I. Introduction

II. Biblical And Theological Perspective

III. Definition of Important Terms

IV. Standards of Conduct

V. Recognizing Abuse

VI. Abuse Prevention Guidelines & Procedures

VII. Abuse Prevention Policies Pertaining to Specific Areas of Ministry

VIII. Code of Ethics And Application Form

I.  INTRODUCTION

West Olive Christian Reformed Church understands that there are abused persons within our community, and that some may be worshiping with us.  These persons often have been abused by persons in their lives whom they have known and trusted.  The majority of these abuse situations have been by family and/or extended family members.  Regrettably, a common theme throughout these situations has been the absence of the church in a supporting role for the victim and, unfortunately, sometimes in a role of silently ignoring the abusive act.  Our congregation recognizes that abuse occurs in our church families and extended families.  This has been verified by our Synod's Committee on Sexual Abuse Within the Church.  Because of these findings and our commitment to care for people, West Olive Church believes it is imperative to institute a policy on child abuse prevention in the church.

The intent of this policy is to reduce the risk of child abuse and ensure intervention if it does occur within the church setting and among church family members.  We are sad that this sin exists and recognize that our policy increases our responsibilities toward fellow church members.  However, we believe that these principles serve the greater good of the church.

It is important to note that the policy requires pastors to report to the proper governmental authorities all cases alleging child abuse.  Persons entering into a counseling relationship with the pastors are made aware of this regulation.  Also, they understand that the church council requires this reporting and mandates its staff to report all of these cases.

This introduction is followed by a biblical and theological perspective on abuse, definitions of important terms, standards for appropriate and inappropriate conduct, and possible indicators of abuse.  Then follows the overall policy for child abuse prevention and guidelines for the specific programs in our youth education program.  Finally, two forms are attached that all who serve our children and youth in any way must complete: an application form and a code of ethics.

This document was constructed solely for the use of West Olive Christian Reformed Church. While others may use this document as a model, the information provided is presented with the understanding that West Olive Christian Reformed Church will not be held responsible for any damages caused by its use.
 

II.  BIBLICAL AND THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE

"They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain. . . "
       Isaiah 11:9

The kingdom of God is described in a variety of ways throughout the Bible, perhaps none so picturesquely and with so much vivid imagery as in the book of Isaiah, chapter 11. It's a beautiful and harmonious scene, culminating in the quotation above. This passage describes not only relationships within the whole of God's creation, but also human relationships.

The fall of the human race into sin and the depravity that resulted have destroyed God's original design and intent for this world and especially for our relationships.  While it is true that sin in general affects the whole of human life, few sins tear at the fabric of relationships with as much human misery and pain as the sin of abuse.  Abuse distorts the image of God, devalues human beings created in his image, and devastates its victims.
 

The biblical record realistically portrays the presence and results of abuse among the people of God (see, for example, the story of Amnon and Tamar in 2 Samuel 13).  Studies and statistics today indicate an incidence of abuse within the church equal to that in the general population (see the Christian Reformed Church survey by the Calvin College Social Research Center, Agenda for Synod 1992, p. 320).  Where such abuse is perpetrated by spiritual leaders within a congregation, there is not only a terrible perversion of power, but enormous spiritual damage results.

Yet the Bible's message is not one of despair, but of hope! In Christ God's world is restored, and God's kingdom comes. In his life on earth Christ was the embodiment of righteousness, justice, peace, reconciliation, and love. Through his death, he redeemed his church; by his Word and Spirit, he calls and equips us to model his kingdom until it comes in all its completion and glory.

The church is responsible for becoming a safe community that confronts sin, particularly the sin of abuse. The church seeks to bring healing to its victims and help to its perpetrators.  It consciously works for the prevention of all abuse.  To that end, the Synod of 1992 affirmed "the church's stance against this evil and encourage[d] victims to protest this evil and its aftereffects, which they may still be experiencing."

Synod also called on the church to "encourage perpetrators to seek appropriate help." Further, church councils are "to help their congregations to publicly acknowledge that the sin of abuse exists among us; to support efforts that such abuse be addressed promptly so that abused and abusers may experience the healing power of God's grace; and to take positive steps to make their congregations safe for all persons. (See Acts of Synod 1992, p. 673.) In all of these and other ways, the church and each individual congregation can become a "colony" of the kingdom where "they will neither harm nor destroy on all [God's] holy mountain" (Isaiah 11:9), where every tear is wiped away (Isaiah 25:8), and where there is peace.
     --by Edward Tamminga and Nick Vander Kwaak
 

III.   DEFINITIONS OF IMPORTANT TERMS

A.  Adult: a person at least 18 years of age.

B.  Appropriate conduct: conduct that one could reasonably assume would be acceptable and permissible by the child's parent or guardian and the Council of the Congregation.

C.  Child or Youth: a person under 18 years of age.

D.  Child abuse: harm or threatened harm to a child's health or welfare which occurs through non-accidental physical or mental injury; sexual abuse, sexual molestation, sexual exploitation; disseminating, exhibiting, or displaying pornographic material to children.

E.  Sexual abuse: engaging in any sexual contact with a child; the sexual exploitation or molestation of any person, and/or disseminating, exhibiting or displaying pornographic materials regardless of whether such conduct is with or without the knowledge or consent of the other person.  Sexual abuse may be violent or non-violent.  It includes sexual behaviors involving touching, such as fondling, as well as penetration, intercourse and rape.  It also includes sexual behavior that does not include touching, such as sexually suggestive comments, obscene phone calls, exhibitionism, displaying pornographic materials, and allowing children to witness sexual activity.

F.  Staff member: any person serving at West Olive Church in an official paid capacity.

G.  Volunteer Program leaders: persons giving leadership in any of West Olive Church's ministries including but not limited to nursery helpers, Children's Worship teachers/helpers, Sunday School teachers, GEMS counselors, youth group leaders, council members and transportation providers.
 

IV.   STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

A. Prohibited Conduct

To achieve the goal of preventing any forms of abuse or the potential of false allegations of abuse, staff members, volunteer program leaders or any church member providing care for children whether paid or volunteer shall not engage in any of the following conduct with program participants whether consensual or non-consensual:

1. abuse of any kind, including sexual abuse;
2. sexual exploitation or molestation;
3. disseminating, exhibiting, or displaying pornographic material;
4. hitting, kicking, slapping or shoving;
5. selling, giving, or furnishing any child with any tobacco substance, alcohol, or controlled drug;
6. swear or use obscene, foul, or sexually explicit language;
7. demonstrate any romantic or sexual interest in a child;
8. remove any dress clothing from another person, except when appropriately required under necessary circumstances;
9. wear anything but appropriate attire in the presence of others, especially children;
10. kiss any child or non-family member on the lips or in an intimate area;
11. extended or inappropriate hugging or embracing;
12. sleep in the same bed or bedding with any child;
13. remain in any building, room, motor vehicle or private place with a child except as permitted in this policy;
14. assist any child in the rest room except as permitted in this policy;
15. deny anyone, who is not a threat to a child, access into a room, vehicle, or other place in which you are present with a child.
 

B. Permitted conduct

It is quite natural, appropriate and desirable for Christians to express and share their love and affection for each other and Christ.  This sharing is essential for healthy emotional and spiritual well-being of individuals, and for the growth and development of a loving and caring Christian community such as West Olive Church.  This sharing of love is especially important to children for their normal, healthy, and happy growth and development.  The expressing and sharing of one's Christian love to a child or another adult member shall not be considered abuse or be in any way prohibited, restricted or limited by this policy.  The following conduct by a staff member, volunteer program leader or any other church member whether paid or volunteer shall be considered to be an expression of this Christian love and not abuse or even creating the appearance of child abuse:

1. verbally expressing one's Christian love and affection to another;
2. appropriately holding and comforting another person;
3. occasionally and appropriately hugging or embracing another person, especially when initiated by the other;
4. sharing emotional and spiritual concerns with another person;
5. providing necessary medical care and attention to another person;
6. encouraging another member to appropriately express and share their Christian love.

C. Guidelines for Private Conversations and/or Counseling

The opportunity for a church member, whether child or adult, to share confidentially his or her private and personal concerns with another member can contribute significantly to his or her spiritual, emotional and physical well-being.  Indeed, this may be the only time when a person may be willing to disclose any abuse he or she may be suffering.  Such private and confidential conversations are an integral part of a caring and loving Christian community.

On the other hand, such private conversations create a very high risk environment for potential abuse situations to arise.  They create an ideal opportunity for: (1) abuse to occur, (2) a false appearance that abuse may be occurring, and (3) a false, but difficult to refute, allegation that an incident of abuse did occur.

Thus, there is a tension between two valuable objectives designed to reach a common ministry goal.  A proper balance is difficult to achieve with any set of policies or guidelines, especially given the variety of circumstances and relationships that may exist.

Therefore, before engaging in a private conversation with another member, whether child or adult, every staff member, volunteer program leader or other member engaged in ministry should weigh and balance the following considerations:

 1. Location.  Private conversations can be conducted more safely in public and populated locations.  If possible, all conversations should be conducted in a public place, easily accessible to others.

 2. Necessity.  If the conversation does not involve confidential matters, but is generally "small talk", it is not necessary to be alone in a private location.

 3. Relationship.  Be sure you have a good, healthy relationship with the other person.  Private conversations and meetings should be avoided if any romantic interests start to develop.

 4. Gender issues.  Private meetings and conversations with members of the opposite sex are more prone to abuse and the appearance of impropriety.

 5. Frequency.  Frequent private conversations can create difficulties in a child's healthy development or lead to dangerous relationship dynamics among adults.

 6. Ability of the Care Giver.  If a person's spiritual or emotional needs are significant, the care giver should refer him or her to the pastor or to a professional counselor.  Don't overestimate your own counseling abilities.

 7.  Reliability.  Consider the emotional stability and maturity of the individual.  If lacking, private meetings with that person may be dangerous because such individuals may create the highest risk of false accusations.

 8.  Appearance.  Maintain an appropriate appearance at all times.  Remember, words and conduct that you may consider to be appropriate at the time can subsequently be made to appear very inappropriate or sinister.

 9. Substance of conversation.  The substance of the conversation should be appropriate at all times.

 10. Touching.  Although hugging another person in a public location when several others are present may be appropriate, physical contact in a private, isolated location creates a very high risk of being misconstrued and should be avoided.

 11. Safeguard.  As an extra precaution, consider keeping records of all private meetings, and let some other adult besides his or her spouse know that the conversations are occurring, as well as the reasons for the conversations.

D.  Discipline Guidelines

The primary means of discipline is the development of a healthy and respectful relationship between the adults leading the program and the children or young people involved.  Therefore, adults should do all they can to foster respect and care in their program.  As well, those adults should engage in praying regularly for the youth in their program, and treat the youth as they would like to be treated.  But there are times when the usual methods of maintaining order appropriate to the setting fail.  If this is the case, then the following procedure should be used:

1.  Under no circumstances shall any of the prohibited conduct in section IV. A. be used as a means of discipline.
2.  A misbehaving child should not be restrained unless he or she is about to harm another person in the program.
3.  If someone is disrupting a program, he or she should be warned verbally.  If he or she has to be warned a second time during the session of the program, the teacher/leader should speak to the youth one-on-one when that session is finished.
4.  If the youth persists in being disruptive in succeeding weeks, the teacher/leader should contact the parents/guardians.  If appropriate, the parent/guardian should stay with the youth in class for at least one period.
5.  If the youth persists in being disruptive in succeeding weeks, he or she shall be forbidden to attend the program until after he or she, his or her parents (or guardians), and the pastor have met to work through the problem.  As part of that meeting a written contract for appropriate behavior and consequences for misbehavior shall be drawn up and signed by the youth and his/her parents/guardians.
6.  If the youth violates the contract, consequences for violation shall be enacted including expulsion from the program for the year.
 

V.  RECOGNIZING ABUSE

A.  Possible Indicators of Child Abuse and Neglect

The following lists include general characteristics of abused children.  Any one indicator does not necessarily mean that abuse has occurred.  They may also indicate stress or anxiety in a young child. However, if a number of indicators are present, it is wise to consider the possibility of abuse.

1.  Possible Indicators of Physical Abuse:
 Unexplained bruises or welts (bruises in various stages of healing - different colors, old and new scars together).
 Unexplained burns (cigarette, etc.).
 Unexplained broken bones.
 Unexplained cuts or scrapes.
 Unexplained stomach injuries.
 Unbelievable explanations of injuries or claiming no knowledge of the source of injury.
 Exhibits habit disorders (sucking, biting, eating disorders).
 Fears adults; shrinks away from touch.
 Afraid to go home.
 Bald spots and scalp bruises (caused by hair pulling).
 Human bite marks.
 Fears parent(s) or care giver.
 Overly aggressive or withdrawn.
 Seeks more than average amounts of affection from other adults.
 Lags in emotional and intellectual development.

2.  Possible Indicators of Neglect
 Under-fed or constantly hungry.
 Constantly unclean/poor hygiene.
 Unattended medical needs.
 Growth rate below normal.
 Begging or stealing food.
 Lack of supervision.
 Constantly fatigued or listless.

3.  Possible Indicators of Emotional Abuse/Neglect:
 Speech problems.
 Slow mental or emotional growth.
 Anti-social or destructive behavior.
 Dramatic emotional swings.
 Low self-esteem.
 Slow physical growth.
 Habit of sucking, biting, or rocking.
 Long-term depression.
 Loss of appetite.

4.  Possible Indicators of Sexual Abuse
 Difficulty in walking or sitting.
 Unusual knowledge of or interest in private parts.
 Bed-wetting.
 Depression or withdrawn behavior.
 Poor relationships with other children.
 Acting out adult sexual behaviors.
 Indirect hints that allude to problems
 Pain or itching around private parts.
 Stomach-aches.
 Sleep problems.
 Sudden behavior changes.
 Reluctance to go to the bathroom.
 Anxiety, irritability, constant inattentiveness.

B.  Procedure for Helping Children or Youth when Abuse is Suspected

 1.  When you first notice or suspect child abuse and/or when the child first comes to you, be sure to take the child seriously.  Don't deny the problem.  Stay calm, and listen to the child.  Remind the child that he or she is not at fault and that the child was right in telling you about the problem.  Do not promise the child that you will not tell anyone!

 2.  Immediately report such a case to a the pastor or to the vice-president of the council.  A determination will be made as to whether more information is needed or whether Child Protective Services or law enforcement officials will be contacted.

 3.  After reporting, respect the child's privacy by keeping the information confidential.
 

VI.   ABUSE PREVENTION GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES

A.  The pastor, one other man, and two women will be designated as "safe people" and will be introduced to the children and the congregation as such.  Children and other members of the congregation will be encouraged to report abuse or inappropriate behavior to one of the safe people.

B.  The safe people, office bearers, leaders, teachers, and anyone in a position representing West Olive Christian Reformed Church are required to report any suspected or alleged incidence of abuse to the pastor or to the vice-president of the council.  It is not the responsibil ity of the reporting person to substantiate the alleged abuse but only to report it to the pastor or to the vice president of the council.

C.  Any allegation of abuse will be taken seriously.  When a report is made, the appropriate action will depend on the ages of those involved and the circumstances of the particular case.  If an initial assessment by the pastor or vice-president of the council gives reasonable cause to believe that abuse may have occurred, the following people will be notified:
 1. The church's attorney,
 2. Child Protective Services (if a minor) and/or local police,
 3. The church's insurance carrier,
 4. Parents/guardians of the allegedly offended person (if a minor),
 5. The accused person after the security of the allegedly offended person is guaranteed,
 6. Denominational authorities (if the alleged abuser is the pastor),
 7. Church Council.
If necessary, other people directly involved will be notified.  The allegation of abuse will remain within the confidence of these parties.

The pastor will maintain records of reported allegations of abuse which must be kept secure and confidential.  When the pastor leaves West Olive Church, he shall turn over pertinent records to the vice-president of Council who will forward them to new pastoral staff.

D. If the initial assessment gives reasonable cause to believe that abuse may have occurred, then the alleged abuser will be suspended from serving in the congregation for the protection of all parties.  If the alleged abuser is the pastor, he will be suspended according to synodical rules with full pay and without prejudice pending a hearing.  If the alleged abuser is another staff member, office bearer, or a volunteer program leader, he or she will be suspended from the church position (with full pay for staff) and without prejudice pending a hearing.

E. The church will cooperate fully with any investigation done by Child Protective Services or local police.  All persons involved in a particular case, including their families, will be supported as appropriate with pastoral and professional counseling/care throughout the hearing, investigation and/or legal processes.

In the event that criminal charges are dropped or prosecution does not result in conviction, the council must decide whether or not the church leader is to be restored to his/her previous position or duty.  Conviction or lack of it is not the only criterion the church uses to discern ungodly conduct.  An alleged abuser is not reinstated to a previous position of leadership until the council, in consultation with the police/child-protection authorities, legal counsel, and child- abuse experts, deems it safe and proper to do so.

When appropriate, those who made false allegations will be held legally and ecclesiastically responsible for their actions.

F.  If abuse is judged to have occurred, the congregation will be notified by announcement and by letter explaining the allegation and/or the reason for suspension and what steps have been taken.  All adult members of the congregation should receive the same explanatory informa tion.  Although it should be disseminated with discretion and sensitivity, the information should not be tempered with references to a leave of absence, stress, burnout, or any other euphemism.

When an allegation of abuse becomes public knowledge outside of the church, one official spokesperson will be designated by the council to interact with the media.

The congregation will cooperate with the legal and/or therapeutic process.  The abuser will be deposed from office or placed under continued suspension.  If the abuser is the pastor, the provisions of church order and, if necessary, the judicial code of the Christian Reformed Church will be followed.  On no account will he be allowed simply to move to another charge without long-term intensive treatment and appropriate accountability.

G. All staff and volunteer program leaders will be required to attend an annual training meeting which will include a presentation about our abuse policy and how to recognize signs of abuse and inappropriate behavior.  At this time, they shall sign and turn in a Code of Ethics.

H. The procedure for entry into children's and youth ministry at West Olive is as follows:
 1.  Paid staff and volunteers are given the abuse prevention policy including the code of ethics and an application form.
 2.  Completed application forms are received by a person designated by council who will be responsible for all record-keeping.  The application forms are reviewed by the pastor and the person responsible for record-keeping.
    a.  Form is examined for items that may raise concern.
    b.  Gaps in information are noted.
 3.  Volunteers for higher risk positions such as those engaged in overnight activities with youth or largely unsupervised activities involving children or youth will be interviewed by the pastor and the appropriate leader and references will be checked.
 4.  Volunteers whose application form raises concerns will be interviewed by the pastor and the appropriate program leader and references will be checked.  As well, that person will be required to complete a police records check which will be submitted to the proper authorities.  Once references have been checked, the pastor shall discuss these concerns with the elders.
 5.  After application (and interview) is complete, all names will be submitted to the appropriate committees then to the council for approval.  Pastoral care and redirection will be given as needed to those who are not approved.
 6.  Those who are approved and begin service in an area of youth ministry must read this abuse policy and undergo abuse prevention training within a year of their beginning service in the ministry.  The pastor will be responsible to arrange for periodic training sessions and the designated record-keeper will ensure that all volunteers have completed proper application forms and training.
 7.  Application forms will be kept confidential and in a secure area.  For further accountability, they shall also be available to the vice-president of Council.
 8.  Concerns about interpretation of this policy shall be discussed with the council.

I. All children and youth will be informed annually of these policies as is fitting to their age and understanding.  This will be done through their programs and will include information on how to protect themselves from abuse, whom they can consult for help, and the introduction of safe people.  Program leaders will be required to keep attendance records of these meetings.

J.  All parents/guardians will be notified by letter each fall regarding our abuse policies and are invited to the classes where children are informed about these policies.  All newcomer classes will also outline our abuse prevention policy for those interested in joining our congregation.

K. The council will insure that there is periodic review of all abuse policies and procedures.

VII.   ABUSE PREVENTION POLICIES PERTAINING TO SPECIFIC AREAS OF MINISTRY

A. YOUTH GROUP ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY

1. All youth group leaders must complete youth ministry application forms and be approved by the West Olive council.
2. All youth leaders are required to attend a training/informational/inspirational meeting each year during which the congregation's abuse policy will be explained.
3. During an opening meeting each year, the West Olive Church abuse policy will be reviewed with both the youth leaders and young people.  "Safe people" will be introduced.  Parents/guardians should be invited to attend this meeting.  Program leaders must take attendance of all parents and youth who attended this meeting.
4. We strongly encourage that at all meetings with youth and adults present, there be at least three people, preferably two adults and one youth.  Any one-on-one meetings between adult youth leaders and young people must be between people of the same sex,  will be governed by the standards of conduct in this policy, and require advance notification to the person designated by council for keeping records (including the date, time and purpose for the meeting, and young person's name).  The person keeping these records shall be responsible to record all such notifications in writing.  Before a second one-on-one meeting may be sched uled, the pastor must call the young person to receive his or her permission for the meeting.  Any time a youth group leader has to be alone with a youth group member (such as transportation), the leader should also notify the records keeper regarding the circumstances.
5. Anyone not following the rules stated must be reported to the pastor.

 Note:  We do not have a rule which requires "two-deep leadership" in which a young person must be accompanied by at least two adults.  If enforced, such a rule prohibits a leader from building trusting relationships with group members.  Meeting alone with a group member could be a set up for abuse but by prohibiting it, we do not allow the kinds of relationships which are crucial for effective youth ministry.  We feel that the notification rule protects both the youth leader and the young person.  No youth leader may ever take a young person out without advance notification, and a young person must be asked if he or she wants to have another visit and given permission to say no if he or she chooses.  Without these provisions a "two-deep leadership" rule would be necessary.
 

B. GEMS ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY

1. All counselors must complete youth ministry application forms and be approved by the West Olive council.
2. All counselors are required to attend a training/informational/inspirational meeting each year during which the congregation's abuse policy will be explained.
3. During an opening GEMS meeting each year, the West Olive Church abuse policy will be reviewed with both the counselors and young people.  "Safe people" will be introduced.  Parents/guardians should be invited to attend this meeting.  Program leaders must take attendance of all parents and youth who attended this meeting.
4. All counselors should be aware of the location of their girls at all times, and the Head Counselor will serve as overall monitor.
5. We strongly encourage that at all meetings with youth and adults present, there be at least three people, preferably two adults and one youth.  Any one-on-one meetings between adult counselors and young people will be governed by the standards of conduct in this policy, and require advance notification to the person designated by council for keeping records (including the date, time and purpose for the meeting, and young person's name).  The person keeping these records shall be responsible to record all such notifications in writing.  Before a second one-on-one meeting may be scheduled, the pastor must call the young person to receive his or her permission for the meeting.  Any time a counselor has to be alone with a girl (such as transportation), the counselor should also notify the records keeper regarding the circumstanc es.
6. Anyone not following the rules stated must be reported to the pastor.

 Note:  We do not have a rule which requires "two-deep leadership" in which a young person must be accompanied by at least two adults.  If enforced, such a rule prohibits a counselor from building trusting relationships with group members.  Meeting alone with a group member could be a set up for abuse but by prohibiting it, we do not allow the kinds of relationships which are crucial for effective youth ministry.  We feel that the notification rule protects both the counselor and the young person.  No counselor may ever take a young person out without advance notification, and a young person must be asked if she wants to have another visit and be given permission to say no if he or she chooses.  Without these provisions a "two-deep leadership" rule would be necessary.
 

C. CHILDREN'S WORSHIP, SUNDAY SCHOOL, VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY

1. All leaders, helpers, and teachers must complete youth ministry application forms and be approved by the West Olive council.
2. All leaders, helpers, and teachers are required to attend a training/informational/inspirational meeting each year during which the congregation's abuse policy will be explained.
3. During an opening meeting each year, the West Olive Church abuse policy will be reviewed with both the teachers and students in each program.  "Safe people" will be introduced.  Par ents/guardians should be invited to attend this meeting.  Program leaders must take attendance of all parents and youth who attended this meeting.
4. We strongly encourage that at all meetings with children and adults present, there be at least three people, preferably two adults and one child.  Any one-on-one meetings between a teacher and a student must be between people of the same sex,  will be governed by the standards of conduct in this policy, and require advance notification to the person designated by council for keeping records (including the date, time and purpose for the meeting, and young person's name).  The person keeping these records shall be responsible to record all such notifications in writing.  Before a second one-on-one meeting may be scheduled, the pastor must call the young person and his or her parents/guardians to receive their permission for the meeting.
5. Anyone not following the rules stated must be reported to the pastor.

 Note:  We do not have a rule which requires "two-deep leadership" in which a young person must be accompanied by at least two adults.  If enforced, such a rule prohibits a teacher from building trusting relationships with students.  Meeting alone with a student could be a set up for abuse but by prohibiting it, we do not allow the kinds of relationships which are crucial for effective youth ministry.  We feel that the notification rule protects both the teacher and student.  No teacher may ever take a student out without advance notification, and the student must be asked if he or she wants to have another visit and given permission to say no if he or she chooses.  Without these provisions a "two-deep leadership" rule would be necessary.
 

D. NURSERY PROCEDURES

The following procedures are to be used during all services, functions, and societies when the nursery facilities are needed.

1. All nursery volunteers must complete youth ministry application forms and must be approved by the Nursery Coordinator and the Worship Committee.
2.  All nursery volunteers are required to attend a training/informational/inspirational meeting each year during which the congregation's abuse policy will be explained.
3.  There should always be at least two nursery workers in the nursery whenever it is in use.  Those who serve in the nursery (adults, teens, youth) are expected to be in the nursery at their assigned times.  If unable to fulfill their commitment, they are to find a suitable substitute from the approved substitute list only.
4.  Nursery volunteers are expected to be in the nursery 15 minutes prior to services or church functions unless otherwise specified and to remain until all children have been picked up.
5.  Nursery volunteers are to wear the supplied name tags.
6.  The adult is to supervise both the infants/toddlers and the teen/youth helpers, making sure the safety of the children using the nursery is foremost.
7.  Parents/guardians are to bring toddlers to the split door and hand the child to the nursery volunteer.  At this time, the child will be signed in and his or her belongings checked.  At pick up time, children will be handed to the parent/guardian at the split door.
8.  Parents/guardians of infants will be allowed to enter the nursery to remove infant outer wear (if necessary) and settle the baby in a swing, walker, crib, etc.  A nursery volunteer will sign in the baby and receive belongings and instructions.
9.  Parents/guardians are to label clearly all of the child's belongings--diaper bags, bottles, pacifiers, burp cloths, diapers, etc.  Belongings will be hung up.
10. The bottom half of the nursery door must remain closed so that the children do not run into the hallways.  The top half must remain open to allow for visibility and air circulation.  If a bathroom trip is necessary, all infants, children, and youth/adults serving in nursery are to go together to one bathroom, and the adult/youth volunteers are to remain in clear visibility to one another.  Otherwise, no child is to be allowed to leave the nursery except at pick up time.
11.  Nursery staff will sign a sheet whenever they change a diaper.
12.  Toys are to be picked up and put away neatly.  Any broken toys must be given to the nursery coordinator for removal and/or repair.
13.  If a nursery volunteer does not follow these procedures, that person will be reminded of the correct policy by the nursery liaison.  If the guidelines continue to be broken, the nursery liaison will be notified and that worker will no longer be used as a volunteer.
 

E.  VAN DRIVERS/RIDERS

1. All drivers and riders must complete youth ministry application forms and be approved by the West Olive council.
2. All drivers and riders are required to attend a training/informational/inspirational meeting each year during which the congregation's abuse policy will be explained.
3.  All drivers must be at least 18 years of age.  Riders must be legal driving age.
4.  Those who drive must have a good driving record (clear of points.)
5.  Whenever the van is used to transport children or young people, the driver and at least one rider must be in the van.  Preferably, the driver and rider will not be family members.
6.  All drivers, riders, youth and children must be wearing seat belts when the van is in motion.  The Discipline Guidelines described in IV.D. shall be used by the driver and rider for all children and youth who ride in the van.
 

CODE OF ETHICS FOR VOLUNTEERS, STAFF AND LEADERS IN CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAMS

As part of the promise made at baptism to love, pray for, encourage, instruct, and sustain the children at West Olive, I will help fulfill that vow by being faithful in my commitment to the children/youth to whom I am responsible.  Believing that God is calling me to serve children or youth in this congregation . . .

1.  My first priority in teaching/supervising/leading children or youth will be to seek the welfare of the children/youth physically, socially, educationally, and spiritually.
2.  I will also try to understand and respect the child's/youth's cultural background.
3.  I will give the parents/guardians full information about the program I am teach ing/supervising/leading, and what time it begins and ends.
4.  I will arrive on time and be prepared for the activities to which I have committed.  If I am not able to be present, I will find my own replacement/substitute from the approved list.
5.  I have read West Olive's Child Protection and Abuse Prevention Policy.  I understand it, and I will live by it in my participation in West Olive's children's/youth programs.
6.  I will not do anything that will damage a child's or youth's trust.  I will try to protect the child/youth from all forms of abuse while he or she is in my care.
7.  If I suspect that a child/youth may be hurt by the abusive behaviors of another person I will report that suspicion to the pastor or to the vice-president of the council so that it can be investigated properly.
8.  I will answer a child's/youth's questions openly and honestly.
9.  I will work with the children/youth to set some agreed-upon guidelines for acceptable behavior within the group.  I will expect the children/youth to act on the basis of those guidelines.  If a child/youth consistently breaks them, I will seek help from parents/guardians and others to assist me in responding to the child/youth.
10.  If a child is distressed, I will try to offer comfort and help.  I will encourage them to find the appropriate help for their needs.
11.  I will pray for each child/youth regularly and let them know that I care about them.

Signature of Volunteer/Staff/Leader: ___________________________________

Date: _________________________