Child and Youth Abuse Prevention Policy

Introduction

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:

Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes [a] child…welcomes me” (Matthew 18:5). Children are our present and our future, our hope, our teachers, our inspiration. They are full participants in the life of the church and in the realm of God.

Our Christian faith calls us to offer both hospitality and protection to all the little ones, the children. The Social Principles of the United Methodist Church state that “children must be protected from economic, physical, emotional and sexual exploitation and abuse” (paragraph 162C).

Our baptismal vows remind us that we are to “nurture these children in Christ's holy church, that by [our] teaching and example they may be guided to accept God's grace for themselves, to profess their faith openly, and to lead a Christian life" (UMH, 40). As a congregation, these vows demonstrate our commitment to "surround these children with a community of love and forgiveness that they may grow in their service for others." (UMH, 40).

Tragically, churches have not always been safe places for children. Child sexual abuse, exploitation, and ritual abuse [“ritual abuse” refers to the abusive acts committed as part of ceremonies or rites; ritual abusers are often related to cults or pretend to be] occur in churches, large and small, urban and rural. It is real, and appears to be increasing.

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. [The Book of Resolutions of the United Methodist Church-2000, pp.180-181. Copyright 2000 by the United Methodist Publishing House. Used by permission].

Thus, in covenant with all the United Methodist congregations, New Creation United Methodist Church in Durham, North Carolinaadopts this policy for the prevention of child and youth abuse in church.

Purpose

Our congregation’s purpose for establishing this Child and Youth Abuse Prevention Policy and accompanying procedures is to demonstrate our absolute and unwavering commitment to the physical safety and spiritual growth of all our children and youth.

Statement of Covenant

As a Christian community of faith and a United Methodist congregation, we will conduct the ministry of the gospel in ways that assure the safety and spiritual growth of all our children and youth as well as all of the workers with children and youth. We will implement the following procedures at all child and youth programs sponsored by New United Methodist Church of Durham and affiliated ministries.

NCUMC Policies and Procedures

  1. We will follow reasonable safety measures in the selection of hiring paid personnel [hiring process includes job description and planned job interview]who work with children and youth in our congregation including screening [NC 123] and references check to be performed by Pastor or Associate Pastor or Staff Parish Relations Committee Chairs and Team.
  1. We will follow reasonable safety measures with the selection and training of all our volunteers working with children and youth and will seek to have a minimum of 2 adults, aged 18 years or older, present at all children and youth functions. Our goal is to ensure that no child and non-parent adult are ever alone in an unsupervised situation. With regard to transportation by church van or automobile, we will strive to have drivers accompanied by another adult, and in cases where this is not feasible, we will make sure to have pre-approved permission of the parent(s)/guardian(s).
  1. The procedure for reporting incidents of suspected abuse or neglect, either internal or external, will be as follows: 1)Immediate internal reporting to Pastor or Chair of the Nurture Committee. 2) Other relevant child ministry leaders (teacher, parent, assistance worker) will then be involved depending on nature of suspected abuse. 3) If indicated (criteria meet NC definition of abuse or neglect[1]), the information will be reportedto appropriate authorities such as the Department of Social Services, Durham Police Department, or Public School Social Worker. 4) Any suspected abuse or neglect by NCUMC staff or volunteers will also be reported within 24 hours to the Durham District Superintendent or his/her designee.
  1. Pre-School and Elementary School aged children must be dropped off and picked up from all activities by a parent/guardian or their designee, unless other arrangements have been made with the teacher.
  2. Children should be picked up from their Sunday School class at 10:25 a.m.
  3. Children who have not been picked up will be escorted into the sanctuary and remain with the teacher or other designated adult until their parent/guardian arrives.
  1. We will keep a first aid kit in an accessible closet, and will make quarterly checks of this kit to assure its presence and contents.
  1. NCUMC will provide training resources to all staff and volunteers working with children and youth on child protection and abuse identification, and will make such resources and training available to congregation members and attendees.

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[1]The Law
North Carolina Statutes define an abused child as:
Any juvenile less than 18 years of age whose parent, guardian, custodian, or caretaker inflicts or allows to be inflicted serious physical injury by other than accidental means, or creates or allows to be created serious risk of injury, inappropriate behavior modifications, or sexual abuse.

North Carolina Statutes define a neglected child as:
Any juvenile who does not receive proper care, supervision, or discipline from the juvenile's parent, guardian, or caretaker; or who has been abandoned, or not provided necessary medical care, or who lives in an environment injurious to the juvenile's welfare, or who has been placed for care or adoption in violation of law. In determining whether a juvenile is neglected, it is relevant whether that juvenile lives in a home where another juvenile has died as a result of abuse or neglect or lives in a home where another juvenile has been subjected to sexual abuse or severe physical abuse by an adult who regularly lives in the home.