Policy for Supervision of Children and Youth Madison Square Presbyterian Church

Transcription

1 Policy for Supervision of Children and Youth Madison Square Presbyterian Church Purpose Madison Square Presbyterian Church is adopting a supervision policy that promotes the safety and well- being of children and youth, protects volunteers and staff working with children and youth, and lowers legal risk to the church. The policy provides clear instructions from the Session about the operation of the children and youth ministries at Madison Square Presbyterian Church. Introduction As a church, we believe that the spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being of children and youth is vital. This policy is intended to ensure that church activities involving children and youth are consistent with the teachings and example of Jesus Christ, and fulfill the promise we make to our children at their baptism. This policy is designed to help our church ministry staff and volunteers develop programs for our children and youth that will minimize the risk of abuse or injury to infants, children and youth that participate in our programs. When the policy mentions children and youth, it is referring to anyone under the age of 18 years of age. However, this category may also include persons over 18 years of age who are not able to fully protect themselves from exploitation, due to intellectual or physical challenges. Objectives This policy develops procedures and practices that minimize the risk of abuse or accidental injury to children and youth while they are participating in a church event. At the same time, this policy protects adults from mistaken or groundless allegations, reduces the church's liability, and builds parental and volunteer confidence in church programs. No Policy is Foolproof Several meetings were held to discuss the numerous considerations that surround this issue of protecting our children and youth. It is believed that this policy will significantly minimize the risks of abuse and accidents. Even the most carefully prepared policy cannot prevent all accidents and incidents. However, this policy has taken steps toward greatly enhancing the safety of the children and youth participating in St. Andrew's ministries. Activities Covered by this Supervision Policy All activities of Madison Square Presbyterian Church that require church volunteers acting within the scope of their leadership, to have custody of persons less than 18 years of age, shall follow this policy. The session of Madison Square Presbyterian Church wishes to credit and give thanks to St. Andrew s Presbyterian Church, Austin, TX for allowing us to adapt their policies to meet the needs of our congregation. Adopted by the session:

2 Operating Policy for All Children and Youth Ministries Part 1 - Supervision Madison Square Presbyterian Church has a goal of maintaining the following ratios of volunteers to children and youth whenever feasible. These ratios are goals. The church recognizes that in some circumstances achieving these ratios may not be feasible, such as an unexpected number of children and youth showing up for an event. In those cases an event will proceed as planned, unless volunteers and ministry staff feel the safety of the children would be compromised. Adult to Child and Youth Ratios For ages First Grade through High School the ratio will be one adult for every eight children or youth. For Birth through Kindergarten the rations will be one adult for every five children. If ratio requires only one adult, the Two Adult Rule shall be followed. Trips away from the church will change these ratios (see below). Minimum Age All volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and volunteers should be at least 21 years of age to work with high school age youth. Younger persons may assist adults, but they may not take the place of adult workers. The Director of Children's Christian Education (DCCE) or Youth Leader and a Pastor must approve any exceptions to the minimum age, in which case the child's parent would give signed agreement. Part II - Two Adult Rule Policy The policy of Madison Square Presbyterian Church will be to have a minimum of two adults supervising any church sponsored event or program for children or youth. When the ratio of adults to children would require only one adult, then the Two Adult Rule applies. Only the Pastor, Youth Leader and the Director of Children's Christian Education can make exceptions to the Two Adult Rule Policy. An attempt will be made, by those in charge of events and programs, to ask both male and female volunteers to fulfill the Two Adult Rule Policy. The Two Adults may not be spouses or partners in a committed relationship if they are the only two supervisors. Part III - Trip Supervision A. Out of Town Events Madison Square Presbyterian Church will have the following policies concerning trips away for the church for the children and youth programs. These policies are needed to ensure that our children and youth are kept safe from harm on any trips. The ratio of children to adult will be one adult for every five children through fifth grade. The ratio of youth, sixth through twelfth grade will be one adult for every eight youth. An attempt will be made to have two adults in each transportation group, with a communication system set between vehicles. High school youth who are old enough to drive themselves, cannot drive for any church sponsored event or program. Adults that are 25 years of age or older, with valid driver's license and valid auto insurance may transport others as part of the church activities. Adults, children and youth will be transported only in passenger seats equipped with appropriate seat belts and child safety seats, which will be used in the proper manner at all times. Signed parent permission slips are required which include emergency contact information. Adopted by the session:

3 B. Local off Site Events Madison Square Presbyterian Church will observe the Church Supervision Policy, including the Two Adult Rule Policy, for all events that are not on the church property but are sanctioned church events that are held locally. Sanctioned church events are defined as activities that are 1) approved by staff in charge of children and youth, 2) placed on the church calendar, and 3) advertised in church publications or the church website. Part IV - Background Checks In order to screen staff and volunteers appropriately to their responsibilities, Madison Square Presbyterian Church will categorize paid staff and volunteers separately. This type of screening recommendation is an attempt to balance caution with practicality. Screening Procedures Paid Staff - Paid staff must meet employment standards of church policy. Volunteers - The Director of Children's Christian Education and the Youth Leader will be responsible for maintaining this portion of the policy. Volunteers will be asked to fill out and sign a form that gives the church permission to check references and conduct background checks. Anyone wanting to be a volunteer with the children and youth programs will need to contact the DCCE or Youth Leader. The DCCE and Youth Leader are responsible to explain the church's Adult Supervision Policy, give the volunteers a chance to fill out the forms, and receive abuse prevention training. Disqualifying Offenses To Serve In Ministry With Children and Youth In order to minimize risk to children and youth who participate in activities at Madison Square Presbyterian Church, the following offenses will automatically disqualify an individual from serving in ministry with children and youth: Any conviction of assault, kidnapping, abuse, neglect, possession or promotion of child pornography, indecency with a child, or any other kind of sexual offense Any felony conviction Any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude (sexual, lying, etc.) Conviction of any misdemeanor involving use of alcohol or drugs within the past year, or 2 in the last 3 years. Appeals If a background check is returned to the church with information other than the Disqualifying Offenses (above), the volunteer will be invited to meet with the DCCE or Youth Leader and the pastor to explain and discuss the report. After the meeting with the volunteer, the DCCE or Youth Leader and the Pastor will make the decision as to whether the person can continue to volunteer with any program involving children and/or youth. References The Director of Children's Christian Education or Youth Leader may request at least three references from volunteers. Training The DCCE and the Youth Leader will provide volunteer training, which includes this policy and the materials in the attachment to this document. Volunteers will also sign the Statement of Agreement. Adopted by the session:

4 Implementation of Policy This policy shall govern all church sanctioned activities that involve custody of children and youth less than 18 years of age. The supervisor of the policy will be the other ministry staff - the DCCE and Youth Leader - will work with the Chair of Christian Education Committee to enable the church to comply with this Adult Supervision Policy. Bi-Annual Review of the Policy Ministry staff/ program leaders will meet with the Chair of Christian Education Committee annually to review this policy. This meeting will discuss any new programs or program changes that need to be included in this policy. Any proposed changes will be taken to the Session for inclusion in the policy. When the policy is put on the church website, parents will be notified. Confidentiality of Information The church will keep confidential all information received in the background checks and interviews. Information will be marked confidential and will be stored with limited access afforded only to ministry staff. Delays in Receiving Information While the church is waiting for background information and references, volunteers who have read this policy and other training materials, have signed an agreement to abide by the policy, and are informed that their continued participation is dependant on the background check, may begin working with children and youth programs under supervision of paid staff. The volunteers will be informed that if their references and report are unsatisfactory they will be required to meet with the DCCE/Youth Leader. Paid staff cannot start work until all references and background check are completed. Waiver of Policies The terms of this policy may be waived occasionally by the DCCE/Youth Leader for exceptional circumstances. The goal of Madison Square Presbyterian Church is to promote safety while maintaining practical flexibility in our children and youth ministry. If staff is unavailable, then the Pastor can authorize the request. Modification of the Policy The CE Committee Chair, in conjunction with the DCCE and Youth Leader, must approve changes in this policy. This policy may be modified or withdrawn by Madison Square Presbyterian Church at any time through proper procedures with the Session. Adopted by the session:

5 ATTACHMENTS TO ADULT SUPERVISION POLICY Training Materials: Policy on Reporting Child Abuse Risk Management Procedures Guidelines for Appropriate Affection Types of Child Abuse Form for Signatures: Consent for Criminal Background Check Statement of Agreement Adopted by the session:

6 POLICY ON REPORTING CHILD ABUSE I. II. III. IV. THE LAW - requires an oral report be made immediately to Child Protective Services (CPS) by any person who has cause to believe that a child's physical or mental health or welfare has been or may be adversely affected by abuse or neglect. a. Failure to report is a class B misdemeanor. This means that you can go to prison for not reporting. b. Good faith reports of abuse are immune from civil or criminal liability. REPORTING OPTIONSa. Reporting with church assistance - Staff will contact and consult with the Director of Children's Ministry and/or the Pastor. The person reporting will have the support of the pastor. A tape recording of the report in an attorney's office is recommended. CPS will be informed that the report is being recorded in an attorney's office. b. Reporting without church assistance - Staff may call CPS without church assistance. CONFIDENTIALITY - Church assisted reporting will be kept in the strictest of confidence among the Pastor, the Director of Christian Education, and the person reporting. It will not be discussed with anyone outside the report setting. TRAINING - Volunteers and staff will be trained in prevention of child abuse, the reporting process and will have criminal background checks. Adopted by the session:

7 RISK MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES Churches are financially liable for the behavior of volunteers I.e. the church can be sued. The following guidelines are given for the protection of the children and the volunteer staff. These are designed to protect children from abuse and volunteers from fallacious charges. 1) Volunteers will read the attached policy on abuse, and authorize a criminal background check. 2) The church uses Mission Presbytery s service for criminal background checks. Volunteers in the children ministry are asked to sign a release for a criminal (not credit) background check. Reports go directly to the Office Administrator and Pastor and no one else will have access to that information. 3) NEVER NEVER go off alone with a child who is not your own. Maintain a two adult present rule two person in sight of each other at all times. These persons cannot be married or in a covenantal partnership. The bathrooms with small children are especially a problem. Try to stay in the hall most of the time, if at all possible. If you need a private conversation with a child, be sure that you can be seen if not heard by other non-related adults. 4) DO NOT JOKE about abuse. Comments in jest can be used against you in court and the witness will not be allowed to give a context or opinion of whether you were serious or joking. It is surprising how often adults joke about this. Watch what you say. Help other by pointing out that joking about abuse is dangerous. 5) Remember to ASK A CHILD'S PERMISSION to touch them. "May I give you a hug?" "We must go into the room. Shall I carry you or do you want to walk all by yourself?" Children who expect to give permission to be touched will be better at defending themselves from unwanted and inappropriate touch. Adopted by the session:

8 GUIDELINES FOR APPROPRIATE AFFECTION We are committed to creating and promoting a positive, nurturing environment for our children's and youth ministries that protect our children and youth from abuse and our Church Personnel from misunderstandings. When creating safe boundaries for children and youth, it is important to establish what types of affection are appropriate and inappropriate, otherwise that decision is left to each individual. Stating which behaviors are appropriate and inappropriate allows Church Personnel to comfortably show positive affection in ministry, and yet identify individuals who are not maintaining safe boundaries with children or youth. These Guidelines are based, in large part, on avoiding behaviors known to be used by child molesters to groom children or youth and their parents for future abuse. The following guidelines are to be carefully followed by all persons working around or with children or youth. Love and affection are part of church life and ministry. There are many ways to demonstrate affection while maintaining positive and safe boundaries with children and youth. Some POSITIVE and APPROPRIATE forms of affection are listed below: - Brief hugs. - Pats on the shoulder or back. - Handshakes. - "High-fives" and hand slapping. - Verbal praise. - Touching hands, faces, shoulders and arms of children or youth. - Arms around shoulders. - Holding hands while walking with small children. - Sitting beside small children. - Kneeling or bending down for hugs with small children. - Holding hands during prayer. - Pats on the head when culturally appropriate. (For example, this gesture should typically be avoided in some Asian communities). Other notes: - There are different types of hugs. "A" and side hugs are best. - Always ask the child before you touch them in any way. This gives the child power over their body and sets up a good expectation that their permission is required. - Never, ever go off alone with someone else's child. - Leave bathroom doors open if you must go in and assist. - Be alert and notice where children are going and who is with them. Especially upstairs. Comments and Ideas: Adopted by the session:

9 The following forms of affection are considered INAPPROPRIATE with children and youth in ministry setting because many of them are the behaviors that child molesters use to groom children or youth and their parents for later molestation or can be, in and of themselves, sexual abuse. - Inappropriate or lengthy embraces. Kisses on the mouth. - Holding children over three years old on the lap. - Touching bottoms, chests or genital areas other than for appropriate diapering or toileting of infants and toddlers. - Showing affection in isolated areas such as bedrooms, closets, staff only areas or other private rooms. - Occupying a bed with a child or youth - Touching knees or legs of children or youth. - Wrestling with children or youth. - Tickling children or youth. - Piggyback rides. - Any type of massage given by a child or youth to an adult - Any type of massage given by an adult to a child or youth - Any form of unwanted affection. - Comments or compliments (spoken, written, or electronic) that relate to physique or Body development. Examples would be, "You sure are developing," or "You look really hot in those jeans." - Snapping bras or giving wedgies or similar touch of underwear whether or not it is covered by other clothing. - Giving gifts or money to individual children or youth. -Private meals with individual children or youth. Adopted by the session:

10 TYPES OF CHILD ABUSE Generally, child abuse is categorized in five primary forms: Physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and ritual abuse.. 1. Physical Abuse: Abuse in which a person deliberately and intentionally causes bodily harm to a child. Examples may include violent battery with a weapon (knife, belt, strap, and so forth), burning, shaking, kicking, choking, fracturing bones, and any of a wide variety of non-accidental injuries to a child's body. 2. Emotional Abuse: Abuse in which a person exposes a child to spoken and/or unspoken violence or emotional cruelty. Emotional abuse sends a message to the child of worthlessness and of one not only unloved but undeserving of love and care. Children exposed to emotional abuse may have experienced being locked in a closet, being deprived of any sign of parental affection, being constantly told that they are bad or stupid, or being allowed or forced to abuse alcohol or drugs. Emotional abuse is often very difficult to prove and is devastating to the victim. 3. Neglect: Abuse in which a person endangers a child's health, safety, or welfare through negligence. Neglect may include withholding food, clothing, medical care, education, and even affection and affirmation of the child's self-worth. This is perhaps the most common form of abuse. 4. Sexual Abuse: Abuse in which sexual contact between a child and an adult (or another older and more powerful youth) occurs. The child is never truly capable of consenting to or resisting such contact and/or such sexual acts. Often the child is physically and psychologically dependent upon the perpetrator of the abuse. Examples of sexual abuse may include fondling, intercourse, incest, and the exposure to child pornography or prostitution. 5. Ritual Abuse: Abuse in which physical, sexual, or a person or persons responsible for the child's welfare inflict psychological violations of a child regularly, intentionally, and in a stylized way. The abuser may appeal to some higher authority or power to justify the abuse. The abuse may include cruel treatment of animals or repeated threats of harm to the child, other persons, and animals. Reports of ritual abuse are often extremely horrifying and may seem too grim to bet true. Children making such reports must not be ignored. Adopted by the session:

11 CONSENT FOR CRIMINAL BACKGROUND HISTORY CHECK AUTHORIZATION/WAIVER/INDEMNITY I hereby give permission for this church to obtain information relating to my criminal history record. The criminal history record, as received from the reporting agencies, may include arrest and conviction data as well as plea bargains and deferred adjudications and delinquent conduct committed as a juvenile. I understand that this information will be used, in part, to determine my eligibility for an employment/volunteer position with this organization. I also understand that as long as I remain an employee or volunteer here, the criminal history records check may be repeated at any time. I understand that I will waive an opportunity to review the criminal history as received by this church and a procedure is available for clarification, if I dispute the record as received. I, the undersigned, do, for myself, my heirs, executors and administrators, hereby remise, release and forever discharge and agree to indemnify the reporting agencies and each of their officers, directors, employees, and agents and hold them harmless from and against any and all causes of actions, suits, liabilities, costs, debts and sums of money, claims and demands whatsoever (including claims for the negligence, gross negligence, and/or strict liability of the reporting agencies, any and all related attorneys' fees, court costs, and other expenses resulting from the investigation of my background in connection with my application to become a volunteer/staff member). Applicant's Signature Date Please Print Full Name: Maiden name: Address: Date of Birth : Social Security Number : Adopted by the session:

12 STATEMENT OF AGREEMENT I acknowledge that I have read and received training materials on the policies of Madison Square Presbyterian Church regarding children and youth. I understand that these policies apply to me in my role as a volunteer worker in the children and/or youth ministries and agree to follow them. Signature Date Adopted by the session: