safechurchpolicysummaryfromoaklandcob-september2002.docVIP

Recognizing our responsibilities to ensure that the church will be a safe place, we the members of the congregation of Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren have adopted the following policies: There are dangers that persist in our society today. They may manifest themselves in the form of child abuse. Such abuse may be physical, sexual and/or emotional. This policy will address our responsibility to keep children and youth safe. This policy will discuss the screening process for volunteers, give guidelines for those who are actively involved with youth/children’s ministry, give guidelines for reporting suspected abuse, and give a response plan for suspected abuse. SECTION 1 - SELECTION OF CHURCH STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS Pastoral Staff (excluding interim) should come through the district placement process and will be screened by District Executive Minister or his/her designee. Volunteers and church staff who have unsupervised access to children, youth, or individuals with diminished mental or physical capacity, and those who serve in counseling positions will be screened in the following areas: a personal interview screening form reference check All volunteers and church staff who work with children, youth, or individuals with diminished mental or physical capacity in situations will meet the following criteria: an active participant in the congregation have the recommendation of two church members (excluding relatives) never convicted, pleaded guilty or no contest to any crime involving sexual misconduct or any offenses against children valid drivers license and certification of insurance, if driving will be included as part of their responsibilities, and a personal interview conducted by the person or persons appointed by the Church Board. All documents used in the screening process will be kept confidential in the following manner: All documents will be marked confidential and kept in a locked file cabinet. The keys to the file are to be kept by t