CHILD SAFETY POLICY AND MANUAL

 

PURPOSE OF POLICY: 

This policy is intended to protect children participating in events sponsored by Bethany Slavic Church. It applies to both volunteers and paid workers who work in church programs which involve minors.  We recognize the seriousness and sinfulness of all types of child abuse.  This type of mistreatment violates the very image of God.  It causes serious damage to the mind, body, and spirit of the one abused, and causes harm to the mind and soul of the abuser.   We attempt to prevent abuse by adopting safeguards and by addressing charges of abuse.  Should abuse occur, we will seek and support healing measures for the abused and the abuser, when possible.  We seek to follow the above in the manner of our Lord who addressed evil clearly with the ultimate goal of bringing wholeness and healing to all. We also want to protect our infant/child/youth workers from being suspected or falsely accused of wrongful behavior toward a child. Such accusations can do a great deal of damage to an innocent worker. Our procedures for maintaining a safe environment and admonishing inappropriate behavior are designed to prevent a compromising situation in the first place, and to strengthen a worker’s defense against false accusations. A third purpose of this policy is to guard the honor and reputation of our Lord Jesus Christ. This policy applies to compensated church staff or church volunteers who have the responsibility of supervising the activities of minors ages 18 and younger.  

THE CHILD SAFETY ADVOCACY COMMITTEE:

 The CSAC will consist of at least the Lead Pastor, the Youth Pastor, the Children’s Ministry Director, and three Child Safety Advocates appointed by the church who work professionally in the healthcare sector.  The committee will insure that: 
1. Implementation and monitoring of the Child Protection Policy is occurring. 
2. Background checks (PA State Police Criminal Record Check and PA Child Abuse History Clearance, plus FBI Fingerprint checks for employees and also for volunteers who have not lived in PA continuously for the last 10 years) are completed and required forms are completed for all applicants. 
3. A list of Approved Adults is maintained/kept in electronic or paper file at church office (refer to record keeping section for more information). 
4. Ensure that all staff, leaders and volunteers over 18 are given a copy of this policy to be read and a covenant to be signed. Online access to the form will also be provided. Instruction on the nature of Child Abuse and evidence of Child Abuse will be part of the approval/renewal process. 
5. Receive and process reports of suspected abuse. 
6. Monitoring/revision is done to ensure the policies are being followed. 
7. CSAC meetings are called as needed, and no less than once a year. 
8. The Church Board is kept updated. 
9. The Church Board is apprised should there be an investigation by state or local authorities of alleged abuse where either the alleged perpetrator or alleged victim, or both, have a connection to BSC.  
 
 

DEFINITION OF ABUSE:

Definitions of abuse from the Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law (CPSL [Title 23 PA.C.S. Chapter 63], as follows: Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly doing any of the following: 
1. Physical abuse: Causing bodily injury through any recent act or failure to act. Creating a reasonable likelihood of bodily injury to a child through any recent act or failure to act. Bodily injury is impairment of physical condition or substantial pain. The following are “per se” acts of child abuse (meaning the act itself, apart from the outcome, is considered child abuse). 
  • Kicking, biting, throwing, burning, stabbing or cutting a child in a manner that endangers the child.
  • Unreasonably restraining or confining a child, based on consideration of the method, location or the duration of the restraint or confinement. 
  • Forcefully shaking a child under one year of age. 
  • Forcefully slapping or otherwise striking a child under one year of age. 
  • Interfering with the breathing of a child. 
  • Causing a child to be present at a location while a violation of 18 PA.C.S. §7508.2 (relating to operation of a methamphetamine laboratory) is occurring, provided that the violation is being investigated by law enforcement. 
2. Medical condition abuse: Fabricating, feigning or intentionally exaggerating or inducing a medical symptom or disease which results in a potentially harmful medical evaluation or treatment to the child through any recent act. 
3. Mental abuse: Causing or substantially contributing to serious mental injury to a child through an act or failure to act or a series of such acts or failures to act. Serious mental injury is a psychological condition, as diagnosed by a physician or licensed psychologist, including the refusal of appropriate treatment, that: 
(1) renders a child chronically and severely anxious, agitated, depressed, socially withdrawn, psychotic or in reasonable fear that the child's life or safety is threatened; or 
(2) seriously interferes with a child's ability to accomplish age-appropriate developmental and social tasks. 
4. Neglect: 
1. Causing serious physical neglect of a child. Serious physical neglect is any of the following when committed by a perpetrator that endangers a child's life or health, threatens a child's well-being, causes bodily injury or impairs a child's health, development or functioning: 
2. A repeated, prolonged or unconscionable egregious failure to supervise a child in a manner that is appropriate considering the child's developmental age and abilities. 
3.  The failure to provide a child with adequate essentials of life, including food, shelter or medical care. 
5. Causing the death of the child through any act or failure to act. 
6. Sexual abuse:  Causing sexual abuse or exploitation of a child through any act or failure to act. Creating a likelihood of sexual abuse or exploitation of a child through any recent act or failure to act. Sexual abuse or exploitation is any of the following:
  • The employment, use, persuasion, inducement, enticement or coercion of a child to engage in or assist another individual to engage in sexually explicit conduct, which includes, but is not limited to, the following: 
  • Looking at the sexual or other intimate parts of a child or another individual for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire in any individual. 
  •  Participating in sexually explicit conversation either in person, by telephone, by computer or by a computer-aided device for the purpose of sexual stimulation or gratification of any individual. 
  •  Actual or simulated sexual activity or nudity for the purpose of sexual stimulation or gratification of any individual. 
  • Actual or simulated sexual activity for the purpose of producing visual depiction, including photographing, videotaping, computer depicting or filming. 
 

TERMS USED IN THIS POLICY:

Child or Youth – any person considered a minor under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Mandated Reporter- Effective 12/31/14, the PA CPSL imposes a reporting mandate, or requirement, on any individual who comes into contact with children in the course of his or her work or professional practice, or an individual paid or unpaid, who, on the basis of the individual's role as an integral part of a regularly scheduled program, activity or service, accepts responsibility for a child. These individuals are known as “mandated reporters.” (as defined CPSL Title 23 PA.C.S. Chapter 63). Mandated reporters are required to report directly to authorities when abuse is suspected. These include volunteers, as well as staff. 
Approved Adult – anyone 18 years of age or older who has satisfied the requirements of the Child Protection Policy. An Approved Adult can be an employee or a non-employee of the  congregation, and is considered a mandated reporter if the person is 18 or older. 
Approved Adults are required to have state-specified screening/clearances. 
Approved Adults include, but are not limited to: 
  1. All employed staff 
  2. Sunday/Russian Language School teachers 
  3. Vacation Bible School director/teachers 
  4. Youth Group Pastor/Leaders 
  5. Nursery leaders
  6. Anyone else who works directly and regularly with children/youth  
Person in Charge or Designee: the “Person in Charge of the Institution or their designee” is responsible for facilitating cooperation with authorities on a suspected child abuse investigation; and is also responsible for receiving notification from the mandated reporter that a suspected abuse report has been filed. For these specific purposes, the Person in Charge at our church is the Lead Pastor. If the Lead Pastor is unavailable, or if the Lead Pastor is accused or suspected of abuse, the appointed head of the Church Board will act as the person in charge.  
Occasional Volunteer:a person who may or may not be a member of the congregation but would be volunteering for work with children occasionally, not on a regular basis (i.e. kids camp minor help, nursery/Sunday school helper several times per year, event volunteer, bus driver, etc.)
Guest Volunteer: a person who may or may not be a member of the congregation and who has a specific talent or experience to share with children/youth at a particular event/class. An adult guest volunteer may not be alone with the children without Approved Adult present in the room/class. 
Youth Volunteer:  anyone under the age of 18 who works under the supervision of an Approved Adult. 
 

REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME APPROVED ADULT:

  1. Be a regular committed attendee at BSC.
  2.  Complete and submit the required clearance forms (see instructions below): PA State Police Criminal Records Check (volunteer), PA Child Abuse History Clearance (volunteer), FBI Fingerprinting Clearance (if necessary- required for employees and any volunteer who has not lived in PA for the past 10 years).  Links to complete clearances are found on the Application to Become an Approved Adult. 
  3.  Understand their role as mandatory reporters.  
  4.  Complete and keep up to date Mandated Reporter Training (link is in the application) every two years.
  5.  Fill out an Application to Become an Approved Adult.
  6.  Once accepted as an Approved Adult, notify the CSAC committee or Sunday School/Youth director if arrested or convicted of an offense that would constitute grounds for denial of employment or volunteer work with children, or named as a perpetrator in a founded or indicated report of abuse. Such notification is required under PA law effective 12/31/14. No person who has been convicted of any form of child abuse will be permitted to work with children or youth in any church-sponsored activity.
 

REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME OCCASIONAL VOLUNTEER

  1. Complete and submit the required clearance forms (see instructions below): PA State Police Criminal Records Check (volunteer), PA Child Abuse History Clearance (volunteer), FBI Fingerprinting Clearance (if necessary- required for employees and any volunteer who has not lived in PA for the past 10 years). Links to complete clearances are found on the Occasional Volunteer Form.
  2. Understand role as mandatory reporter.  
  3. Fill out and Occasional Volunteer Form. 
  4. Once accepted as an Occasional Volunteer, notify the CSAC committee or Sunday School/Youth director if arrested or convicted of an offense that would constitute grounds for denial of employment or volunteer work with children, or named as a perpetrator in a founded or indicated report of abuse. Such notification is required under PA law effective 12/31/14. No person who has been convicted of any form of child abuse will be permitted to work with children or youth in any church-sponsored activity.

REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME GUEST VOLUNTEER

  1. Fill out and submit Guest Volunteer form.
 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR OBTAINING CLEARANCES:

PA State Police Criminal Record Check (Volunteer)
Volunteer must complete this online
  1. Go to https://epatch.pa.gov/home (verified)
  2. Choose the box that reads “New Volunteer Record Check” (Volunteer only)
  3. Check Acknowledgement Box & “Accept” the Terms and Conditions 
  4. Reason for Request is “VolunteerFREE” -
  5. Complete questions on screen-click “Next”
  6. Verify information & choose “Proceed”
  7. Complete questions on screen
  8. Choose “Submit this Request”
  9. Choose ‘View Queued Record Check Request”
  10. Choose “Submit”
  11. Click on the letter/number below “Control#”
  12. Click the “Certification Form”
  13. Click on “Print”
  14. Submit printed results via church email (see above)

PA Child Abuse History Clearance (Volunteer)
Volunteer must complete this online
  1. Go to www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home (verified)
  2.  Click on “Create an Individual Account”
  3. You will be directed to a page entitled “Create a Keystone ID” with general info
  4. Scroll to the bottom and click “Next”
  5. Follow the instructions on the page. You will need to create a user ID. (Each person creates his/her ID & 3 security questions and answers). It is suggested that you record all 3 questions and answers along with the info that you’ve entered.
  6. Click “Finish” the state will send an e-mail to the address that you provided with your registration information. (This usually takes only a few minutes). You will also be given a temporary password; use this information to log back and change the temporary password to something of your choice. Now you are ready to log on for the child abuse background check. 
  7. Click “Log in” (log in again using your newly created credentials).
  8. Click “Access my Clearances”-scroll to the bottom of the page and click “Continue” 
  9. Enter username & password
  10. Click on the “Create clearance application”
  11. Complete all requested information. (Highlight “Volunteer” as your reason for filling this out).
  12. A screen may prompt you to pay for the clearance, but if you’ve clearly marked “Volunteer”, you should be able to bypass this screen. Mark “No” when asked if an organization provided you with a code for your application. 
  13. Finish the application following instructions provided. 
  14. When you have completed and submitted the form, you will receive an e-mail that it has been received within a few minutes.
  15. You will then receive an email with the results within 14 days. You can also choose to have them send you a paper copy in the mail.
  16. Please forward the results (once received), via church email. 
 
FBI Background Check with IdentoGo (VIP)
The State of Pennsylvania has recently changed vendors for conducting FBI background clearances, which is a requirement for those who have lived outside of Pennsylvania anytime within the last 10 consecutive 10 years. Please follow these instructions to complete your FBI background clearance. 
Step1: 
  1. Pre-enroll for your FBI Fingerprint Clearance on the IdentoGo.com website 
  2. State=Pennsylvania: Select “Digital Fingerprinting”
  3. Enter Code 1KG6ZJ. This code is used for volunteers who have lived outside of Pennsylvania in the past 10 years.
  4. Click on “Schedule or Manage an Appointment”
  5. Enter all “Essential Information” & click “Next”
  6. Enter “Additional Info” & click “Next”
  7. Enter “Citizenship” information & click “Next”
  8. Enter “Personal Questions” & click “Next”
  9. Enter “Address” (personal address) & click “Next”
  10. Choose “Document” you will provide to identify yourself at your enrollment appointment
  11. Complete “Location” information to choose a fingerprinting site & click “Next”
  12. Select a Date & Time that suits your schedule & click “Submit”  
  13. Print your receipt from this transaction that includes your Universal Enrollment ID (UEID). You will need to bring this receipt with you to your fingerprinting appointment. 
Step 2:
  1. On the day of your scheduled appointment, report to your selected IdentoGo location and please make sure to bring the following:
  2. Receipt from your pre-enrollment
  3. Identification documentation you selected to confirm your identity. (Please make sure your legal name matches the name on the ID).
  4. A form of payment: IdentoGo accepts business check, money order or a credit card. Total cost of the clearance is approximately $28.50, and there is a small processing fee for credit cards. 
  5. Following your fingerprinting, you will receive a mailed copy of your clearance results. A copy of these results should be submitted via email. Church does not require the original. 

MANDATED REPORTER CHILD ABUSE TRAINING:



A new law in the state of Pennsylvania, House Bill 435 and Act 126, requires that all of our pastors, lay leaders and volunteer ministry leaders participate in an online course involving training in Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse every two (2) years.
Go to the following web site http://www.reportabusepa.pitt.edu . You will need to register then log in at will. It can be done in multiple sittings. When you are done, please print your certificate of completion and email via church email. We need evidence that every volunteer has completed the training. Refer to Training and Education Section for complete instructions. 

TRAINING AND EDUCATION:

1.      Child Protection Policy – Every child/youth workers/employees will be given a copy or will have an access online of our Child Protection Policy. This policy covers acceptable and not acceptable behavior by volunteer/employee. Receiver must read/familiarize self with rules/ expectations and agree to comply by signing Statement of Acknowledgement and Agreement. 
2.      Initial and Continued Education on how to recognize and report child abuse in PA- PA Child Welfare Resource Center – FREE – Complete this three hour online course provided online for free and print your certificate when complete. You do not have to complete the course in one session.  During any future visits, you will get a pop up message asking if you would like to resume where you left off.    www.reportabusepa.pitt.edu (All Approved Adults are required to take training every two (2) years to maintain clearances). The following section covert 
3.      Mandated Reporters-Pennsylvania law requires that all Mandated Reporters make a direct report to state authorities when they have reasonable cause to suspect that a child is the victim of child abuse, under any of the following circumstances: 
a.        The Mandated Reporter comes into contact with the child in the course of employment, occupation and practice of a profession or through a regularly scheduled program, activity or service.  
b.      The Mandated Reporter is directly responsible for the care, supervision, guidance or training of the child, or is affiliated with an agency, institution, organization, school, regularly established church or religious organization or other entity that is directly responsible for the care, supervision, guidance or training of the child;  
c.        A person makes a specific disclosure to the Mandated Reporter that an identifiable child is the victim of child abuse; or 
d.      An individual 14 years of age or older makes a specific disclosure to the Mandated Reporter that the individual has committed child abuse. Note:  BSC Mandated Reporters are Mandated Reporters of abuse both within and outside of the church context; that is, a child need not be participating in a church program, activity or service in order for a Mandated Reporter to make a report of suspected abuse about that child.  Individuals who are not regarded as Mandated Reporters are still encouraged to report suspected child abuse. 
4. How to Report Child Abuse
a. If you know of or have reasonable cause to suspect an incident(s) of child abuse, you are required by law to report that immediately either at www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis or by calling CHILDLINE 1-800-932-0313.  Suspected child abuse must be reported whether it’s a recent or past incident. 
b. If the report of suspected abuse has a connection to BSC, you must then report the incident to our Lead Pastor, who will ask you to complete and return a form, entitled Suspected Child Abuse Incident Report.
c. If the abuse was reported via ChildLine, within 48 hours, you must complete a CY-47 form (found online). A copy is to be given to the Lead Pastor, and the original submitted to Lancaster County Children and Youth Agency (900 East King Street, Lancaster PA 17602, 717-299-7925). Within 3 business days of the completion of their investigation, (if an investigation is undertaken), The Department of Human Services will provide you with the results; you need to share that information with our Lead Pastor. No CY-47 must be completed and filed if the initial report was filed electronically and you received confirmation that the Department received the report. 
d. Note – Neither you nor the church is responsible for investigating or determining whether or not abuse has in fact occurred. It may be necessary to ask several questions to get clarification solely to determine if you have reasonable cause to suspect that abuse has occurred, but detailed questioning of the child and/or the alleged abuser should be done by legal authorities, not the church.    
e. All allegations will be taken seriously by the Pastor and other members of the Child Safety Advocacy Committee, and will be treated in strict confidence.  Your name will be kept confidential, although you will need to identify yourself to the legal authorities.  
d. Any child/youth worker who is under investigation for alleged abuse or criminally charged for an offense involving a child is required to notify the Child Safety Advocacy Committee immediately. 
5. Follow-Up After a Report Has Been Filed With ChildLine or “What Happens Next”?
a. In the event that an alleged abuser is a custodial parent or resides in the same household as the child, legal authorities will inform the child’s parent(s) of the allegations. If the alleged abuser is not one of the child’s parents or household members, our Lead Pastor will inform the child’s parent(s).  
b. The identities of the victim and the mandated reporter are by law confidential. 
c. The final status of the child abuse report: the Department of Human Services has 3 days from the date it receives the “results” of the investigation based on the report to inform the mandated reporter (NOT the church) as to:
  •  whether it is indicated, founded or unfounded and 
  • any services provided, arranged for or to be provided by the county agency to protect the child. 
c. The church will not enter into discussion with the alleged abuser while a legal investigation is underway. The alleged abuser will be removed from all positions with supervisory authority over or contact with children, pending the completion of the investigation.  
d. If the alleged abuse involves a staff person, occurs on church property, or involves a church volunteer, the church’s insurance company will be notified. The alleged abuser will have his/her ministry restricted to exclude contact with children immediately; and if employed by the church, will be placed on unpaid leave for a designated period of time during the investigation.   
e. If abuse has occurred, the extent to which information is shared with the congregation will be determined by the Church Board. Lead Pastor or any other individual authorized by the Board may act as the official spokesperson for the congregation; only that individual may speak for the congregation regarding the situation.  
f. Counseling support will be offered to all parties involved. Decisions about how this support will be given will be made by pastoral staff and the Church Board. 
g. Individuals who admit to, or plead guilty to, or are convicted in a court of law of any form of child abuse, are immediately and permanently disqualified from working with children/youth in the congregation. 
6.      Child Abuse Awareness – Periodically, Child Abuse Awareness will be brough up to parents and other congregants through preaching and education. https://safetysystem.ministrysafe.com is a curriculum supplement which will be used with our children and youth to help them recognize inappropriate conduct on the part of adults or older children, and to empower them to respond appropriately.
7.      Safe Environment Training for children. Periodically teach age appropriate safety material to children as determined by The Child Safety Advocacy Committee.

 

CHILD/MINOR INTERACTION GUIDELINES:

Every church staff or volunteer is to be aware and adhere to the interaction guidelines. 
The guideline purpose is to:
  1. Protect children, youth or vulnerable adults from abuse and grooming.
  2. Prevent church staff from engaging in behavior that may be constructed as abusive or predatory. 
  3. Protect staff and/ or volunteers from wrong accusations by minors. 
Any inappropriate behavior or suspected abuse by a staff member or volunteer must be reported immediately to an immediate supervisor, leader or Pastor (more information on how to report, will be provided in mandatory training for staff and volunteers).
Violation in the listed policy may result in disciplinary action for church staff and dismissal from ministry involving children, youth or vulnerable adults. 
Acceptable Physical Interactions- Side hugs, Shoulder to shoulder or “temple” hugs, Pats on shoulder or back, Handshakes, High five or hand slapping, Touching hands, shoulders, and arms, Holding hand with young children when escorting (*These may be inappropriate if unwanted by the child, youth or vulnerable adult).
Appropriate Verbal Interactions- Positive reinforcement, Appropriate non-demeaning jokes, Encouragement, Praise  
Discouraged Physical Interactions- Full frontal hugs Kisses, Lap sitting, Wrestling, Piggyback rides, Tickling, Grabbing, Pinching , Hitting , Allowing child to cling or staff or volunteer leg, Any type of massage given by or to a child, youth or vulnerable adult, Any form of affection that is unwanted by the child, youth or vulnerable adult
Inappropriate Verbal Interactions- Name calling, Yelling , Profanity/foul language, Shaming , Belittling , Derogatory remarks, Racist or sexist jokes, Threatening, frightening or humiliating language, Confront a child or parent in front of others
***When working with young children (infants through 5 years old) some behaviors in the “discouraged physical interaction” category may be appropriate and commonly used to support the social-emotional development of children ex. full frontal hugs, lap sitting, etc.
 
In case where child acts impulsively and/or demonstrates disruptive behavior, the following steps might be helpful:
             a. Go to the child and calmly ask him or her to stop the disruptive behavior. Most children respond immediately and correct the behavior. 
            b. Give a warning and remind the child of class expectations, and redirect to positive behavior. 
            c. Do this individually if possible, do not single out a specific child in a group setting. 
            d. When working with younger children, some physical redirection may be necessary: i.e: removing a toy from hands or a child who is hitting another. 
            e. If the child repeats action, take them to a quiet place to separate from other children for a short but designated period of time. Stay within sight of others, and avoid being alone or unseen with the child. 
            f. Provide the child with a simple and understandable explanation for the reason of separation.  E.g: “Tim, you did not stop hitting Julie when I asked you to, so it was necessary for me to separate you from the group.” 
            g. After a 3rd time, refer to a staff member. A staff member may inform a parent or guardian, who may be asked to become involved in redirecting misbehavior. 
 
***Uncontrollable or unusual behavior should be reported to ministry supervisor***
 

NURSERY/KIDS ROOM PROTECTION GUIDELINES: 

 The nursery of BSC is designed to provide a place of safety and caring for our youngest church participants, while allowing their parents to participate in worship or activities.  As such, the following policy is designed to protect the children, parents and volunteers who participate.  Forms are located in the Appendix. 
1. Parents will complete a Nursery Registration Form when the child first enters care and will also receive a copy of the Nursery Guidelines for Parents. 
2. Parents should sign children in and out on the Nursery Sign-In Sheet each time children are delivered to care, and children will only be released to those listed on the Sign-in Sheet. 
3. Parents should label all bottles, juices, blankets, toys and any other personal belongings.  Pacifiers should be attached to the child or labeled.  Only dry food snacks are allowed in the nursery.  Snacks containing nuts are never allowed due to allergies.  Small snack items that can be choked on, such as grapes, are not permitted. 
4. Discipline Plan:  Limit setting is directed toward maximizing the growth and development of the children and is for protecting the group and the individuals within it.  Positive reinforcement is the major tool of appropriate discipline.  Volunteers will verbalize to the child when she/he is behaving in an inappropriate manner.  Volunteers will redirect a child who appears to be “headed for trouble.”  If a child is repeatedly displaying inappropriate behavior and redirecting has not worked, parents/guardian will be asked to come to the nursery. Nursery volunteers WILL NOT: 
a. Use corporal punishment, including spanking 
            b. Subject children to cruel or severe punishment, humiliation or verbal abuse 
            c. Deny any child food as a form of punishment 
d. Punish any child for soiling, wetting, or not using the toilet. 
5. If a child needs to proceed to the bathroom, an Approved Adult volunteer shall accompany him/her.  Stay outside the door and let the child use the toilet.  If a problem arises when a child needs to use the toilet or child needs help with wiping or dressing, a parent will be contacted.  Help the child wash his/her hands thoroughly with soap and running water.  Wash your own hands. 
6. At least one parent/guardian shall remain in the church while the child is in the nursery during the worship service or other official church activities. 
7. Children must be picked up immediately following the worship service or church activities and checked out in the log by a parent or a person designated on the Nursery Registration Form. 8. If an incident occurs that results in physical injury, parent(s) will be notified and an incident report will be completed. 
 

CHILDREN & YOUTH CLASSROOM PROTECTION GUIDELINES:

General Guidelines:
BSC is committed to creating a safe and healthy environment in which young people can learn about and experience God’s love.  It is the policy of the church to provide adequate supervision for all classroom activities.  We also expect all employees and volunteers who work with minors to complete all necessary clearances and meet all guidelines to be Approved Adults (refer to section on “Requirements/Forms to Become an Approved Adult”). 
1. Parents/guardians will complete a Children’s Sunday School Information Form (see Appendix) at the beginning of every Sunday School year.  A copy of the classroom protection guidelines will accompany the form?.  Children up through 2nd grade will only be released to parents or those listed on the form.  Grade 3 and up may leave to connect with parents/guardians at the close of Sunday School.  Parents may indicate on the form if they choose to pick up children instead. 
2. Two Approved Adults should be present in the classroom.  If that is not possible, a designated Approved Adult will circulate outside the classroom area or be within easy reach to provide assistance if needed. (open door policy if 1 adult in the calsssroom???)
3. No teacher shall be alone with a child in the bathroom for purposes of toileting, clean up from craft or art projects, or care of injury, except when necessary.  In this case the door to the bathroom shall be kept open. 
4. No teacher working with our children shall place him/herself in a compromising situation by being alone with a child or children out of sight of other teachers or aides. 
5. Normally teachers who accompany a child to the bathroom should remain outside the bathroom door while the child is inside.  If a child needs assistance with dressing, undressing or cleanup, two Approved Adults shall be present.  If only one Approved Adult is available, the door to the bathroom shall be left open.  If anything unusual occurred during this assistance, the parent will be notified at pickup. 
Children in grades K-12 can use the bathrooms unescorted, provided they return within a reasonable time frame.  This privilege can be granted or rescinded at the teacher’s discretion.
7. Report any inappropriate conduct or relationship between an adult worker or volunteer and a child promptly to the lead pastor or someone on the CSAC. 
 8. Limit setting is directed toward maximizing the growth and development of the children and for protecting the group and the individuals within it.  Positive reinforcement is the major tool of appropriate disciplining.  Verbalize to the child when he/she is behaving in an appropriate manner.  Redirect a child who appears to be “headed for trouble”.  If a child is repeatedly displaying inappropriate behavior, and redirecting has not worked and talking to the child has not worked, then the parent will be notified.  The teacher will pass on information of repeated inappropriate behavior to the Children’s Ministry Leader(s).  
No one shall: use corporal punishment, including spanking, humiliation or verbal abuse. 
 
Two Approved Adults Rule:
Two Approved Adults should be present during any church sponsored children/youth activity. (An exception to the “two Approved Adults” policy is in the youth mentoring program (description following). In some instances where two Approved Adults are not present (for example, one Approved Adult teacher in class, Sunday School Director will circulate outside the classroom areas or be within easy reach to provide assistance if needed. (or open door policy if only 1 adult)? In a mixed group, whenever possible, a male and a female Approved Adult should be present.  
 
Visibility:                                                                                                                                       
a. Activities/meetings with children/youth are encouraged to be conducted in a way that allows visibility, e.g., glass areas of doors should not be obstructed, curtains/blinds should be open when possible, door should be open or a window should allow easy observation of the room. 
b. Where possible, conduct activities in a public place, with another person within sight and sound of the activities. Because abuse is sometimes perpetuated by an older, stronger child/youth, do not send two children/youth with a four or more-year age difference to an isolated setting, e.g., bathroom, tent, empty classroom. 
c. Being Alone with a Child Exception:  In a situation where an adult has a legitimate reason to be alone with a child, parental consent should be obtained. 
 
Safe Use Of Electronic Communication: 
a. Adults will limit one-on-one electronic communications with children. "Emails, messages, text or phone conversations should be short and should usually be a one-off communication to arrange a meeting or remind young people to attend an event." 
b. Parents or guardians will be copied on emails and kept apprised of ongoing texting or phone conversations. 
c. Communication will be traceable Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, e-mail, and texting are traceable. Snapchat and other such communications are not traceable, and thus are prohibited. 
d. Fotos of children or youth will not be shared on personal social media platforms without permission from a parent/guardian. (Consider creating a photography waiver for parents/guardians of children and youth to sign.) 
e. 1:1 communication should not take place with young people between the hours of  8 pm and 7 am unless it is an emergency. Group conversations are permissible.
f. When a volunteer leaves a ministry involving youth due to misconduct of any kind, staff should request that all youth contact information must be removed from that adult volunteers devices. 
g. Minors will never be referenced by name or labeled with other identifying information on any social media or other website locations
 


PERMISSION SLIPS, OVERNIGHT ACTIVITIES, TRANSPORTATION:    


1. Registration & Permission Slips: Children must have permission to participate in activities. Parents/guardians need to complete and return Registration forms, which may includes pertinent medical information and emergency phone numbers, a medical release, and general permission for field trips
2. Overnight Activities: Overnight activities involving children shall be chaperoned by at least two Approved Adults. Boys and girls will sleep in separate areas with at least two Approved Adults of the same gender directly supervising each group.
3. Transportation of Children/Youth: When children/youth are transported for church activities they shall be transported in groups with at least one Approved Adult in each vehicle. Drivers must have a copy of their driver’s license with them. Vehicle must have registration and proof of insurance.
4. Use of Private Vehicles to Transport Children/Youth:  The following policies, which shall apply when private vehicles are used to transport children and/or youth in connection with church-related activities, are intended to ensure and protect the safety of our children and youth. All vehicle drivers must abide by the following protocols:
  •  Be at least 21 years of age and certified according to this Policy  
  • Have a valid driver’s license and current automobile insurance and provide photocopies of the license and proof of such insurance to Presbytery staff in advance of transporting any children or youth in connection with church-related activities. 
  •  Have a clear driving record, i.e., shall have had no major moving violations within 12 months prior to the proposed transport of children and/or youth and no convictions or deferred adjudications for driving under the influence of a controlled substance within ten years prior to the transport of children/youth. 
  •  No tobacco products shall be used in the vehicles. 
  •  No alcoholic beverages shall be allowed in the vehicles. 
  •  No firearms or other weapons shall be allowed in the vehicles.
  •  All persons, including the driver, shall wear seat and shoulder belts or be seated in such other age/weight appropriate safety seats (car seats, booster seats, etc.) as required by law. 
  •  The maximum number of people in the vehicle shall be the same as the number of adult seats in the vehicle with seat belts. 
  •  The driver shall have complete authority and full responsibility for the safety of the passengers at all times. No one driver shall drive a total of more than eight hours in any one day. On trips of eight hours or more, the driver shall have available an alternate driver.
  •  Drivers shall operate vehicles in compliance with speed limits and traffic laws and consistent with safe driving given the prevailing road conditions. 
  •  In the event of an accident, with or without injury, the driver (or another person if the driver is unable to do so) shall report the incident to the proper police authority, to the individual’s insurance company, and to the Ministry Leader or the Pastoral Team within 24 hours of its occurrence. If anyone requires medical treatment or hospitalization, the parents/guardians shall be notified by telephone as soon as possible.

YOUTH MENTORING 

Youth mentors are same-gender, Approved Adults, chosen by youth, and approved by the Pastoral Team and Child Safety Advocacy Committee, to provide friendship and companionship for youth throughout their teenage years. Mentors are offered to youth to facilitate their spiritual and emotional growth and maturity, complementing the role of parents. Generally, two youth will be assigned to one mentor, forming a cluster group. These relationships are an exception to the policy of needing 2 Approved Adults present for all activities with youth. This additional risk is addressed by the following policies: 
1. To avoid all appearances of impropriety, all mentoring activities will be approved by parents prior to the activity taking place; this includes identifying the activity, any transportation of youth, location and expected duration of activity. 
2. Additionally, mentors should keep activities within view of other people. In the case that there is one mentor/one mentee, and the mentor wants to host an activity in their home or another private space, he/she should invite another mentor pair/cluster to join in the activity. 
3. Mentors are not to engage children/youth in counseling that requires professional help. For example – drug or alcohol addiction, sexual assault by a dating partner; severe problems with parental relationships, sustained depression or chronic anxiety, eating disorders, suicidal tendencies, etc. The need for formal or professional counseling should be turned over to the Pastoral team. 

RECORD KEEPING:

 Applications and related forms for staff and volunteers will be locked in a confidential file under the jurisdiction of the church office.  Clearance results are confidential and will only be made available to church office staff and to the head of CSAC.  Church office staff will follow these recordkeeping steps: 
a. Create and maintain a master list of all employees or staff and volunteers who have regular contact with children in the course of their work. 
b. Determine which background checks you possess, and note the dates on the list.  For staff and volunteers who have the required background checks which are less than 60 months old, no new checks are required until 60 months from the date of the existing checks.  For such employees or staff and volunteers who do not have the required background checks, or in cases where the required checks are over 60 months old, new checks are required. 
c. Note when reports need to be renewed, and note on the list the date 60 days before to initiate the process of obtaining renewed reports.  New reports are to be obtained every 60 months from the date of the existing reports.  New reports are required for all employees or staff and volunteers who have had a one (1) year break in continuous service. 
d. Retain copies of all reports, even ones that are superseded by renewed reports, in confidential locked files; or if reports are obtained electronically ensure digital records are strongly password protected with limited access.  Because any records pertaining to children and youth, and staff/volunteers that work with them, may become the subject of legal proceedings at some future date, no such records should be part of any automatic records destruction plan by the church.  This includes child and youth registration and permission forms, as well as staff and volunteer clearances.  Such records should only be destroyed with the written approval of the CSAC, and in accordance with the state statute of limitations related to sexual abuse of minors.  In PA, the statute for filing criminal charges for sexual abuse of a minor currently extends until the victim’s 50th birthday, with legislation being proposed to eliminate the statute of limitations altogether.  Records may be digitized and stored electronically, in an appropriately secure, password-protected manner.

FACILITY USE BY OUTSIDE GROUPS 

 Any outside groups or organizations which use our church facilities on a recurring basis, where children are on-site as part of the activity, will be made aware of our policy and will confirm in writing their willingness to adhere to it. 
 

SECURITY CAMERAS 

In the event of a reported incident, footage from our church security cameras may potentially be utilized to help evaluate the incident
 

COUNSELING FUND

 
While the church staffs qualified pastors to address spiritual and pastoral care needs of the church members, at times a specially trained outside pastoral or family counselor’s help is warranted.  This is especially true for the victims of physical or sexual abuse.  In those cases, a church pastor will refer a member or a family to one of the church approved Christian counselors.
 
The church will establish a Counseling Fund to cover the cost of at least first three(3) sessions with a counselor. The entire cost of counseling maybe covered by the fund for certain cases, at the discretion of the referring pastor.  Such counseling referrals will be confidential in nature to help protect victims and families requiring inner healing.