Safe Sanctuaries Policy. Providence Church 269 Cinder Road, New Providence, PA 17560

Transcription

1 Safe Sanctuaries Policy Providence Church 269 Cinder Road, New Providence, PA Introduction In accordance with the recommendation from the Eastern Region Conference of the Churches of God, General Conference, Providence Church has adopted a Safe Sanctuary Policy aimed at reducing the risk of child sexual abuse in the church. This policy will reflect what we believe to be a Biblical mandate to protect children,...that to abuse a child verbally, physically, sexually, or in any manner destroys the child s self-worth and dignity, and offends the Master who claimed all children as His own. In addition, to neglect a child physically, emotionally, etc., is child abuse by omission. This Biblical mandate is found throughout scripture. 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. As such, be it resolved that we, the Churches of God, General Conference oppose any and all forms of child abuse. Tragically, churches have not always been safe places for children. Child sexual abuse, exploitation and ritual abuse occur in churches, 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 within churches. Virtually every congregation has among its members adult survivors of early sexual trauma. Every Christian has the responsibility to stop child abuse. As the Lord Jesus said in Matthew 25:40, truly whatever you did for the least of these...you did for Me. Therefore, in covenant with the Churches of God, General Conference Committee of Resolutions, the Eastern Regional Conference of the Churches of God Discipleship Commission and the above mentioned Biblical mandates, Providence Church adopts this policy and its accompanying procedures to demonstrate our absolute and unwavering commitment to the physical safety and spiritual growth of all of our children, youth, senior citizens and at-risk adults. Policy Statement It is the policy of Providence Church that all church members, church officers, non-member employees/contractors, and volunteers of governing bodies and commissions of the church, are always to maintain the integrity of the ministerial, pastoral, employment, and professional relationship. Sexual misconduct is explicitly a violation of the principles set forth in Scripture and also of the ministerial, pastoral, employment and professional relationship. It is never permissible or acceptable. Approved 4/09/2015 1

2 As a Christian community of faith we pledge to conduct the ministry of the Gospel in ways that provide an environment for spiritual growth and for safety of all children and youth in our care, as well as those who work with children and youth in this ministry. We will follow the measures of this policy in the recruitment and selection of paid staff as well as volunteer workers with children and youth. We will implement the operational procedures of this policy. We will train and educate our staff and volunteer workers in the use of these policies. We will define and follow procedures for reporting a suspected incident of abuse that conforms to state law. We will define and follow procedures for handling an allegation of abuse among staff or workers. We will be prepared to respond to media interest if an incident occurs. In all our ministries with children, youth and adults, we are committed to demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ so that each person...come together to encourage one another, to help one another, to show love, to do good, and to bear one another s burdens. (CGGC We Believe, pg. 31) Although it is our fervent hope and prayer that child sexual abuse does not occur in our programs, we must put into place sufficient mechanisms to reduce risk of abuse of children, youth, and those who work with them. For that purpose, Providence Church shall implement the following procedures in congregational ministry programs and events. Policy Definitions Abuse is defined as a non-accidental injury or pattern of injuries to a child/youth/vulnerable adult. Abuse includes non-accidental: Physical Abuse deliberately and intentionally causing bodily harm to a child Emotional Abuse expressing attitudes or behaviors toward a child that create serious emotional or psychological damage Sexual Abuse any sexual behavior imposed on a juvenile. This involves a range of activities, including inappropriate physical contact as well as suggestive behaviors or comments between a child and an adult (or another older and more powerful youth). Ritual Abuse physical, sexual, or psychological violations of a child are inflicted regularly, intentionally, and in a stylized way by a person or persons responsible for the child s welfare. Abuse of Vulnerable Adults physical, emotional, and sexual or ritual abuse of any person 18 years of age or older who has one or more mental, physical or emotional impairments that render the person incapable of self-care and/or independent living without help or who for physical, mental, or emotional reasons cannot be advocates for themselves. Examples typically given include the very frail elderly or persons with disabilities. Neglect endangering a child s health, safety, or welfare through negligence or disregard for a juvenile s supervision, care, or discipline. Adult means a person 18 years of age or older. Child means any person under the age of 18. For the purposes of this Policy, this definition includes vulnerable adults. Youth are a subgroup of children and are comprised of those who are in grades 6 thru 12. Approved 4/09/2015 2

3 Children/Youth activities means any activity or program in which children/youth are under supervision of church-approved staff or volunteers in charge of these activities. This includes onsite or offsite activities such as Sunday morning ministries, mid-week activities, Vacation Bible School, youth trips, children/youth activities, etc. Church means Providence Church. Conference means the Eastern Region Conference of the Churches of God, General Conference. Staff person means any person employed by Providence Church. Volunteer means any person who assists in conducting children/youth activities under the supervision of a person in charge of such activities/events. Such volunteers include, but are not limited to, Sunday morning teachers/helpers, nursery volunteers, AWANA team members, Vacation Bible School teachers/helpers, youth leaders and chaperones for youth events. Trainee/Helper means a person years of age who is interested in aiding in children s activities. Assistant means the person who lends aid to the authority figure and acts at the direction of the authority figure. Authority Figure means the person acting as the primary leaders of youth and children s activities. Vulnerable Adult means any person 18 years of age or older with diagnosed diminished physical, mental or emotional capacities. Recruiting, Screening and Training Procedures Six month rule: All volunteers must demonstrate an active relationship in good standing in the congregation for a minimum of six months and continued regular fellowship and attendance with the congregation in worship generally a minimum of 2 times per month. Any volunteers desiring to serve in children/youth ministry here at Providence Church and do not attend here regularly must demonstrate an active relationship in good standing at their church for a minimum of six months and continued regular fellowship and attendance with the congregation in worship as well as a letter of recommendation from their church pastor. Screening Process: Careful screening is one way to prevent the abuse of children, youth and vulnerable adults. It can be time consuming and expensive, but well worth the effort in peace of mind, knowing that the most reliable, committed and experienced staff and volunteers are in place for every program that involves children/youth. The screening procedures are as follows: 1. All persons employed or volunteering for children/youth activities shall a. Complete Application Form b. Provide three character references. References may be contacted on all applicants having access to children, youth and vulnerable adults. c. An interview may be conducted at the discretion of the Pastor and/or church council. d. Consent to the following background checks: Approved 4/09/2015 3

4 i. PA State Police Request for Criminal Record Check and PA Child Abuse History Clearance. ii. FBI Fingerprinting* (only applies to paid staff or individuals who have had permanent residence outside of the state of Pennsylvania in the past 10 years) iii. Motor vehicle records* (for those who will be transporting children, youth, or at-risk adults). e. Have the experience and qualifications for the position. f. Be trained by the church in adhering to the Safe Sanctuary Policy. g. Be approved by church council or ministry director to serve in such capacity. 2. A temporary/single event volunteer may be enlisted at the discretion of the responsible ministry leader. a. It is recommended that individuals be sought out who would be interested in this level of commitment in advance of such events so they can complete the process as outlined under section 1 above. This will create a bench of individuals ready to serve. b. Be approved by Children s Ministry/Youth Ministry Director or Pastor to serve in such capacity. c. The authority figure of the temporary/single event (who must have met the requirements of item 1 above) will be responsible for ensuring the standards and guidelines of the Safe Sanctuary policy are followed. d. The temporary/single event volunteer cannot under any circumstances be given the responsibility of an authority figure (unless they have completed the steps outlined in section 1 above.) 3. The Office Administrator of Providence Church will maintain the active list of individuals with keys and alarm codes to the Providence Church, New Providence Campus facility. Individuals with keys may need to consent and submit to background checks which will be required at the discretion of the church ministry staff based on the purpose and intended use of the church by such individual with key access, particularly if working with children/youth. Staff and volunteer background checks will be updated every three years (or earlier as deemed necessary by church council/and or Pastor). Any background check returned indicating any prior offenses will be subject to staff review prior to approval for ministry. The acting church council and/or ministry staff has full discretion to temporarily remove volunteer responsibilities from an individual. Permanent removal will be achieved by majority vote of church council. (Matthew 18:15-17) Approved 4/09/2015 4

5 Standards, Criteria and Responsibilities Minimum Age The following standards for authority figures (whether volunteers or staff) are designed to separate figures from the group they are serving by age or enough years to reinforce recognition of the authority figure s role. 1. Authority figures defined as the primary leaders of youth and children s activities a. To work with youth (grades nine and up) the authority figure must be a minimum of age 21 b. To work with youth (grades six through eight) the authority figure must be a minimum of age 18 c. To work with children (infants through fifth grade) the authority figure must be a minimum of age Assistants defined as persons who lend aid to the authority figure and act at the direction of the authority figure. Assistants must be: a. A minimum of 18 years of age to assist in youth ministry b. A minimum of 16 years of age to assist in children s ministry c. In the judgment of the Children s Ministry/Youth Ministry Director, competent to assist in the activity. 3. A Trainee/Helper (12-17 years of age) may be present only if the above two positions have been filled. This assistant does not count towards fulfilling the two adult rule (as defined below) and must not be counted towards teacher/student ratios. To encourage participation in Sunday school and Sunday morning worship services, Trainee/Helpers are limited to serving one (1) Sunday per month. *Other service days/times/opportunities do not have a monthly limitation. 4. No trainee/helper under age 16 will be permitted to assist the two approved infant/toddler nursery staff. Two Person Rule A minimum of two approved persons are to be utilized in all programming with children in nursery through preschool. Open Door Policy Classrooms or childcare rooms should be open to visitation at any time without prior notice by staff, parents, or other volunteers. Visitors are invited to observe, but not permitted to participate or assist until completion of approval process. Counseling children, youth or vulnerable adults is to be done in such a way that both counselor and counselee are both clearly visible from outside the room. When possible, the door should be left open to make sure all are visible. All doors to children/youth rooms must contain a window (no curtains or other obstructions permitted). Approved 4/09/2015 5

6 Use of Restrooms When possible, children will be encouraged to take care of their own bathroom needs, but should a child require assistance, the outer bathroom door will remain open while an Authority Figure or Assistant assists the child. For younger children, assistance will be provided as outlined above. For elementary age, assistance should be limited to unfastening and fastening clothing. When accompanying a child to take care of his/her bathroom needs, the Authority Figure or Assistant will check the bathroom and stalls prior to the child entering the bathroom. Again, the outer door should be left open. A non-approved volunteer should never provide assistance with bathroom needs. It may be deemed appropriate that youth have a buddy system created to help ensure their safety. Drop Off & Pick Up Procedures A drop off and pick up procedure should be in place for all ministries for and with children/youth when parents are not expected to be present. The Commission overseeing the event/function will determine the level and extent of procedures needed. For example, Children s Ministry will be responsible for establishing the appropriate drop off/pick up procedures for Vacation Bible School. Overnight and Offsite Activities Certain youth and children activities will require an overnight stay and/or be held offsite (i.e. not at Providence Church). All youth and children attending such activities must have signed consent forms from parents/legal guardians. A minimum of two approved adults must be present for all overnight activities. In the event of overnight stay, leaders will supervise only students of their same gender. Transportation Procedures Certain youth and children activities will require transportation of children/youth to and from locations by Providence Church volunteers. In these situations, the following procedures must be followed: Drivers must be 21 years or older. Signed consent form must be obtained from parents/guardian for youth/children who will be transported. In special circumstances, verbal consent will temporarily be accepted until signed consent is obtained. Ratio is 3 or more students per 1 adult. If fewer than 3 students, 2 adults are required. The vehicle driver must have a valid driver s license and must consent to a motor vehicle background check if deemed necessary. Approved 4/09/2015 6

7 These procedures do not apply to the children being transported by their own parent. Adult/Child Ratios Excluding immediate family, no staff or volunteer should be alone with a child or youth. This can include, but is not limited to an automobile while taking a young person home, a classroom with windowless or locked doors or other areas of the building. State codes are required for day care centers and school-based programs and are a strong standard for all programs to follow. This includes Sunday morning ministries, BRISK and AWANA programs. Pennsylvania State Codes for Child Care Ratios Infant (birth to 1 yr. old) 1 adult to 4 children Young toddler (1 to 2 years old) 1 adult to 5 children Older Toddler (2 to 3 years old) 1 adult to 6 children Preschool (3 years old up to the date he/she enters kindergarten) 1 adult to 10 children Young School Age (kindergarten up to date he/she enters 4 th grade) 1 adult to 12 children Older school age (4 th grade through 15 years of age) 1 adult to 15 children Reporting and Response Once an incident of abuse occurs or allegation of an incident is made, it is crucial that it be dealt with speedily and in a clearly outlined manner. It should also be respected that while all allegations will be taken seriously, they are still allegations until proven otherwise. In that spirit, all incident information should be kept strictly confidential until a resolution is achieved. However, records will be made available to all agencies and persons with a right to know. Mandated Reporters Any paid or unpaid individual (18 years and older) is a mandated reporter if, on the basis of his or her role as an integral part of a regularly scheduled program, activity or service, he or she comes into direct contact with or accepts responsibility for children and has reasonable cause to suspect that a child is a victim of abuse. All mandated persons must execute the following procedure in accordance with this policy. The mandated reporter will make their report directly to Childline ( ) when they have reasonable cause to suspect that a child coming before them in their professional or official capacity is a victim of child abuse. Within 48 hours after making the oral report, the reporter must send one copy of PA Form CY-47 (Report of Suspected Child Abuse to the county children and youth agency. The safety of the victim is the church s primary concern. In order to assure the child s safety, once the mandated person has reported the incident to the proper authorities, the following procedures must also be followed. After making initial mandated report to appropriate authorities the reporter shall immediately report the incident confidentially to the appropriate Ministry Director and/or Pastor. The Pastor will then contact the Church Elders who will execute the following responsibilities as deemed appropriate: Approved 4/09/2015 7

8 o Notify parents of children/youth involved in the incident If the alleged abuse took place on church property by a church volunteer or employee, notify both parents immediately. If the alleged abuser is one of the parents, notify the other parent. o Remove accused abuser from further involvement with children or youth Persons who are the objects of the report will be removed immediately from all children, youth or vulnerable adult activities until the incident is officially resolved. In any suspension of a person from said activities, care should be taken to handle this in a discreet manner, recognizing that an investigation is still being conducted. Care should be taken to treat accused abuser with dignity, not hostility. Persons who are the objects of the report may also be removed from all leadership positions of the church including employment, council, commission member or other duties as deemed by church council. o Notify church s insurance agent James O. Bower Insurance Agency ( ) o Keep written record of the steps taken by the church in response. o Deal with the congregation honestly, concisely, but do not give unnecessary details, place blame, interfere with the victim or accused person s privacy, and do not violate any confidentiality concerns. o Cooperate fully with the investigation conducted by law enforcement or child protective services. If allegations are made against a Ministry Director or Pastor, the Chairman of the Elders shall be contacted immediately and he will execute the responsibilities listed above as well as oversee the following additional actions. Notify Conference representative o Dave Williams ( ) Notify church s attorney Oversee the temporary fulfillment of responsibilities and duties ascribed to the accused abuser regarding their specific ministry role. Organizations/Groups Not Directly Affiliated with Providence Church and Desiring to Utilize Facilities All organizations/groups utilizing the New Providence facility and campus will be required to comply with this policy in regards to all children and youth related activities. Organizations that are not directly affiliated with Providence Church will be asked to complete and sign a Child/Youth Safety Agreement form provided by the church indicating all relevant portions of this Safe Sanctuaries Policy that must be followed. The Church Ministry Staff will maintain copies of these forms and proof of background checks for all approved leaders within each individual organization. Safe Sanctuary Policy Oversight, Administration and Review The Safe Sanctuary policy shall be reviewed on an annual basis. Upon review, any changes or implementation plans, must be reported and the policy re-adopted by the Church Council. The Administrative Church Council will be responsible for the oversight and approval of this Safe Sanctuary Policy. This includes the following duties: Approved 4/09/2015 8

9 Complete the annual review and update of the Safe Sanctuary Policy, including presenting the annual policy with changes to Church Council for approval. Work in close coordination with all church commissions and others to ensure policy is properly followed and enforced. The Church Ministry Staff will be responsible for the administration and training of this Safe Sanctuaries Policy. This includes the following duties: Administration of the recruiting, screening, and training process. Conduct the background checks, review results and maintain confidential document retention. Oversee the training of all new volunteers with duties under this policy. Approved 4/09/2015 9