Ness Avenue Baptist Church
Child PROTECTION Policy

Statement for the Protection of Children, Children’s Workers, Volunteers, Pastoral Staff, and Congregational Members

I. Introduction of Policy Statement

We live in a day and age where issues of harassment, as well as physical and sexual abuse of children need to be addressed. If you believe that sexual abuse could never happen in a church, you are mistaken. Therefore as a church, we have a responsibility to protect our children from abuse of any kind and our workers from false accusations of abuse. Children are vulnerable to sexual abuse and must be protected. There is no excuse for allowing such a travesty to exist.

As a child care worker, you have an opportunity to build into the lives of the children under your care. It is a privilege to teach and lead our children into a close walk with our Heavenly Father, a privilege that should be taken seriously. Prudent and sensitive policies are needed; therefore, to protect our children and those who minister to them. Our “Statement of Faith,” “Members Covenant” and this document express the theological foundation for our beliefs.

These guidelines as presented in this policy statement explain the procedures for the recruitment of personnel, for the screening of potential workers, operational procedures for ministry to our youth (those under 18 years of age), training of all workers in the area of abuse, and appropriate responses to any claim of abuse or harassment. Remember, “ . . . among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people” (Ephesians 5:3).

We believe that as Christians, we should live for the glory of God and the well being of our fellowmen, and that our conduct should be blameless before the world and our families. We should be faithful stewards of our spiritual gifts and possessions (time, talents, and treasure), and we should seek to realize for others and ourselves the full stature of maturity in Christ. As a result, within the context of today's society, the Church needs to take a strong stand against all sin, including gossip, anger, sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10:8; Galatians 5:19, 20; Ephesians 5:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7), adultery (Exodus 20:14; Matthew 5:27-28; Hebrews 13:4), and homosexuality (Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26, 27). It is clear in scripture that these sexual sins committed outside the realm of marriage of a man to a woman are not part of God’s plan for life and holiness, because these areas of sin penetrate to the very soul of mankind in a way that other sins cannot. However, in the process of taking a stance on these issues, we need to love those entangled in sin with the same love that Christ has shown us (Romans 3:23).

“Dear friends, if a Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself” (Galatians 6:1 NLT).

In matters of civil law, believers must submit to the government.

1 Corinthians 10:23; 10:31; 6:19-20; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; 2 Peter 3:14; Romans 1:26-32; Romans 3:23; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 5:19-21; 6:1; 2 Corinthians 12:20; 1 Peter 2:9-20; Romans 13:1-7

As Christians, we have a responsibility to offer leadership in this area of protecting our nation’s children.

II. Definitions

Sexual abuse is any unwanted physical contact, verbal communication or action that implies or demonstrates sexual activity. Sexual abuse violates the child’s physical, spiritual and emotional wholeness causing the victim to feel shame, while providing power, stimulation and pleasure for the abuser. Most children when abused, are abused by someone they know and trust, a relative, family friend, or some other child care worker.

Physical Abuse Is the disproportionate and inappropriate use of force to restrain, coerce, intimidate, discipline and/or control a child.

Emotional Abuse: Is the inappropriate disproportionate use of a “threat” of physical or verbal force to restrain, coerce, intimidate, discipline and/or control a child.

Harassment: Is the physical and/or emotional, persistent, unwanted attention directed toward a child or adult. Therefore, we will uphold moral and scriptural principles as described in the Bible (see Statement of Faith, Members Covenant, and Bible).

Child Neglect: Is not providing for the physical, emotional being of any child left in one’s care and protection. I

II. Screening Policies

A. Targeted Recruitment Ness Avenue Baptist Church will strive to involve and attract those volunteers whose passion is for the spiritual, emotional and physical development and well being of children.

All children’s and youth ministry workers shall be screened to a degree that is considered appropriate in the circumstances considering the level of interaction of the volunteer with children in the church’s care. No person shall be permitted to serve as a volunteer in the church with children and youth ministries where that person has an opportunity to be alone with any children, youth or vulnerable persons, or who has power or position of trust over children, youth, or vulnerable persons without first having been approved as a volunteer by the Christian Education Committee following the processing of an application for children’s worker.

B. Application for Children’s Workers

The Christian Education Committee (comprised of a Pastor, Deacon, and lay workers) shall be responsible for the proper and full processing of all applications.

1. Name

2. Address

3. Phone Number

4. Previous Church Membership or Affiliation

5. Positions Served at Previous Church

• a. Name(s) of Immediate Supervisors

• b. Applicant References

6. Child Abuse Registry Check

7. Interview

• a. Personal Interview with Applicant

• b. Reserve Right to Accept/Reject Applicant

• c. Review the Child Abuse Policy Statement of Ness Ave Baptist Church.

• d. All candidates must read and sign the child abuse policy, and the children’s workers “Abuse and Policy Statement” and “Statement of Faith.” All records will be kept confidential and on file indefinitely.

• e. All potential children’s workers will be considered only after attending Ness Avenue Baptist Church for a period of at least 6 months.

8. Training with regard to the Child Abuse Policy Manual.

IV. Operational Procedures

A. Registration Procedures for Children’s Ministries

1. Children grade 3 and under must be dropped off and picked up for a children’s ministry by a parent/guardian. Each child is designated a number and the parent is given a corresponding number for identification and emergency purposes. The attendance form will provide space for indicating medical and other relevant information.

2. The numbered cards for the nursery and/or Christian Education Programs are produced with sequential numbering.

3. Each week the numbered cards must be returned to the class teacher who will clip them with the child’s tag and store them till next class.

B. Responsible Practices for our Children’s Workers

1. A child is any person under 18 years of age.

2. Do not be alone with a child where your activity cannot be seen. Leave doors open in nonwindowed rooms which allows for others to observe any activity. If you are counseling a child make sure that another adult is present or in the building close by and be sure that the child knows the adult’s name.

3. Do not invade the privacy of a child when they are using the toilet or showering (unless the parent indicates that toilet care help will be needed).

4. Make sure another adult is present in the nursery if a child has soiled his underclothes and needs to be washed, or if a child needs his/her diaper changed.

5. Do not engage in sexually provocative games.

6. Do not make sexually suggestive comments about, or to, a child, even in jest.

7. Do not engage in any inappropriate or intrusive touching of any kind.

8. Do not let a child involve you in excessive attention seeking that is overtly sexual or physical in nature. If you have a concern about a certain child’s behavior talk to a pastor or board members.

9. Do not scapegoat, reject, or ridicule a child.

10. Treat children and young people with the respect and dignity befitting their age; watch your language, tone of voice, and where you put your body.

11. Learn to control and discipline children without using physical restraint. Guide children in their behavior, by being firm, loving, and consistent. As adults, we should be in control of 5 our emotions. Never slap, hit, or shake a child. Also, do not shout at a child in anger, belittle or demean a child.

12. Do not invite a child to your home or any off-ministry site alone. Make sure there is someone else present close by. Make sure the child’s parent(s) know where the child is.

13. Do not give rides to children on their own other than for short journeys. If they are alone, ask them to sit in the backseat. If they are under 12 they should be in the back seat.

14. Do not share inappropriate sleeping accommodations with children if you take a group away.

15. If you see another worker or any other adult acting in a way that might be misconstrued, be prepared to speak to them or to your church leaders about your concern.

16. Ground rules with your children should include no swearing, no racist remarks, no namecalling, and the property of others should always be respected.

17. Do not take pictures of an individual child in private without a parent’s permission.

18. Talk to a child about his/her behavior away from the group, and not in front of everyone; in a place visible to, but out of hearing range, and not in seclusion. Explain to them the behavior expected of them in a group situation.

19. Reject the behavior, not the child. For example, “You told a lie,” rather than “You are a liar.”

20. Give encouragement to every child. Notice the good behavior of a child and comment on it.

21. Give positive eye contact to encourage a child.

22. All out of town or unusual activities require parental consent.

23. Pray for and with your group

V. Responding to Allegations

A. How to React When a Child Wants to Talk About Abuse

1. I will help you. Reassure the child that he/she is safe and that it is your civic duty to report the matter to the proper authorities.

2. Take the child someplace quiet where you can listen to them.

3. Accept what the child says.

4. Keep calm and focused.

5. Look at the child directly.

6. Be honest.

7. Let them know that you need to tell someone else - don’t promise them confidentiality.

8. Even when a child has broken a rule, assure the child that he/she is not to be blamed for the abuse.

9. Be aware that the child may have been threatened, respond appropriately.

10. Never push for information. Avoid leading or investigative questions and respect silence.

11. Make sure the child is safe until a social worker or police officer arrives.

B. Helpful Things to Say:

1. I believe you.

2. I am glad that you have told me.

3. It’s not your fault

4. I’m sorry that this has happened to you.

5. I’ll help you

C. Avoid Saying:

1. Why didn’t you tell anyone?

2. I can’t believe it!

3. Are you sure this is true?

4. Why? How? When? Who? Where? What? Our purpose is not to investigate at this stage but to allow the child to vent.

5. Never make false promises.

6. Never make statements such as “I’m shocked, don’t tell anyone else.”

D. After Listening to the Child

1. Let the child know what you are going to do next, and that you will let them know what happens.

2. Immediately let one of the Pastors know what has happened. Speak only to that one person, no one else, even “in confidence.”

3. Contact CFS or parents. If the parents are believed to be responsible then report directly to CFS in collaboration with pastoral staff.

4. Make hand written notes as soon as possible (preferably within an hour of the interview). Write down exactly what the child said and when he or she said it. Record the date, time, place and any other person present, for example, the child’s friend. Keep all hand-written notes, even if subsequently typed up. The church’s Suspected Abuse Report form should be filled out immediately.

5. Have the church’s designated individual contact the parents or Child and Family Services immediately on disclosure of abuse, and implement the Child Protection Policy of Ness Avenue Baptist Church. We are not to investigate any claims as a church, that is the responsibility of Child and Family Services.

VI. Ness Avenue Baptist Child Abuse Plan

1. Report the church’s incident to the parents or Child and Family Services (if the parents are potentially responsible) in collaboration with pastoral staff and work with that authority. Do not attempt an in depth investigation. Take allegations seriously and reach out to the victim and the victim’s family as appropriate.

2. The Church Executive Committee (comprised of Pastors and Deacon’s board representatives) should be informed immediately. The Church Executive Committee will be responsible for the implementation of this policy.

3. Contact our lawyer and insurance company.

4. Following legal counsel select a church spokesman to speak to the media and the congregation regarding the matter in a discrete, informed, truthful and diplomatic way.

5. Treat the accused and their family with dignity and support. If the person is a volunteer they will be temporarily relieved of duties until the investigation is completed. Inform the individuals involved that confidentiality will be maintained.

6. Be prepared by having adequate records of workers’ applications, references and screening forms. They should be up to date. It is important that the process for approving children’s workers be followed in every case.

7. Have a clear reporting procedure for all those that work with children. They are to present any concerns to the Church Executive Committee (comprised of Pastors and Deacon’s board representatives).

8. Following legal counsel prepare for the public a position statement of the church regarding child sexual abuse, including the policies and established safeguards which the church has taken to protect our children. This is no time for silence or “no comment.” Use this opportunity to educate public opinion positively by emphasizing an awareness of the problem of child abuse, a concern for the victims, and the extensive steps the church has taken to reduce the risk and provide a safe environment for children.

9. Don’t deny the incident or minimize the incident.

10. Document all the church’s efforts at handling the incident.

11. Don’t blame the victim or the victim’s family and don’t attack the alleged perpetrator of the abuse.

12. Notify the Baptist General Conference - Canada, and BGC-CC. The Church Executive Committee should keep them informed of any pertinent developments.

13. Use the text of a prepared public statement to answer the press and to convey news to the congregation. Be careful to safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of all involved.

Conclusion

We believe that each Christian should be committed to provide an environment of respect and safety for every person around them. The church itself should be a place of sanctuary, a safe haven for all who attend. This safe environment should offer privacy, respect, and protection from sexual abuse. Therefore the church has a zero tolerance for abuse, harassment, or neglect committed by any children’s or youth ministry worker including employees, members, and volunteers. The purpose of this policy is to prevent harm to children in the church’s programs as well as to protect our staff and volunteers from false and wrongful allegations.

We believe that God’s grace and forgiveness are available to a person who has sexually abused another. It is possible for him/her to forsake this sin and be changed by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:9-11) and to be restored to fellowship and service in the church to adults (2 Corinthians 2:5-11).