Collins West Hartland UMC Welcome Thank you for

Collins & West Hartland UMC Welcome! Thank you for the time you are investing to help make our church a “safe” place for kids!

• Why do we have a Child Protection Policy?

And (Jesus) took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them. (Mark 10: 13 -16 NIV) As a caring congregation sensitive to the needs of our families, we feel that it is of the utmost importance to send a message to our community that we are a safe place for children. In order to do this we must follow and establish certain policies and procedures for all volunteers

• As much as we do not like to think about abusive and hurtful things happening in the church, it is clear that it is our duty as the church to guard and protect the children and youth who participate in our ministries and to prevent false claims from being made against us.

• As a caring congregation sensitive to the needs of our families, we feel that it is of the utmost importance to send a message to our community that we are a safe haven for families.

The purpose of the Child Protection Policy of the Collins and West Hartland United Methodist Church is to provide general safety guidelines, & procedures specifically designed to protect children and youth associated with the activities of the Church, & to establish a means of dealing with alleged, reported, or suspected incidence of abuse.

• Why do we meet to review our Child Protection Policy?

Our purpose is to review our child protection policy & increase our understanding of safety issues in order to increase the effectiveness of our youth ministry!

Definitions of Abuse Neglect – failure to meet basic needs Physical Abuse – intentional assault. Emotional/Verbal Abuse – humiliation, blaming, scaring, criticizing, or rejection. Sexual Abuse – contact that is sexual in nature.

Qualifications for Volunteers Persons with an active faith in Jesus Other persons on the journey to faith in Jesus may volunteer. Attending our worship services for at least six months. Complete an application Read & comply with the whole policy.

Application Process Complete the Volunteer Application Form An interview with the pastor or youth dir. may be requested. Attend a policy training.

Guidelines for the Supervision of Youth No youth is to be corrected with physical punishment. Negative behavior shall not be responded to with verbal abuse. Youth are not permitted to leave any activity without written parental permission Sexual touching of a child is prohibited.

Guidelines (cont. ) All activities require two adults to be in supervision. Volunteers should avoid one-on-one situations with youth. Youth should not be left unattended. General safety rules should be followed esp. regarding running & crossing the parking lot.

Guidelines (cont. ) All individuals in ministry to youth shall demonstrate appropriate Christian behavior and conduct. There shall be no use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs by youth volunteers during events All policies & procedures shall apply when any group is traveling or away from the church building.

Guidelines (cont. ) Parents & staff of the church may visit an activity at any time.

How to Plan a Youth Event Turn in a Prelim. Event Form. Secure Parental Permission Forms from youth. Turn in a Final Event form & copies of Permission Slips to office. Take parental forms to event.

Adult to Youth Ratio in Ministry Persons Attending: Adult Supervision: Youth in grades 1 -4 1 adult to 4 -6 youth Youth in grades 5 -8 1 adult to 5 -7 youth Youth in grades 9 -12 1 adult to 6 -8 youth

Persons Providing Transportation Must Be known to the leader of the event. Be at least 21 yrs. old. Have a valid driver’s license for the vehicle being operated. Have proof of insurance. Have received, read, & signed a copy of the church’s Child Protection Policy.

Child Care During Worship Provided for infants & preschool youth. Grades K-4 remain with parents/guardians “Cry Room” is available only for parents with newborn infants or those under one year of age. No one but scheduled volunteers is to be in the child care room(s) during worship.

Child Care (cont) … No one but parents with their children is to be in the “cry room” during worship. Parents are to “check in/out” children left in our volunteer child care during worship. Volunteers are to “pick up” the child care areas following use.

Response to Allegations of Abuse If abuse is reported, the pastor & or Youth Dir. will determine the appropriate response. Suspected abuse shall be reported to Children’s Services by law. The alleged abuser shall be confronted & removed from the setting in which the abuse has occurred. The pastor will consult with the D. S. A written report of the basic information will be kept.

Ongoing Education of Youth Volunteers Every other year the church will provide in service training for all volunteers beginning & continuing, in ministry with children and youth. Attendance at this training shall be required every other year.