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- CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION PROCEDURES
Communication
Child Abuse Prevention policy and Procedures will be published in church directory, annually in monthly newsletter, included in new member training, and on web site.
Administrative Board will review policy and procedures annually and make any appropriate updates or changes. To be completed with in 60 days prior to annual training.
Hiring and Screening
All employees and supervising volunteers who have significant contact with children or youth will complete an application.
All applications will be screened and a back ground check performed to include: verification of social security number, criminal search and sexual offender search.
We will contact references,
We will follow a two interview process.
We will do fingerprinting on all applicants.
Application and screening process will be administered by SPRC in consultation with appropriate supervisor.
Supervisory Procedures
All employees and volunteers will attend an annual training session to keep them informed of church policy and procedures.
All employees and volunteers will complete and sign a Participation Covenant Statement annually.
All supervising volunteers must be known for six months as members or regular attendance to church services or activities. Exceptions may be considered at the discretion of Administrative Board.
All employees and volunteers will observe the two “adult rule” whenever possible when supervising children or youth.
All employees and volunteers will limit their physical contact with children, and use discretion in having “off duty” contact and transporting of youth and children.
Whenever possible and reasonable activities will be conducted in open areas or rooms with open door.
Activity supervisors whenever possible will periodically inspect classrooms, offices, work areas and other areas where children and adults are together.
Response Procedures
- All employees and volunteers will report any incidents of abusive or inappropriate behavior to supervisor or clergy. We will follow state law concerning child abuse reporting obligations.
A written report form will be completed with all suspected incidents of child abuse. (See forms section)
A response team consisting of a clergy person and youth or children supervisor will offer support to family of child including a meeting with child with the permission and in presence of parent(s)or guardian(s).
Response team will use discretion before informing the accused of accusation and support the accused throughout the investigation process.
During investigative process employees will be on paid leave of absence and volunteers will be on leave of absence.
Incidents of child abuse will be promptly reported to law enforcement authorities and to the insurance company.
Response team and/or legal counsel will prepare a response to media inquires if an incident occurs.
- Compliance
Clarence Center UMC will maintain General Liability Insurance Coverage for Child Abuse claims.
Lay leader or person(s) designated by Administrative Board will conduct annual training meeting on Child Abuse Prevention.
Signed covenants and applications including background checks, reference checks and fingerprints will be filed and kept locked in pastor’s church office.
Approved by Administrative Board June 19, 2007
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