Donnels Creek Church of the Brethren

INTRODUCTION

Our task as Christians is to shape our church so that all people have what is required for spiritual and physical well-being. In particular, as the Church, we are called by God to provide for children:

"People were bringing little children to Jesus to have Him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, He was indignant. He said to them, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. ' And He took the children in His arms, put His hand on them and blessed them. " Mark 10: 13-16

Children are vulnerable. They cannot fend for themselves. They are often powerless in the decisions that shape their lives. We adults have the ability and opportunity to guide them to the knowledge of God's love for them. As we work to improve their lives today and tomorrow, we are showing our own response to God's love in our lives.

Over the past several decades, our society has become a more perilous place. There are more reported incidents of abuse and the number of lawsuits has risen dramatically. Our policy does not represent a lack of trust and confidence in the many members of our congregation who work with children; just the opposite is true. When we all participate together in carrying out our policy and following these guidelines, we are protecting our children.

Recognizing our responsibilities to ensure that the church is a safe place for all individuals, children and youth, we the members of the congregation of Donnels Creek Church of the Brethren have adopted the following policies where the definitions of abuse will be:

Physical Abuse: any conduct which would rise to the level of criminal activity under the Ohio Revised Code Title 29 with regard to physical touching, assault, menacing or other activity as defined and described in Title 29 of the Ohio Revised Code.

Sexual Abuse: any conduct which is prohibited by the Ohio Revised Code Title 29 including, but not limited to, rape, gross sexual imposition, molestation or any other type of sexual conduct as defined and described in Title 29 of the Ohio Revised Code.

I. Selection of Children and Youth Workers (for children up through and including senior high youth)

A. Prospective employees or volunteers with prior abuse allegations or convictions will not be considered for children or youth worker service.

B. Each employee or volunteer will read this Policy and Guidelines and sign the Child Protection Covenant.

C. Each employee or volunteer must attend mandatory training.

D. Screening Procedures

1. Primary Screening Procedure - to be used with prospective employees or volunteers:

a. An active participant in our congregation for at least six months.

b. An employment application (if seeking a paid position)

c. Primary Screening Form completed by prospective employees or volunteers.

d. A personal interview to be conducted

e. Reference checks

f. Completion of a criminal records check authorization form (if appropriate) for paid staff.

2. Secondary Screening Procedure - to be used for current participants in good standing:

a. An active participant in our congregation for one year

b. Secondary Screening Form

3. Volunteers from outside our congregation will be considered upon completion of appropriate Primary Screening Form.

II. Guidelines

A. Caregivers must report any suspicions of child abuse or neglect to the Pastors and/or Board of Administration Chairman, Moderator, Risk Management Team or Committee.

B. Parents, Pastors and members of the Christian Education Board have the right to visit and observe classes and programs at any time unannounced.

C. Two persons are preferred in the nursery and classrooms at all times. When only one person can be present, random classroom checks will occur. *

D. Parental permission will be obtained for a church worker to meet privately with a child.

1. We will require Youth Counselors not to counsel the opposite gender without a second party along in the situation.

E. Children should be treated with respect, and should not be disciplined in ways that would deprive them of their basic rights to be safe and comfortable.

F. Diapering, toileting and changing a child's clothes should be done in the presence of two persons or in prominent areas, while maintaining the child's right to privacy.

G. All overnight activities should include two or more chaperones. Every effort should be made to insure safe transportation.

H. Assistance at certain low risk programs may be given by people under 18 years of age provided they are supervised by persons meeting the policy guidelines.

I. When supervising children, adults should monitor behavior to insure appropriate interactions, particularly for children of different ages.

J. It is every employee's and volunteer's responsibility to support a child’s "no" (verbal or non-verbal) whether it is directed towards another child or an adult regarding physical contact, unless the child’s safety is endangered. Ensure that 'no' is respected.

III. Reporting Procedure

A. Anyone who has reason to believe a child is being abused or neglected should make a report to appropriate authorities. Certain professionals, identified in Section 2151.421 of the Ohio Revised Code, are mandated to report any child they suspect or know to be abused or neglected. If they fail to report, they could be subject to arrest. Those required to report suspected child abuse and neglect include: attorneys, audiologists, child care workers, children services agency personnel, clergy, coroners, day care personnel, dentists, nurses, physicians, podiatrists, psychologists, school authorities, school employees, school psychologists (licensed), school teachers, social workers, speech pathologists.

B. If suspected or known, then:

1. If immediate threat, call 9-1-1.

2. If not, inform church chain of command (Pastors and/or Board of Administration Chairman, Moderator, Risk Management Team or Committee).

3. Call Clark County Children's Services Bureau-327-1748 or after 5:00 PM or on weekends-324-8687.

4. Document who, what, why, where, how and when including date and time and who you spoke with at Clark County CSB and instructions provided to person making report.

A. Follow Reporting Procedure.

B. The accused will not be confronted until the safety of the child or youth is secured. The alleged perpetrator's responsibility and contact with children or youth through church programs will be reviewed to ensure that the church is a safe environment.

C. Contact the parents.

D. Contact the church's insurance carrier.

E. Contact the District Executive.

F. The church staff will take seriously any and all accusations of abuse or sexual misconduct. All allegations will be investigated and documented in writing within five (5) days. The church staff will maintain confidentiality concerning all information.

G. The church staff will be sensitive to the victim and seek to prevent further hurt. The church will provide support persons for the victim and family, which may include a mental health professional.

*Install windows in the classroom doors as a phase-in plan (stages) so that doors can still be closed to help noise control, yet there would still be high visibility into the classroom.