Of all places, our churches need to be Safe Havens. Many churches pay lip service to protecting our children, but do not make that protection a high priority. They may put a program in place, then let it run on auto pilot for awhile, getting busy with all sorts of other diversions, becoming lax, and paying little attention to their once seriously thought-about policies that they had put in place.

Be Alert! Pay attention! Many are not willing to put the time into making sure they have done what it takes to make their church safe, therefore being in denial, and letting down their guard. For a period of time all goes well, but the enemy is watching and very subtly can be ingratiating him or herself within the congregation. Be on guard!

RECOMMENDED CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE POLICIES

1. The Church HOLDS FIRM to its policies and procedures on child sexual abuse. Any changes of policies must receive Church Board approval. No exceptions.

2. BEFORE a volunteer commences to work with children or youth, they must have attended the church for a minimum of SIX months. (EXCEPTION): This policy may be waived for a new church facility or for a church, when absolutely no workers are available to choose from. All other screening procedures must be followed

3. Screening procedures are required for anyone who will come in contact with, or interact with, children and youth. Includes fingerprinting.

4. Only those employees and volunteers (including temporary periodic helpers, minors, and church custodian) who have completed screening and have been approved by the Church may participate and/or interact with children and youth. Anyone convicted of child abuse will not be permitted to work with children or youth.

5. All temporary, periodic helpers and/or minors will always work with and be under the supervision of an approved adult.

6. In every teaching situation, one-day events, overnight events, or special activities with children or youth, the following rule will be enforced: Two adults must be present at all times. Three adults must be present if two adults are related. NO CHILD OR YOUTH IS EVER TO BE ALONE WITH AN ADULT OR MINOR HELPER. (EXCEPTION): On those occasions where an adult may be alone with a child or youth, such as mentoring, obtain written permission from parent or guardian that states mentor will be alone with child.

7. All children and youth programs will have appropriate sign-in and sign-out procedures. Nursery through 4th grade must be signed in and out by a parent or designated guardian (18 years or older).

8. Supervision and observation of all classrooms and facility will be maintained at all times to provide the maximum protection for children and youth.                                                        Ezekiel 3:17, 33:1-7

9. All employees and volunteers will become aware of the nooks and crannies of the church building. Children and youth are to be visible at all times. (EXCEPTION): Except when child is alone in a bathroom stall. Bathroom procedures are to be strictly enforced.

10. No video taping or photographing of children or youth will be permitted without permission from the pastor or authorized supervisor.

11. Permission slips must be signed by a PARENT/GUARDIAN indicating each child has been given permission to participate in an activity or event away from the church. Signed permission slips must be received by the leader of the children or youth BEFORE any child leaves the church premises.

12. All vehicles used to transport children or youth require evidence of insurance.

13. Each vehicle transporting minors must have an adult driver and two or more passengers.

14. All adult chaperones must be cleared in advance with the proper church leaders to insure they have completed the necessary screening process and the records are on file in the church office.

15. All employees and volunteers will follow the church's reporting procedures immediately if they observe or suspect anyone of child sexual abuse.

16. Only the designated spokesperson, preferably the Senior Pastor or Children's Pastor, may represent the church to the media should an allegation of sexual abuse arise.

17. ALL employees and volunteers who work with children and youth will be trained in the church's child sexual abuse policies and procedures. The church's child sexual abuse educational program (including monitoring and evaluating of the program) will be ongoing.

18. By permission from the parent or guardian, a training will be given to children on the prevention of sexual abuse, including a section on the Power of Prayer. Training to be given once or twice a year.

Miscellaneous Policies

Additional miscellaneous policies are covered during the policies workshop including bathroom policies.

Procedures

Procedures are covered in a separate workshop.

Child Sexual Abuse policies and procedures are recommendations of Creating Safer Havens, and they are not intended to replace legal counsel. Creating Safer Havens, Inc. and Donalda Shepardson assume no liability for reliance on any policy or procedure in this program. Consult legal counsel.