with a child or children. All activities shall occur in open view.

 

5. Staff persons and/or persons in charge of a particular activity or event shall always give advance notice and full information regarding an activity(ies) or event(s) to parents or guardians. Parents/guardians must qive written permission, that includes pertinent health information, for their child's participation prior to the event.

 

6. Staff persons and/or persons in charge of a particular activity or event which requires transportation will follow the Transportation Procedures stated in the Servant Manual.

 

7. Youth age 17 & under may help or assist a qualified adult leader with children's ministry. The helper must be at least 5 years older than the children being cared for.

 

8. St. Paul Church will offer First Aid and CPR trainings at least once a year to all church workers.

 

9. St. Paul Church will annually provide a variety of opportunities, including written information and/or an interactive event or a series of events, which invite families to learn the facts about child abuse and about the church's prevention procedures.

 

10. Staff persons and/or persons in charge of children's ministries will have detailed plans for events or programs. Those plans will address appropriate settings, appropriate equipment, materials, safety procedures, supervision, and contingencies.

 

 

Safe Sanctuary Children's Activities/Choir:

 

1. Please walk your children to and pick up your children from their designated room for choir or other activity.

2. Parents are encouraged to enter and exit the building using the door closest to the activity, unless otherwise notified.

3. Please respect the leader's time and pick up your child on time.

4. Please be respectful while in hallways and areas of the church where meetings and other group activities are taking place.

 

Safe Sanctuary Guidelines for Sunday School:

 

1. Teachers are expected to be in their classroom at least 15 minutes before the children arrive. Sunday School begins at 9:45 a.m. and ends at 10:45 a.m.

2. Parents are asked to walk their children to their classrooms. If a teacher is not present when the parent arrives with the child, parents are asked to stay with their child in the classroom until the teacher arrives.

3. Teachers' names and photos will be posted on the small bulletin board outside the classroom door.

4. We have a Floater System with an adult supervisor available to the teachers who will take children to the bathroom, get supplies, and generally monitor the hallways.

5. Parents are asked to fill out an Information Card advising teachers where they will be during Sunday School and who may pick up their child from Sunday School. These cards will be updated periodically to ensure accuracy of the information.

6. Children under the age of 5 must be in the presence of an adult at all times.

7. Children (Gr. 1 & up) may leave their designated classroom only with the knowledge and permission of their teacher/s and report back within an allotted time period. Children leaving the classroom will be accompanied by the Floater, one of the teachers, or a buddy.

 

Safe Sanctuary Nursery Procedures:

 

1. Parents must label all items belonging to their child with first name and last initial.

2. Parents must sign their children in on the clipboard, indicating where they will be and who will pick up their children.

3. Parents will pick up a number card for their child. The child will be released only to the parent with the number card.

4. When picking up their children, parents will return their number card and sign their name off the list.

5. Parents are encouraged to pick up their child immediately after worship, unless the parent has indicated that the child will be staying for Sunday School immediately following the first worship service.

6. Parents are asked to bring an adequate supply of diapers and other food items that their child may enjoy or need.

7. For the protection of all, please do not bring your children if they have had any of the following during the past 24 hours:  diarrhea, vomiting, unexplained rash, discolored nasal drainage, or fever.

8. Nursery Staff and/or Volunteers need to be in their classroom by 8:00 a.m. (8:15 Worship Service) and 10:45 a.m. (11:00 Worship Service)

9. Toys are available for children's use. If a child has handled and mouthed a toy,

PLEASE SPRAY THE TOYS WITH THE SOLUTION PROVIDED and set them aside to dry.

 

 10. All adults should observe proper hand washing procedures when changing an infant or helping with toilet training.

11. When the staff or teachers leave the room, all toys and furniture should be in the appropriate places.

 

Specific Information Related to Nursery Sunday School Classes (Ages 0-3):

 

1. The Information File/Database should cover both Sunday School and Worship. The file should be updated as new children attend.

2. When parents bring their children to Sunday School, they will:

-pick up number card

-sign attendance sheet with name, where they will be, and card number

-label child and child's belongings with first name and last initial

3. When parents pick up their child, they are to return the card and check their name off the list.

 

Safe Sanctuary Worship Services:

 

1. Parents are responsible for the supervision of their children before, during, and after worship services.

2. Parents are encouraged to accompany their younger children in the hallways, stairways, bathrooms, and elevator.

3. Parents will monitor older children/youth so that they are not unsupervised in the hallways, bathrooms, stairways, and elevator.

4. Children's Worship Leaders will walk the children from the sanctuary to the Children's Assembly Room in the lower level down the stairs outside the Adult Choir Room. The Leaders will count the children before they descend the stairs and count the children again when they get to the Assembly Room.

5. Parents will be asked to complete a standard Information Card for Children's Worship.

6. Parents are asked to pick their children up from the Children's Assembly Room immediately following worship.

 

Safe Sanctuaries for Youth

 

A Safe Sanctuaries Policy for Youth Events sponsored by St. Paul United Methodist Church

 

 

Two-Adult Rule:

            There is more than just one adult present with youth. We recommend 2 or more adults for every 1-5 youth.

 

Five Years Older Rule

            Adult leaders should be five years older than the people with whom they work and never younger than eighteen years old.

 

Sleeping Arrangements

            Adults will not sleep in the same bed as youth. In a hotel-type setting, it is recommended that if possible, an adult room is between two youth rooms. This is also recommended for dormitory settings.

            Adults should arrange among themselves to check on the youth rooms on a random schedule during the night.

            Minimizing the possibility of danger from within the group as well as from strangers, if possible choose a hotel where the rooms open to the interior of the building rather than to the outside.

 

Physical safety issues

            Youth workers should be conscious of safety concerns when leading activities and games. Proper equipment and adequate supervision of the activity should always be in place.

            No drugs, alcoholic beverages, weapons or fireworks will be allowed. All youth must have a signed parental consent- medical information form.

 

Interpersonal boundaries in relationships

            1 Everyone is expected to be present with the group for all activities.

2.       Adults will provide great leadership by modeling appropriate behaviors.

3.       No profane language.

4.       No practical jokes (especially ones that would be physically harmful)

5.       No permission for boys to enter the room where girls are sleeping.

6.       No permission for girls to enter the room where boys are sleeping.

7.       No permission or opportunity for two youth or one adult and one youth to separate themselves from the group.

8.       No inappropriate touching creating the perception that the personal space and privacy of the individual is being violated.

 

Transportation Plans

            The insurance committee recommends that:

1.       No drivers under the age if 25 be used to transport youth and that drivers be covered by adequate insurance.

2.       A youth worker who transports youth should be a safe driver and have proper credentials in the state of residence (including no DUI’s or excessive number of speeding tickets)

3.       Each passenger should have a seat belt and the use of them should always be enforced.

4.       Where possible, use caravans of cars as you travel.

5.       If only one adult is taking a carload of youth, they should all meet at the church, travel together and return to the church to be picked up by a parent or guardian.

6.       There should be enough space for the passengers to be reasonably comfortable and for all the luggage and equipment.

7.       If possible, there should be a cell phone or some other way to communicate in an emergency.

8.       Take along a map and/or good directions.

Supervision for St Paul Youth

 

1. All staff persons, Ministry Team Leaders and volunteers working with youth in St. Paul Church activities are required to attend an orientation annually that includes information regarding this Safe Sanctuary Policy, procedures for supervision, as well as information on how to identify and report child abuse.
2. Staff persons and/or persons in charge of a particular activity or event shall always give advance notice and full information regarding an activity(ies) or event(s) to parents or guardians. Parents/guardians must give written permission that includes pertinent health information, for their youth’s participation prior to the event.
3. Staff persons and/or persons in charge of youth ministries will have detailed plans for events or programs. Those plans will address appropriate settings, appropriate equipment, materials, safety procedures, supervision and contingencies.