"Una Iglesia Para conocer a Cristo y para ser Su discípulo"
Policies & Procedures in the Prevention of Child Abuse
Effective: February 2004
PRIMERA IGLESIA DEL PACTO EVANGELICO BELL GARDENS
Policies & Procedures in the Prevention of Child Abuse
CONTENT INDEX
DESCRIPTION PAGES
PURPOSE – SCOPE – DEFINITIONS ------------------------ | 1 |
WHAT IS CHILD ABUSE ----------------------------------------- | 2 |
WORKER ENLISTMENT ----------------------------------------- | 2-3 |
WORKERS TRAINING ------------------------------------------- | 3 |
VOLUNTEER APPLICATION FORM ------------------------- | 3-4 |
SPECIFIC ACTS & OMISSIONS IN -----------------------------VIOLATION OF THE POLICY | 5-6 |
WORKER SUPERVISION ---------------------------------------- | 6 |
OCCASIONAL VOLUNTEER WORKER ---------------------- | 6 |
SUPERVISION OF VOLUNTEER ------------------------------ | 6 |
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION REPORTING ----------------- | 7-10 |
INSURANCE -------------------------------------------------------- | 9 |
SIGNATURES ------------------------------------------------------ | 10 |
REQUEST FOR CRIMINAL RECORD ------------------------- | 11 |
NOTES --------------------------------------------------------------- | 12 |
|
|
PRIMERA IGLESIA DEL PACTO EVANGELICO BELL GARDENS
Policies & Procedures in the Prevention of Child Abuse
1
PURPOSE
In following the instructions of our Lord Jesus Christ to "let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as. these" (Matthew19:14), it is the purpose
of the members and staff of Primera Iglesia del Pacto evangélico to provide a safe and secure
environment for Nursery, preschoolers children, youth and mental handicapped persons entrusted
to our care. We do this to encourage those preschoolers. children. youth. and their families to come to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, and to grow in their relationship with him.
A safe and secure environment includes a formal. written policy to help prevent the occurrence of child abuse. The following policy and procedures are far the protection of our, preschoolers, children, youth, employees. volunteers and our entire church family at Primera Iglesia del Pacto Evangélico.
SCOPE
This policy shall apply to all current and future workers, compensated and/or volunteer, who will have the responsibility of supervising the activities of, preschoolers, children, youth, and mentally handicapped person
DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this policy the following definitions shall apply:
"Preschooler,” child," "children." "youth." and "minor" shall be defined as any
individual under the age of 18, or whose mental capacity is that of a minor.
"Adult" shall be defined as any individual at least 18 years of age.
"Worker" shall be defined as any adult who serves as a volunteer and/or paid position
given the responsibility of working with or caring for minors.
"Teenage Worker" shall be defined as any worker at least 14 years old, but under the age of 18, enlisted to assist with the care of minors.
"Child Abuse" shall be defined as verbal. physical, emotional, or sexual abuse of a preschooler, child, youth, or minor.
"Criminal Background Check" (CBC}Or (Screening) is the procedure used by our Conference and the Denomination , DPS, or other qualified agency to check the background of adult volunteers for criminal activity.
PRIMERA IGLESIA DEL PACTO EVANGELICO BELL GARDENS
Policies & Procedures in the Prevention of Child Abuse
2
WHAT IS CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE?
Child sexual abuse is any sexual activity with a child - whether in the home by a caretaker. in a day care situation, in a faster/residential setting, or in any other setting, including on the street by a person unknown to the child. The- abuser may be an adult an adolescent. or another child, provided the chi1d is at least four year older than the victim.
Child sexual abuse may be violent or non-violent All child sexual abuse is an exploitation of a child's vulnerability and powerlessness in which the abuser is fully responsible for the action.
Child sexual abuse is criminal behavior that involves children in sexual behaviors for which they are nor personally, socially, and developmentally ready
Child sexual abuse includes behaviors that involve touching and non-touching aspects,
WORKER ENLISTMENT
All paid employees of Primera Iglesia del Pacto Evangélico will be required to complete an Employment Application.
Whether a paid employee or a volunteer. each worker desiring to work with minors, also will be required to complete a Youth Worker Application Form which is specifically designed for workers who will be working with minors.
After an application is received. prior employment and volunteer service and personal references will be checked. it is suggested that. at a minimum, personal references are telephoned and a written memorandum is made of the contents of those telephone conversations. and that prior employment and church service references be contacted in writing.
Any prospective worker that has prior incidents of sexual misconduct or child abuse will not be allowed to serve in any capacity where they would have contact with minors.
Criminal background checks will be performed on each applicant after they have signed the authorization waiver indemnity form and prior to being enlisted as a worker. Annual criminal background checks will be performed on workers, randomly or as deemed necessary.
Only qualified representatives of Primera Iglesia del Pacto Evangélico will have access to the
criminal background check report. Recommendations will be given by this individual(s) to the Nominating Committee as to the qualification of applicants.
Standard interview questions will be developed and used in personal interviews with volunteer and employee applicants, after reviewing the applications of the applicant, checking all references. and receiving a criminal background check report. These interview sheets will be filled out with the results of the interview and kept in the employee personnel file, with the
PRIMERA IGLESIA DEL PACTO EVANGELICO BELL GARDENS
Policies & Procedures in the Prevention of Child Abuse
3
reference checks and the applications. Criminal background check reports should not be kept more than 30 days after receipt. A separate file will be maintained permanently on each worker, whether paid or a volunteer. No volunteer will be allowed to work with minors until they have been a member of the church for a minimum of six months, or a regular attendee for a minimum of one year.
When an employee or volunteer is engaged to work with minors. they will be photographed and the picture will be kept in the person's employment file. Photographs will be updated every two years or as deemed necessary.
At the applicant's request, Primera Iglesia del Pacto Evangélico shall allow the applicant to review
his/her criminal history record and transcript at the church, but in no event shall the church allow the applicant to retain and/or copy his/her transcript. The church shall immediately notify the Volunteer Center or other qualified agency if an internal grievance (applicant disputes) is filed by an applicant because of incorrect information or other reasons related to criminal histories provided by the agency. The church shall submit, in a reasonable time period, the Criminal History Record Resolution Request or a similar document to the agency.
WORKER TRAINING
Each new worker will be given the legal definition of child abuse in writing, as Well as the policy of the church on reporting child abuse. New workers also will be required to view child abuse prevention videos read the written materials available on this subject to help them gain an appreciation for the reality of the concern. This will help workers identify child abuse in the future if they see signs. of i_,
VOLUNTEER APPLICATION FORM
Employees. teachers of minors, and volunteers of activities or programs for minors of
Primera Iglesia del Pacto Evangélico will be required to complete a Volunteer Information application providing personal and confidential information necessary to perform security background checks and reference checks on each individual worker. While this process understandably trespasses into the privacy of our lives. the security of our children outweighs the personal invasion inherent with such investigation and disclosures. All personal information voluntarily disclosed. the results of all security background end reference checks. or the refusal of any person to participate in a program or activity in lieu of such disclosure requirements will be maintained in the strictest of confidence.
Whether disclosed voluntarily or by result of the security background check, the following items will automatically disqualify a volunteer from participating in the leadership, sponsorship, or supervising of any activities or programs with minors:
PRIMERA IGLESIA DEL PACTO EVANGELICO BELL GARDENS
Policies & Procedures in the Prevention of Child Abuse
4
Any conviction for:
Criminal homicide;
Aggravated assault;
Crimes related to the possession, use, or sale of drugs or controlled substances;
Sexual abuse;
Sexual assault (rape);
Aggravated sexual assault: . Injury to a child:
Incest;
Indecency with a child;
Inducing sexual conduct or sexual performance of a child;
Possession or promotion of child pornography;
The sale, distribution, or display of harmful material to a minor; . Employment harmful to children;
Abandonment or endangerment of a child;
Kidnapping or unlawful restraint;
Public lewdness or indecent exposure; and
Enticing a child.
All charges for these crimes, or charges, or convictions for any other crimes not listed
above will be reviewed by the Board of Deacons for interpretation of the criminal history record transcript and approved by the church Executive Board for reviewing applicant transcripts. Only qualified persons (as stated above) may view information obtained on the criminal history record transcript.
SPECIFIC ACTS AND OMISSIONS IN VIOLATION OF THE POLICY
The following acts or omissions are violations of this policy and will not be tolerated or accepted during any church activity or program, and are to be immediately reported to the designated program staff after the safety of the child, children, youth, or minor involved has been assured.
Any direct observations or evidence of sexual activity in the presence of or in association with a minor.
Any display or demonstration of sexual activity, abuse, insinuation of abuse, Of
evidence of abusive conduct towards a minor.
· Sexual advances or sexual activity of any kind between any person and a minor
· Infliction or physically abusive behavior or bodily injury to a minor.
· Physical neglect of a minor, including failure to provide adequate supervision in relation to the activities of Primera Iglesia del Pacto Evangélico.
PRIMERA IGLESIA DEL PACTO EVANGELICO BELL GARDENS
Policies & Procedures in the Prevention of Child Abuse
5
Mental or emotional injury to a minor caused or exacerbated by a worker.
· The presence or possession of obscene or pornographic materials at any function of Primera Iglesia del Pacto Evangélico.
The presence, possession, or being under the influence of any illegal or illicit drugs,
· The consumption of or being under the influence of illegal or illicit drugs or alcohol while leading or participating in a function for minors at Primera Iglesia del Pacto Evangélico.
WORKER SUPERVlSlON
The church will adopt the "unrelated two adult" rule, which means no adult shall be left alone with a child, and requires. a reasonable ratio of adult workers to be maintained in each situation involving the supervision of children,
Church staff members and volunteer directors will supervise activities on an on-going basis and make unannounced visits into classes or other program sites from time to time. Supervisors shall complete a log to show which rooms, activi1ies. time. and date the class or activity was visited.
An Identification system shall be adopted so that the adults who drop off a child are the same adults who pick up the child. Permission slips will be available for adults to sign, authorizing the release of the child(ren} to other adults.
In counseling sessions with minors, parental permission shall be obtained prior to a minister meeting privately with a minor. or the two adult rule shall be used In that instance. Prior permission may be granted by parents to cover a particular time period (i.e., a school year) for their child to receive counseling from a particular minister.
Lists of workers that meet church approval shall be posted near each classroom or area where minors are located,
OCCASIONAL VOLUNTEER WORKERS
Those who only volunteer occasionally also must go through the entire volunteer screening process. There are to be no exceptions to this rule.
Teenagers under the age of 18 wanting to serve as. teen workers in any capacity with activities, studies, or programs or preschoolers or children will need to complete a Teen Volunteer application Form and go through the training. The only step in the process they are exempt from is the criminal background check.
PRIMERA IGLESIA DEL PACTO EVANGELICO BELL GARDENS
Policies & Procedures in the Prevention of Child Abuse
6
SUPERVISION OF VOLUNTEERS
Parental permission shall be obtained in advance for involvement in church sponsored programs, activities or whenever an adult might be spending time alone with a child in an unsupervised situation.
A door without windows shall remain open at all times.
Use a "check. in/check-out" procedure for all kindergarten-aged children and younger.
A list of possible violations and proper reporting procedures will be posted in each room where activities or programs. for minors are conducted.
Educate all volunteers and paid workers with minors as to the church policies and procedures concerning this matter.
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION REPORTING
Any person having cause to believe that a child's physical or mental health or welfare has been or may be adversely affected by abuse or neglect shall report their belief in accordance with this procedure. Non-accusatory reports (reports that identify the victim of abuse or neglect whether or not the person responsible or the abuse or neglect is known) shall be made to the local or state law enforcement agency by calling 911 or Local Police Phone number (562) 806-7600
1) Fully comply with the child abuse reporting statute.
2) The church also should immediately contact its insurance company and attorney to report the
occurrence.
3) In instances where child abuse is confirmed and a member of the ministerial staff is the perpetrator,
the immediate supervisor should be contacted and advised.
4) This procedure is not only required as a condition of your job or volunteer position, but also is
required by law.
5) Upon the first suspicion of an instance of child abuse, the following Steps should be taken
immediately:
a) Do not treat the suspicion as frivolous.
b) Commence the investigation immediately. and conclude it as soon as possible.
i) If a sponsor or volunteer of minors suspects a case of child abuse, he or she is required by law to
report his/her suspicions. within 24 hours to Local authorities It is the policy of Primera Iglesia
del Pacto Evangélico that it also be reported immediately to Senior Pastor or Church Chairman.
PRIMERA IGLESIA DEL PACTO EVANGELICO BELL GARDENS
Policies & Procedures in the Prevention of Child Abuse
7
ii) The minister or Chairman receiving the initial report will be responsible for confirming the facts
reported and the condition of the child, on the same day on which the first report was made. This
individual must utilize the Reducing the Risk Application Checklist to complete the church/staff
responsibilities involved with the occurrence
iii) Data concerning the child's name, address, and other pertinent information will be obtained
through discussions with the initial reporter and other staff members. The name and address of the
person responsible for the care of the child, if available, also needs to be obtained.
iv) After the information is secured. the minister will contact Local Authorities at (562) 806-7600
c) Maintain confidentiality of the investigation as much as possible. Emphasize confidentiality of the
victim and any accused person.
i) On the same day that the case is first reported verbally to Local authorities, the report will be
documented on a Child Abuse Report Form. A copy of this form must be sent within ________
days, required by the State.
d) Cooperate fully with law enforcement officials.
e) Suspend any accused person from the performance of duties involving children until the investigation
has been complete
f} Inform the victim and the victim's family of the steps that are being taken, and continue to keep them
advised of the status of the investigation. If child abuse is confirmed, ask the victim and the victim's
family what action they would like to take in the matter, and fully cooperate to address their request
within the bounds of a legal and prudent response. (Church legal counsel should assist in this
determination.)
g) In instances where child abuse is confirmed, the church should immediately dismiss the Worker from
their position, member termination should be considered. as appropriate in the circumstances.
h) In instances where evidence is inconclusive. the church must take action depending on the strength of
the evidence available and after consideration of the victim's family's request.
i) Keep the congregation informed of the investigation with respect to matters that are not confidential. so that the congregation will hear about the investigation from within the Church rather than from the news media.
