Section I: Statement of Purpose
Central Christian Church is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment in which children and youth can learn about, experience, and grow in God’s love. Recognizing that the church is a public place where all are welcome, the purpose of this policy statement is to provide faithful ministry to children and youth that includes a plan for the prevention of child abuse or neglect and for the response of the church should child abuse or neglect occur or be alleged. This policy applies to all persons who serve in a ministry involving children and youth, including employees and volunteers who serve as teachers, helpers, caregivers, counselors, choir directors, or in any other capacity where children or youth are present. This policy shall be reviewed every five years or sooner if needed by the Child Protection Team in consultation with the Moderator, with recommended changes being presented to the board for approval.
Central Christian Church is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment in which children and youth can learn about, experience, and grow in God’s love. Recognizing that the church is a public place where all are welcome, the purpose of this policy statement is to provide faithful ministry to children and youth that includes a plan for the prevention of child abuse or neglect and for the response of the church should child abuse or neglect occur or be alleged. This policy applies to all persons who serve in a ministry involving children and youth, including employees and volunteers who serve as teachers, helpers, caregivers, counselors, choir directors, or in any other capacity where children or youth are present. This policy shall be reviewed every five years or sooner if needed by the Child Protection Team in consultation with the Moderator, with recommended changes being presented to the board for approval.
Section II: Definitions
As used in this policy
“Child/children/youth/minor” means any person who has not yet reached his/her eighteenth birthday.
“Employee(s)” means any person, including ministers, who are provided compensation for their service on behalf of Central Christian Church.
“Volunteer(s)” means anyone who works with children or youth in a non-paid position.
“Child Protection Team” means the group appointed by the Moderator to oversee this policy and ensure that Central Christian Church is in compliance.
“Abuse” includes, but is not limited to, the following types of violent acts: “Physical Abuse” includes, but is not limited to, striking, spanking, shaking, and slapping.
“Verbal/Mental Abuse” includes, but is not limited to, humiliation, degradation, and threats.
“Sexual Abuse” includes, but is not limited to, inappropriate touching and exposure.
“Neglect” includes, but is not limited to, failing to supply or obtain the necessary food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision, which results a child’s serious impairment or endangerment.
Section III: Child Protection Team
A Child Protection Team of five individuals from Central Christian Church will be be appointed by the Moderator in consultation with the pastor(s). Initially two will serve one year terms and three will serve two year terms. Following the initial group, each person will be asked to serve a two year term.
One of the staff pastors will be identified to work alongside the Child Protection Team. This person will be chosen in conversation between the Moderator and the pastors and will be reaffirmed each year when new Child Protection Team members are affirmed or at such time of a pastoral change.
The responsibilities of the Child Protection Team will be:
Helping the ministries of Central Christian Church understand and follow the Child Protection Policy.
Planning and offering training to all of Central’s staff and volunteers who work in ministries with minors.
Ensuring that all appropriate paperwork is on file for any volunteers/staff who work with children,
Reviewing and revising/updating the Child Protection Policy.
Overseeing any complaints/disciplinary processes and working with the pastoral staff and Moderator to resolve and maintain appropriate records of these proceedings.
Maintaining confidentiality.