Child Protection Policy - Church of the Redeemer UMC

I. INTRODUCTION

“People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them ‘Let the children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly, I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God, as a little child will never enter it. And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.’“ (Mark 10:13-16)

This incident from the ministry of Jesus speaks of the value our Lord placed on children and the example of faith that they provide for the rest of us. As followers of Jesus, we understand that children/youth are inherently valuable members of Christ’s community.

Jesus highlighted not only the faith and openness of children, but also their vulnerability. This vulnerability puts children at risk, but it also places them close to God. Their dependence on God may be what Jesus was trying to-get his disciples to see as a model for their own faith. This vulnerability and dependence makes the protection and support of the community of faith even more important.

Jesus was teaching that, within the community of believers, there must he protection for each of us in our dependence on God and on each other. As followers of Christ, we resolve to protect children in their vulnerability and also to learn from them as we all grow in the faith. Our culture appears to be experiencing an increase in the incidence of child abuse and neglect.

As much as we do not like to think about abusive and harmfuf things happening in the church, it is clear that it is our duty as the Church to guard and protect the children, youth, church staff and volunteers who participate in our ministries.

The General Conference of The United Methodist Church, in April 1996, adopted a resolution aimed at reducing the risk of child sexual abuse in the church. The adopted resolution includes the following statement:

“Our Christian faith calls us to offer both hospitality and protection to the little ones, the children. The Social Principles of The United Methodist Church state that ‘ … children must he protected from economic, physical and sexual exploitation, and abuse.’

Tragically, churches have not always been safe places for children. Child sexual abuse, exploitation and ritual abuse … occur in churches; both large and small, urban and rural. The problem cuts across all economic, cultural and racial lines. It is real, and it appears to he increasing. Most annual conferences can cite specific incidents of child sexual abuse and exploitation in their churches. Virtually every congregation has among its members adult survivors of early sexual trauma. Such incidents are devastating to, all who are involved: the child, the family, the local church and its leaders. Increasingly, churches are torn apart by the legal, emotional, and monetary consequences of litigation following allegations of abuse.

God calls us to make our churches safe places, protecting children and other vulnerable persons from sexual and ritual abuse. God calls us to create communities of faith where children and adults grow safe and strong.” (From The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church. 1996. pp. 384-386.) Since the 1996 General Conference, every annual conference in the U.S. has reported at least one incident of child abuse.”

Thus, in covenant with all United Methodist congregations, we adopt this policy for the prevention of child abuse in our church.

II. PURPOSE

The purpose of the Child Protection Policy of the Church of the Redeemer is to:

Provide procedures specifically designed to protect children, youth, church staff and volunteers associated with the ministries of the church.
Establish appropriate ways of responding to alleged, reported, or suspected incidents of abuse.
Be in a compassionate ministry with all affected persons – the alleged victim, the alleged victim’s family, the accused, the accused’s family, and the church family.

We hereby resolve to put into practice the procedures set forth herein with the intent to:

Safeguard the children/youth of our church from abuse and neglect.
Respond to all allegations in a fair and compassionate manner.
Protect church staff and volunteers from potential false allegations of abuse.
Limit the extent of our church’s legal risk and liability.
Strengthen our Christian educational children/youth ministries.

Procedures to Support the Child Protection Policy

I. DEFINITION OF ABUSE

“Child abuse” is defined in accordance with current Ohio law. At the time this policy was being written/adopted, the current law in Ohio defined child abuse to consist of any of the following:

Engaging in any sexual activity with a child, as defined under Chapter 2907 of the Ohio Revised Code; or
Endangering a child, as defined in Section 2919.22 of the Ohio Revised Code1; or
Denial, as a means of punishment, of proper necessary subsistence, education, medical care, or other care necessary to a child for the child’s health; or
Use of restraint procedures on a child that cause injury or pain; or
Administration of prescription drugs to a child without the written approval and ongoing supervision of a licensed physician; or
Providing alcoholic beverages or controlled substances to a child; or
Commission of any intentional act that results in any injury or death to a child; or
Infliction of physical or mental injury that threatens to harm a child’s health, welfare, or safety.

II. SELECTION AND SCREENING OF CHURCH STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS

Although our Christian concern for children/youth leads us to be saddened when any form of child abuse takes place anywhere, our major policy need is to be certain that abuse does not occur within the framework of any Church of the Redeemer program or ministry with children/youth. This policy is intended to help our congregation make Church of the Redeemer a truly safe and caring place.

In an effort to create a safe environment within our church, each church staff person and volunteer who works with the church’s children/youth programs either regularly or occasionally, on or beyond the church grounds, will be screened and will be trained on child protection issues.

The procedure for selecting and screening is as follows:

Each person being considered to work with children/youth in any church program, whether as a volunteer or paid staff person, shall fill out an application form. (See attached Application Form, Appendix I).
Before placing the applicant in a position of responsibility, the pastor, church staff member, or lay person responsible for the ministry will review the written application and determine if the applicant will be interviewed. Indications that an interview must take place include:
1. The person is a newcomer to Church of the Redeemer and/or Cleveland.
2. The person wants to work alone.
3. The person has indicated that they have been charged with a crime against children or youth. (Persons who have been previously convicted or plead guilty or no contest to a crime against children or youth will not be placed in a position involving access to children or youth.)
4. Upon checking references, issues are raised which require clarification.
5. Interviews will follow the Interview Guidelines (See Interview Guidelines and Sample Interview Questions, Appendix Il.) and will be conducted by the pastor and/or the Chairperson of the Staff Parish Relations Committee.
The results of the interview, especially when sensitive areas have been discussed, should be kept confidential.
Whether or not an interview is conducted, the pastor, church staff member or lay person responsible for the ministry will contact the three references provided on the application form. A written record of such contact will be retained with the application form.
Each person applying to work with children and/or youth shall authorize the church to conduct a criminal records check. For persons who have lived in Ohio for the past five years, an Ohio background check will be conducted. For persons who have not lived in Ohio for the past five years, an FBI background check will be conducted. (See Authorization for Criminal Records Check Form, Appendix I – C.)
Before beginning work with either children or youth, each volunteer will sign a statement that they have read, understand, and agree to abide by the church’s Child Protection Policy and Procedures.

In the unfortunate situation where it has been determined that an applicant should not work with children/youth, the church needs to handle such a decision in a confidential manner which is sensitive to that person.

III. SUPERVISION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH

“Adult” is defined in this document as a person at least 18 years of age and at least five years older than those being supervised.

While recognizing the important role of youth volunteers in children/youth. ministries, all activities involving children and youth will be supervised by at least one person who is at least 18 years of age and at least five years older than those who they are supervising.

Supervision of Classroom Activities

It is preferable that at least two adults be present for all classroom activities involving children and youth. When two adults are not available, a designated person will periodically check the rooms and be aware of the children/youth’s whereabouts if they leave the classroom area. Even when two adults are available per classroom, it is advisable to have periodic classroom checks.

While recognizing the important role of youth volunteers in children/youth ministries, in an effort to assure a safe environment, all activities involving children and youth will be supervised by at least one person who is at least 18 years of age and at least five years older than those whom they are supervising.

Anyone who accompanies a child to the bathroom should remain in the hallway outside the bathroom while the child is inside. If a child needs assistance using the bathroom, the parent/guardian of the child must be called to assist the child.

Open Door Policy

Parents, volunteers, or staff of the church may visit and observe the program at any time.

Sign-In/Sign-Out Procedure

Persons responsible for children who are infant through third grade will sign in their child and indicate the pre-authorized person(s) to whom the child may be signed out for both Sunday school and other children’s activities. No child should ever be left unattended.

Record Retention

All children/youth activities should have a written record of the names of participants and supervisors. Records shall be kept for three years.

Supervision of Non-Classroom Activities

With the exception of the circumstances identified under Special Rules for Supervision of Specific Activities, at least two adults will be present for all non-classroom activities involving children/youth.

Special Rules for Supervision of Specific Activities

Youth Counseling: In instances of youth counseling where circumstances dictate that counseling is most effective on a one-or-one basis, a church staff person or volunteer may meet individually with a child or youth with the awareness and previous consent of that individual’s parent or legal guardian. Exceptions to consent may be made for emergencies.
Dismissal from Group Events: In group events, it may be inevitable that one child or youth’s transportation from the event arrives after all other children/youth’s transportation has arrived. In those circumstances, a child/youth may unavoidably be in the individual presence of an adult. Because this circumstance may be simply unavoidable, the general rule which requires the presence of two adults is suspended, and the adult is responsible for exercising his/her best judgement for the child or youth’s well-being.

Trip and Retreat Supervision

There shall be at least two adults present for all trips, retreats, and other times children/youth gather at or away from the church building. (Please note that at least three adults are preferable so that in the event ofan emergency, there will be adequate supervision.)

There shall be at least one adult of each gender present at co-ed overnight events. At single gender overnight events, at least one of the two or more adults present will be of the same gender as the youth.

In situations where two adults are not available per room where children/youth are staying overnight, then no adult should stay alone in a specific room with the children/youth. In those circumstances where adults are not staying in the rooms with children/youth, special measures should be taken to assure the children/youth’s safety and supervision, such as adult hall monitors, ‘taping’ doors, and periodic room checks by two adults of the same gender as those being checked. Parents should be made aware of housing accommodations.

Permission slips including permission for emergency medical care shall be carried by the person in charge of each trip and/or retreat. (See Permission Form, Appendix IV.)

Rules for providing transportation for church events:
Driver must be known to the designated leader of the event
Driver must be at least 21 years old;
Driver must have a valid state driver’s license for the vehicle being opered;
Driver must have proof of insurance;
Driver must be accompanied by at least two children or youth; and
Driver must have read and signed an acknowledgment form indicating that the policy has been read and will be followed. (See Transportation Form, Appendix ID.)

Social Media Policy

Faith communities have a responsibility to define social media policies that uphold the covenant to create Safe Sanctuaries for vulnerable persons. To this end, following are guidelines for the use of social media, technology and the internet:

Volunteers and staff must not post photos or video of children/youth on any online site or printed publication without written consent from a parent or legal guardian.

All social media groups (Facebook, etc.) associated with children’s or youth ministry areas should be designated as “closed” groups, requiring all those who wish to gain access to be approved by the group’s administrator(s).

All church-related social media groups (Facebook, etc.) and pages must have at least two administrators. If an administrator is no longer associated with the ministry, that individual’s administrative status must be revoked.

In the case of clergy/professional staff and church member online connections, friend requests, follow requests, circle requests, etc. should be initiated by the church member, especially if the church member is a vulnerable person. No adult shall initiate social media (Facebook, etc.) contact with or “friend” a child/youth. When accepting the “friend” requests of a child/youth, care should be taken to respect the ministry and discipleship work of the local faith community to which they belong.

Any conversations on Social Media with children/youth shall occur in open channels, or with multiple parties present in the conversation thread. When emailing, texting, tweeting, posting or messaging a child/youth, adults should copy another adult (ideally a parent or guardian) on the message. This will allow adults to maintain the “two adults present” Safe Sanctuaries standard when using social media. Platforms promising discrete conversations and secrecy (SnapChat, FacebookPoke, etc.) should be not be used.

We all must understand, and teach to children/youth, that once something is posted on web, sent via email or sent via text, it is impossible to fully recover or erase it. There should be no expectation of privacy or reasonable expectation that the information stops with the person for whom it was intended. The promises of privacy offered by apps (like SnapChat) are illusionary.

A good rule of thumb: If you don’t want it posted on the church sign, website, or bulletin, do not text it or post it via social media.

RESPONSE BY CHURCH WORKERS TO INJURIES AND ACCIDENTS

In order to assure proper attention was given to an injury or accident, an incident report of accident/injury must be completed by the adult supervisor within 24 hours of the incident whenever a child/youth is injured. (See Report of Accident/Injury Form, Appendix, V.)

IV. RESPONSE BY CHURCH WORKERS TO ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE

As caring Christians, we are committed to protect and advocate for children/youth participating in the life of the church. The Church is entrusted to provide an emotionally safe, spiritually grounded, healthy environment for children, youth, and adults in which they are protected from abuse. It is our legal and moral responsibility to report suspected abuse whenever it comes to our attention regardless of where that abuse takes place. We shall report suspected abuse to stop potentially existing abuse and to prevent further abuse. To report abuse is to witness to the world of the love and justice of God. Reporting abuse is a form of ministering to the needs of those crying out for help. If abuse occurs, it is our intention to act as an advocate for all affected persons, providing support, information, assistance and intervention. We seek to provide a supportive atmosphere, offering both objectivity and empathy as we seek to create a climate in which healing can take place. In these sensitive matters all church staff and volunteers involved must adhere to the strictest confidentiality.

If abuse is suspected by, observed by, or disclosed to a volunteer and/or paid staff member of the church, that person shall report the incident immediately to the pastor.
The pastor, or if the pastor is not available the staff member/volunteer who is aware of the incident shall:
- IMMEDIATELY notify the proper authorities, CuyahogCounty Children and Family Services, 216-696-KIDS or the county child protection agency or local law enforcement agency in the county in which the child resides or in which the suspected abuse· occurred.· This is a requirement of the law. (Reference section 2151 A2 1 of The Ohio Revised Code.) Do not attempt an investigation. This should be left to professionals who are trained to investigate these cases.
- Simultaneously notify the parents of the victim and take whatever steps are necessary to assure the safety of the child/youth until the parent(s) arrive. It is important to emphasize that the proper authorities must be notified even if the parent(s) does not wish the incident to be reported.
If one or both of the parents is the alleged abuser, contact the proper authorities. Follow their advice about notification of the parents.
Take any allegations seriously and reach out to the victim and the victim’s family, showing care and support help to prevent further hurt. Extend whatever pastoral resources are needed. Remember that the care and safety of the victim is the first priority. Respond in a positive and supportive manner to the alleged victim and the·victim’s family.
After having reported the suspected abuse to the proper authorities, the incident is to be reported immediately to the District Superintendent. The District Superintendent will report the allegation to the bishop’s office. If deemed appropriate, the District Superintendent, pastor, or SPR Chairperson may contact the insurance company or church’s attorney. Do not try to handle this without professional assistance. If the accused is a clergy member of an annual conference, local pastor, or diaconal minister, provisions of Paragraph 358 and Paragraphs 2623-2629 of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church must be followed.
A written report of the basic information shall be kept to ensure on-going ministry to, and advocacy for, victims and others involved. A form for this purpose shall be available in the church office. (See Report of Suspected Child/Youth Abuse Form, Appendix VI.) The report shall be brief and contain only factual information relevant to the situation. It shall be filed in a secure place in order to ensure confidentiality. It shall be written in ink or typed to prevent it from being changed. The church must also file a copy of the report with the bishop’s office of the East Ohio Conference, where it shall remain confidential.
Immediately, yet with dignity and respect for the sacred worth of the accused, remove the accused from further involvement with children and/or youth until an investigation is completed. If the suspicion is substantiated the accused individual will be permanently removed from a.position of working with children/youth. If the accused individual is exonerated, he/she will be reinstated.
Once the proper authorities have been contacted and the safety of the child or youth is secured, the pastor or other designated person may tell the accused that a report has been made. If the accused is a volunteer or paid staff of the church, that person shall be relieved temporarily of his or her duties until the investigation is finished. If the accused is a paid staff person of the church, arrangements should be made to either maintain or suspend his or her income until the allegations are cleared or substantiated.
Any contact with the media shall be handled by the pastor. If the pastor is not available, media contact shall be referred to the District Superintendent. In the District Superintendent’s absence, it shall be referred to the Bishop. Care will be taken to safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of all involved. The spokesperson should generally convey that the matter is under investigation and any comments made prior to the conclusion of the investigation would be premature.
If the accused is the pastor, be prepared to do the following:
- IMMEDIATELY contact the District Superintendent.
- In consultation with the District Office follow Steps 2 – 9.

V. EDUCATION OF PERSONS WHO WORK WITH CHILDREN AND YOUTH

The church shall provide regularly scheduled training focused on issues of child protection for those working with children and youth. Attendance at this training or a district or conference sponsored training session shall be required of all adults and youth helpers who will have direct contact with children or youth in the church’s ministry.

The training may include:

The definition and recognition of abuse
The church’s policies on reporting abuse and appropriate forms.
The purposes of the policy as protection for children/youth and for church staff/volunteer workers.
The meaning and importance of confidentiality.
The maintenance of a positive learning classroom, and environment, including appropriate discipline and age-level characteristics.
The appropriate behavior for teachers and leaders.

Procedure

Approved as a policy by the Board of Trustees 7/10/2003
Revised by Kari Queen and Pastor Halldor Gudmundsson, 9/15/2023
Revisions brought to Leadership Board for introduction and approval, 9/17/2023

Child Protection Policy – Church of the Redeemer UMC