Part One

A Child Protection Policy Statement – Page 1 of 2

Southminster Presbyterian Church and its members are committed to the safety, welfare and protection of all children and youth participating in the activities and programs of the church. During each baptism of an infant, child or adult, the congregation pledges to uphold that person in the household of God. To these ends, the Session hereby adopts reasonable policies and procedures in order to minimize the possibility that any child or youth (meaning all those 17 years of age and younger) will be subjected to physical or emotional abuse or neglect by church staff, paid childcare workers, teachers or volunteers while engaged in church programs or activities. The policies andprocedures adopted seek to balance the security and welfare of the children and the legitimate expectations of privacy of staff and volunteers.

Standards of Conduct

  • Paid or volunteer adults shall not touch or interact with children or youth in any way that is sexually stimulating, emotionally demeaning, or exploitative. Common expressions of affection and affirmation (hugs and pats on the back) or physical care (diaper changes or first aid) are appropriate in this or any community of caring Christians. Staff and volunteers must be careful that physical expressions of affection are not excessive or imposed upon another individual.
  • Paid and volunteer adults and youth working with children and youth are also tasked with guarding the physical and emotional safety of those in their care and to be aware of signs indicating neglect of the child’s well-being.
  • Those people working with children or youth should work in pairs. Whenever possible, two adults should be present with the children at all activities. Session recommends that staff and volunteers transport children and youth in groups rather than alone. In ordinary circumstances, an unaccompanied adult should not drive a single child in a church sponsored activity without the permission of the child’s parent or guardian.
  • All volunteers for ongoing assignments shall have completed an approved Volunteer Application form (see Implementation segment below for details).

Implementation

To implement this Child Protection Policy (CPP)

  • A CPP statement must be provided to and signed by all employees and volunteers participating in any SouthminsterChurch program or activity involving children and/or youth.
  • In general, volunteer applications will be accepted only after six months of active involvement as members of Southminster Presbyterian Church.
  • Exceptions to this volunteer application policy may be made at the discretion of the Session or a body authorized by the Session to cover short-term involvement in children’s activities such as service projects, VBS, Sunday morning childcare, etc. In these cases, a new member will be paired with a vetted member or staff person.
  • Applications will be submitted through the committee chair responsible for the particular program in which the volunteer wishes to participate. The completed application will be forwarded to the CPP Review Team composed of the Administration Committee Elders and the Christian Education Committee Elders
  • The Pastor, Director of Family Ministries, Music Director, childcare workers and other staff who are subject to other Presbytery (NCP) hiring criteria, will be made aware of the CPP.

A Child Protection Policy Statement – Page 2 of 2

Reporting of an Incident of Abuse

The first person to learn of an incident of sexual abuse or misconduct (either a personwitnessing the incident or the victim) should immediately report this verbally to the senior pastor who will if appropriate, direct the following:

  1. Removal of the accused from responsibilities with children and minors
  2. Inform the Director of Family Ministries or counterpart
  3. Inform the Session
  4. Inform law enforcement officials
  5. Inform insurance company
  6. inform denominational leaders as appropriate
  7. Inform the media, if necessary only the senior pastor will handle media
  8. Complete written report on proper form

Member Awareness

  • Initially, a copy of the CPP and the volunteer application will be made available to the congregation on the

web site, and a copy of the CPP will be provided annually in the church newsletter.

  • The congregation will be informed and reminded of this policy annually.

The CPP statement and application will be provided to all participants in each new members’ class.

  • All volunteers (as defined in the implementation section) will be required to complete the application form as well as providing a signed Child Protection statement for the SPC files.
  • All volunteers will be requested to review their CPP statements on an annual basis.

Procedures for Handling Misconduct Allegations

The issues of sexual and/or emotional abuse or neglect involving a minor, whether perceived or actual, need to be dealt with immediately, effectively, and with great discretion. Indiana law requires that allegations of abuse or neglect of children be reported immediately to proper authorities. In MarionCounty that report is made to Child Protection Services at Marion County Office of the Indiana Department of Child Services. It is the responsibility of the pastor to see that such report has been made. It is suggested that in every case of alleged abuse or neglect of a child that the proper written documentation of the allegations and proceedings is maintained. The intended procedure is to report any allegation of abuse or neglect to the Pastor, Director of Family Ministries, and/or the Clerk of Session. If the alleged offender is a professional staff member, the report should be made to the Clerk of Session. In the specific case of the complaint being made against any ordained minister, the Clerk of Session should notify the Executive Presbyter and Stated Clerk of Southminster Presbytery and request guidance on the procedure to be followed in processing the allegation and obtaining a Moderator for the Session. The Clerk shall also notify the Executive Presbyter and Stated Clerk if allegations have been raised against a member or non-ordained staff person. Administration Committee elders and/or the pastor will be responsible for maintaining contact with the police, the victim’s family and for determining further actions in consultation with the session and chair of the Administration and Finance Committee.

Adopted by the Session on ______

PART TWO

Southminster Presbyterian Church

Sexual Misconduct & Child Protection Covenant – Page 1 of 3

Purpose

The Christian church is called to express and give witness to the love of God throughWord and action. This is how the Church reveals God's vision and Kingdom of justice in theworld. Expressions of God's love are revealed to us and our neighbor through worship, study,prayer, and fellowship. Through this type of ministry together, the Christian community connectsus to the most intimate, vulnerable, and sacred dimensions of our lives. The work of buildingGod's new creation is done by church members (both adult and children), clergy, and church staff. Central to the Reformed faith is the concept of "covenant." God entered into covenantwith the people of God to assure survival and liberation. God's people made promises to God inorder to live out the covenant in their lives. As the body of Christ, we covenant with one anotherto create a community where all the people experience the security, love, and acceptance of theChristian community. The promises we make to each other are sacred.In the covenant of baptism, individuals and the congregation take responsibility for thespiritual well-being and growth of individuals entrusted to the believing community. In thecovenant that takes place during communion, the cup and the bread represent our commitment toremembering the new covenant Jesus created with his friends and disciples.Because of the nature of relationships between church members, staff, and clergy and thevulnerability that arises from sharing our faith and life together, the church can potentially be aplace where individuals can engage in abusive, inappropriate, and illegal behaviors and actionswith other community members.The purpose of this sexual misconduct and child protection covenant is to firmly addressthe presence of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment in our social and ecclesiastical culturein a proactive manner. Survivors and victims of sexual misconduct experience a rupture in theirsense of belonging and identity within a community of faith. To that end, it will be the policy of Southminster Presbyterian Church to protect members and staff of the Church from sexual misconduct includingboth potential victims and potential accused persons. To protect potential victims and accusedpersons, the following covenant will be in force in all areas of Southminster Presbyterian Church’s ministry. Inaddition to this policy, all clergy are covered by the National Capital Presbytery Clergy SexualMisconduct Policy.

Definitions

  1. For the purposes of this covenant, "child" and "children" means those of less than 18 years of age.
  1. Sexual misconduct is the comprehensive term used in this covenant to include: sexual abuse or exploitation of children or adults, rape or sexual assault, sexual harassment, verbal, emotional and/or spiritual abuse. Sexual misconduct is an abuse of authority and power, breaching Christian ethical principles by misusing a trust relationship to gain advantage over another for personal gratification. Such behavior is not limited to physical contact, but may also include gestures, spoken words, or written contact.
  1. Types of abuse that involve touching include: fondling; oral, genital, and anal penetration; intercourse; rape.
  1. Types of abuse that do not involve touching include: verbal comments, pornographic videos, obscene phone calls, allowing children to witness sexual activity

Sexual Misconduct & Child Protection Covenant – Page 2 of 3

  1. Sexual abuse or misconduct includes unwelcome touching or non-touching interaction for the purposes of sexual stimulation among adults, whether this involves staff members, lay leaders, and/or members of the congregation. Sexual abuse or misconduct also includes any act that involves the sexual molestation, exploitation of a child by any party or other person who has permanent or temporary care. It is recognized that, under some circumstances, there may be a wholesome and consenting relationship among staff members or between a member of the staff and another adult.
  1. Child sexual abuse or misconduct includes touching or non-touching interaction for the purpose of sexual stimulation between a child and an adult. This behavior is always considered forced when the interaction involves a child and an adult, whether or not the victim has consented. This is also true in the case of any non-minor who is incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct or communicating unwillingness to be subject to unwelcome sexualinteraction.

Standards of Conduct

  1. Volunteer adults working with children and youth in church related activities in a leadership position shall have attended Southminster Presbyterian Church for at least six months and be well known to the supervisor. Exceptions can be made if the volunteer is previously known to the supervisor.
  1. Paid and volunteer adults and youth helpers shall not touch or interact with children in any way that is intended or could be reasonably construed to be sexually stimulating. Care must also be taken that consenting adults do not act in a sexual way during any Church activity. Common expressions of affection (hugs), affirmation (pat on the back), support (prayer), or physical caretaking (diapers, etc.) are appropriate as long as respect for others personal wishes about being touched are honored, not excessive, or imposed upon another individual.
  1. Supervisors of programs involving children should work in pairs; whenever possible, two adults should be present with the children at all activities. An unaccompanied adult should not drive a single child in a Church-sponsored activity without the permission of the child's parent or guardian. When practicable, parental permission should be obtained in writing. It is recommended that children and youth be transported in groups rather than alone.
  1. Christian education teachers, nursery advisors, and youth advisors should work in pairs when possible; a teacher may work alone when there is visual access to the classroom (door withwindow, or open door).
  1. All overnight activities must have a minimum of two adults present; for mixed youth overnights there must be both a male and female present. Parental permission in writing is required for all overnights. On those occasions when one-on-one counseling is appropriate, the adult should notify another adult where he/she and the youth will be.

Sexual Misconduct & Child Protection Covenant – Page 3 of 3

  1. Christian education teachers, youth advisors, nursery supervisors and helpers shall discipline with kindness with the goal of helping children develop a sense of responsibility and self-control. Corporal punishment of any kind within the church is unacceptable. Corporal punishment includes but is not limited to slapping, spanking, pinching and/or shaking. Punitive techniques that cause physical pain such as assuming an uncomfortable position are not appropriate. Physical restraint of children should be used only when someone's safety is at risk. Derogatory remarks or comments that humiliate or frighten the child shall not be used. Appropriate discipline establishes clear expectations, provides rewards and incentives for acceptable behavior. Appropriate discipline uses verbal disapproval, loss of privileges, and redirection toteach children acceptable behavior.

Supervision and Accountability

  1. Christian education leaders will seek volunteers in sufficient numbers to allow staffing of the programs as stated above. Church staff may participate in these programs and may be present at random time to help with supervision.
  1. Written information about this policy shall be available to all church members and posted on our website. Mention of this policy will be included in new member orientation classes.
  1. As a condition of paid or volunteer employment with children all people agreeing to work with children and/or youth will be required to state whether he/she has ever been convicted of a crime involving sexual abuse or misconduct, as defined in this covenant, or terminated from employment for sexual abuse, harassment, or misconduct. Two references will be required for all paid employees, and for volunteers in a leadership position who' have been known to the church or supervisors for less than six months. References will be asked whether the person has ever been convicted of a crime involving sexual abuse or misconduct. A background into his/herarrest records may be required.

PART THREE

Church Name, address, city/state zip

CONFIDENTIAL Children and Youth Work Application - Page 1 of 2

DATE:

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Applicant’s Name as it appears on legal documents: ______

Social Security# (for IN background check) ______

Preferred telephone______email:

Address______City/zip code

In which Children/Youth Program (s) are you seeking to become involved?

______

______

______

Have you at any time ever:

? Been arrested for any reason ___yes __no

? Been convicted of, or pleaded no contest to, any crime involving children? ___yes __no

? Been convicted of, or pleaded no contest to, a moving violation in the last 3 years? ___yes __no

? Engaged in, or been accused of, any act of child molestation and/or exploitation, abuse or neglect? __ yes __no

Are you aware of:

? Having any traits or tendencies that could pose a threat to children, youth or others? yes ___no

? Any reason why you should not work with children, youth or others? __yes ___no

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, please explain in detail below or on an attached sheet.

CONFIDENTIAL - Children and Youth Work Application Page 2 of 2

Church Activity

How long have you been active at Southminster Presbyterian Church

______

______

Applicant verification and release:

I recognize that the Southminster PresbyterianChurch is relying upon the accuracy of the information contained herein. Accordingly, I attest and affirm that all the information that I have provided is completely true and correct.

I authorize Southminster Presbyterian Church to contact any person or entity listed in this application and I further authorize any such person or entity to provide SPC with information, opinions, and impressions relating to my background or qualifications. I further authorize SPC to conduct a criminal background investigation and /or child abuseinvestigation if the check is deemed necessary.

I voluntarily release SPC Church and any such organization or entity listed herein by me from liability involving the communication of information relating to my background or qualifications.

I have carefully read this Child Protection Policy.

Signature______Date______