Wright View Church of the Nazarene

SAFETY POLICY
FOR WORKERS OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN ALL MINISTRIES

Wright View Church of the Nazarene Safety Policy, June 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Introduction II. Biblical and Theological Perspective III. Definition of Important Terms IV. Standards of Conduct V. Recognizing Abuse VI. Abuse Prevention Guidelines & Procedures VII. Abuse Prevention Policies Pertaining to Specific Areas of Ministry VIII. Code of Ethics and Volunteer/Worker/Staff Signature Form

Wright View Church of the Nazarene Safety Policy, June 2012

I. INTRODUCTION The Wright View Church of the Nazarene understands the need to protect our children and provide a safe environment for them. Our Sunday School Department provides this child abuse prevention/safety policy in our church for all teachers, children and youth volunteers, staff, pastors who work or are around children teaching, providing on campus and off campus activities, driving transportation, and home visitation. We believe that this policy will serve the greater good of the church. It is important to note that the policy requires pastors to report to the proper governmental authorities all cases of child abuse. Persons entering into a counseling relationship with the pastors or ministry leaders are made aware of this regulation. Also, they understand that the church requires this reporting and mandates its staff to report all of these cases. Finally, a signature from is enclosed to be signed that you are in agreement of this policy and will follow these guidelines and suggestions while around children on the premises of the Wright View Church of the Nazarene, on any church sponsored activities off church property, or any personal activities that use the church vans since it is a reflection of who we represent. This document is solely for the use of the Wright View Church of the Nazarene. II. BIBLICAL AND THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE "They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain. . . " Isaiah 11:9 The kingdom of God is described in a variety of ways throughout the Bible, perhaps none with so much vivid imagery as in the book of Isaiah, Chapter 11. It's a beautiful and harmonious scene, culminating in the quotation above. This passage describes not only relationships within the whole of God's creation, but also human relationships. The church is responsible for becoming a safe community that confronts sin, particularly the sin of abuse. The church seeks to bring healing to its victims and help to its perpetrators. It earnestly works for the prevention of all abuse in all forms. Further, the church will address any such such child abuser promptly so that abused and abusers may experience the healing power of God's grace; and to take positive steps to make our congregation a safe for all people. The Church of the Nazarene envisions an intergenerational faith community where children and youth are loved and valued, where they are ministered to and incorporated into the Church family through a wide variety of means and methods, and where they have opportunities to minister to others in ways consistent with their ages, development, abilities, and spiritual gifts. (2009) Thus, holistic and transformational ministry to children and their families in every local church will be a priority as evidenced by: providing effective and empowering ministries to the whole childphysically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually; articulating Christian positions on current social justice issues that affect children; connecting children to the heart of the mission and ministry of the faith community; discipling children and training them to disciple others, equipping parents to nurture the spiritual formation of children. Wright View Church of the Nazarene Safety Policy, June 2012 3

Church of the Nazarene Manuel Appendix 377 III. DEFINITIONS OF IMPORTANT TERMS

A. Adult: a person at least 18 years of age. B. Appropriate conduct: conduct that one could reasonably assume would be acceptable and permissible by the child's parent or guardian, the Church Board, and within this policy. C. Child or Youth: a person under 18 years of age. D. Child abuse: harm or threatened harm to a child's health or welfare which occurs through deliberate physical or mental injury; sexual abuse, sexual molestation, sexual exploitation (neglect, violence, cruelty); disseminating (spreading rumors or information), exhibiting (art), or displaying pornographic (nudity) material to children. E. Sexual abuse: Portraying sexual behaviors involving touching, such as fondling, as well as penetration, intercourse, and rape. It also includes sexual behavior that does not include touching, such as sexually suggestive comments, obscene phone calls, exhibitionism, displaying pornographic materials, and allowing children to witness sexual activity. F. Staff member: any person serving at the Wright View Church of the Nazarene in an official paid or unpaid capacity. G. Volunteer Leaders: persons given leadership in any of the Wright View Church of the Nazarenes ministries including but not limited to: Nursery Volunteers, Volunteers of Children, Sunday School teachers, Education Director, Youth Leaders, and Van Transportation Drivers, and any providers or helpers of Children or Youth other than their own. IV. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT A. Prohibited Conduct To achieve the goal of preventing any forms of abuse or the potential of false allegations of abuse, staff members, volunteer program leaders, or any church member providing care for children whether paid or volunteer shall not engage in any of the following conduct with program participants whether consensual or non-consensual: 1.Abuse of any kind, including sexual abuse 2. Hitting, slapping, or shoving 3. Using obscene, foul, language, or treating a child disrespectful by talking degrading to them 4. Demonstrating any romantic or sexual interest in a child 5. Removing any dress clothing from another person, except when appropriately required under necessary circumstances (example: assisting in costumes for a program) 6. Wearing anything but appropriate attire in the presence of others, especially children 7. Kissing any child or non-family member 8. Extending or inappropriate hugging or embracing 9. Remaining in any building, room, vehicle or private place with a child alone except as permitted in this Wright View Church of the Nazarene Safety Policy, June 2012 4

policy 10. Assisting any child in the restroom except as permitted in this policy 11. Denying anyone, (parent, guest, relative, friend, ect.) who is not a threat to a child, access into a room, vehicle, or other place in which you are present with a child 12. Taking a child or youth from the premises of the church without a parents permission in writing and communicating with drivers 13. Leaving children or youth unattended or unsupervised on the church property 14. Be aware where your youth are at all times. B. Permitted conduct Children and Youth need affirmation. Words such as, You did a great job, I like your work, That is a cool color, Super, Awesome, We are praying for You, God loves you, We care for you, how are you doing, High Five build and nourish the emotions and build positive self-esteem, an appropriate hug under certain circumstances (not an everyday/week behavior) C. Safeguards for Private Conversations and/or Counseling or mentoring The opportunity for a church member, whether child or adult, to share confidentially his or her private and personal concerns with another member can contribute significantly to his or her spiritual, emotional and physical well-being. Indeed, this may be the only time when a person may be willing to disclose any abuse he or she may be suffering. Such private and confidential conversations are an integral part of a caring and loving Christian community. On the other hand, such private conversations create a very high risk environment for potential abuse situations to arise. They create an ideal opportunity for: (1) abuse to occur, (2) a false appearance that abuse may be occurring, and (3) a false, but difficult to refute, allegation that an incident of abuse did occur. We strongly encourage that at all meetings with youth and adults present, there be at least three people, preferably two adults and one youth. Any one-on-one meetings between an adult youth leader and any young person must be between people of the same sex unless another adult is present. Keeping records (including the date, time and purpose for the meeting, and young person's name) is important. Therefore, before engaging in a private conversation with another member, whether child or adult, every staff member, volunteer program leader or other member engaged in ministry should weigh and balance the following considerations: 1. Location. Private conversations can be conducted more safely in public and populated locations. If possible, all such conversations should be conducted in a public place somewhere that is easily accessible to others. 2. Gender issues. Private meetings and conversations with a member of the opposite sex are more prone to give the appearance of misconduct. Be careful for your reputation as well as the one you are talking with. 3. Frequency. Frequent private conversations with a youth of the opposite sex can lead to dangerous relationship dynamics among adults. 4. Ability of Counseling. If a person's spiritual or emotional needs are significant, the care giver should refer him or her to a pastor, or to a professional counselor. Don't overestimate your own counseling abilities. Wright View Church of the Nazarene Safety Policy, June 2012 5

5. Reliability. Consider the emotional stability and maturity of the individual. If lacking, private meetings with that person may be dangerous because such individuals may create the highest risk of false accusations. 6. Appearance. Maintain an appropriate appearance at all times. Remember, words and conduct that you may consider to be appropriate at the time can subsequently be made to appear very inappropriate. Protect yourself. 7. Touching. Although hugging another person in a public location when several others are present may be appropriate, physical contact in a private, isolated location creates a very high risk of being misconstrued and should be avoided. 8. Safeguard. As an extra precaution, consider keeping records of all private meetings, and let some other adult know that the conversations are occurring, as well as the reasons for the conversations even if using a room with a clear window. D. Discipline Guidelines Adults should do all they can to foster respect and care in their program with children and youth. Adults should engage in praying regularly for the youth in their program, and treat and speak to the youth as they would like to be treated. But there are times when the usual methods of maintaining order appropriate to the setting fail. If this is the case, then the following procedure should be used: 1. A misbehaving child should not be restrained unless he or she is about to harm another person in the program. 2. If someone is disrupting a program (talking out of turn, being silly, obnoxious behavior), he or she should be warned verbally. If he or she has to be warned a second time during the session of the program, the teacher/leader should speak to the youth one-on-one when that session is finished in a calm manner. 3. If the youth persists in being disruptive in succeeding weeks, the teacher/leader should talk with the parents/guardians sending home a write up a record of the behavior. 4. If the youth persists in being disruptive in succeeding weeks, he or she shall needs a letter sent home forbidden to attend the program until after he or she, his or her parents (or guardians), and the pastor have met to work through the problem and decide when they may return. NOTE: As part of that meeting consider a written contract for appropriate behavior and consequences for misbehavior drawn up and signed by the youth and his/her parents/guardians. 5. If the youth violates the contract, consequences for continual violation shall call for greater expulsion from the program or activities for as long as necessary to change the behavior. V. RECOGNIZING ABUSE A. Possible Indicators of Child Abuse and Neglect The following lists include general characteristics of abused children. Any one indicator does not necessarily mean that abuse has occurred. They may also indicate stress or anxiety in a young child. However, if a number of indicators are present, it is wise to consider the possibility of abuse. 1. Possible Indicators of Physical Abuse: Unexplained bruises or welts (bruises in various stages of healing - different colors, old and new scars together). Unexplained burns, broken bones, cuts, scrapes, stomach aches Unbelievable explanations of injuries or claiming no knowledge of the source of injury. Exhibits habit disorders (sucking, biting, eating disorders). Wright View Church of the Nazarene Safety Policy, June 2012 6

Fears adults; shrinks away from touch. Afraid to go home. Bald spots and scalp bruises (caused by hair pulling). Human bite marks. Fears parent(s) or care giver. Overly aggressive or withdrawn. Seeks more than average amounts of affection from other adults. Lags in emotional and intellectual development. 2. Possible Indicators of Neglect Under-fed or constantly hungry. Constantly unclean/poor hygiene. Unattended medical needs. Begging or stealing food. Lack of supervision. Constantly fatigued or listless. 3. Possible Indicators of Emotional Abuse/Neglect: Speech problems. Slow mental or emotional growth. Anti-social or destructive behavior. Dramatic emotional swings. Low self-esteem. Slow physical growth. Habit of sucking, biting, or rocking. Long-term depression. Loss of appetite. 4. Possible Indicators of Sexual Abuse Difficulty in walking or sitting. Unusual knowledge of or interest in private parts. Bed-wetting. Depression or withdrawn behavior. Poor relationships with other children. Acting out adult sexual behaviors. Pain or itching around private parts. Stomach-aches. Sleep problems. Sudden behavior changes. Reluctance to go to the bathroom. Anxiety, irritability, constant inattentiveness. B. Procedure for Helping Children or Youth when Abuse is suspected 1. When you first notice or suspect child abuse and/or when a child first comes to you, be sure to take the child seriously. Don't deny the problem. Stay calm, and listen to the child. Remind the child that he or she is not at fault and that the child was right in telling you about the problem. Do not promise the child that you will not tell anyone! Wright View Church of the Nazarene Safety Policy, June 2012 7

2. Immediately report such a case to the Pastor, Sunday School Superintendent, Childrens Pastor or Youth Pastor. A determination will be made as to whether more information is needed or whether Child Protective Services or law enforcement officials will be contacted. 3. After reporting, respect the child's privacy by keeping the information confidential. VI. ABUSE PREVENTION GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES A. A Teacher, Volunteer, Van Driver, Assistant, Sunday School Superintendent, Childrens Director and Youth Director, NYI President are required to report any suspected or alleged incidence of abuse to the Pastor/ and or to the church board. It is not the responsibility of the reporting person to substantiate the alleged abuse but only to report it to the pastor and or to the church board. B. Any allegation of abuse will be taken seriously. When a report is made, the appropriate action will depend on the ages of those involved and the circumstances of the particular case. If an initial assessment by the pastor or church board gives reasonable cause to believe that abuse may have occurred, the following people will be notified: 1. Child Protective Services (if a minor) and/or local police, 2. Parents/guardians of the allegedly offended person (if a minor), 3. The accused person after the security of the allegedly offended person is guaranteed, 4. SWO Nazarene Denominational Superintendent 5. Church Board C. If necessary, other people directly involved will be notified. The allegation of abuse will remain within the confidence of these parties. The pastor and or church secretary will maintain records of reported allegations of abuse which must be kept secure and confidential. D. If the initial assessment gives reasonable cause to believe that abuse may have occurred, then the alleged abuser will be subject to being suspended from serving in the congregation, or holding any office (and not limited to the place of service that involves children or youth) for the protection of all parties. The pastor need not be personally persuaded of the truth of the allegation nor need to see all of the supportive evidence available before instituting procedures. E. The church will cooperate fully with any investigation done by Child Protective Services or local police. All persons involved in a particular case, including their families, will be supported as appropriate with pastoral and professional counseling/care throughout the hearing, investigation and/or legal processes. F. In the event that criminal charges are dropped or prosecution does not result in conviction, the church board will decide whether or not the church leader is to be restored to his/her previous position or duty. G. If abuse is judged to have occurred, the congregation will be notified by announcement and by letter explaining the allegation and/or the reason for suspension and what steps have been taken. H. If the abuser is the pastor, the provisions of church order and, if necessary, the judicial code of the Nazarene Church Discipline will be followed. Wright View Church of the Nazarene Safety Policy, June 2012 8

I. NOTE: All staff and volunteer program leaders will be required to attend an annual training meeting which will include a presentation about our abuse policy and how to recognize signs of abuse and inappropriate behavior. At this time, they shall sign and submit a Code of Ethics. J. The procedure for working in the ministry of children's and youth ministry at the Wright View Church of the Nazarene is as follows: 1. All staff and volunteers are given the abuse prevention policy including the code of ethics and an application form. 2. Completed volunteer application forms are received by the Church Secretary. 3. Volunteers may have references checked. 4. After application (and interview) is complete, all names will be submitted to the appropriate committee then to the church board and pastor for approval. 5. The Sunday school Superintendent or Pastor will be responsible to arrange for periodic training sessions and the designated record-keeper will ensure that all volunteers have completed proper application forms and training. 6. Application forms will be kept confidential and in a secure area. For further accountability, they shall also be available to the church board, and secretary. K. All parents/guardians will be notified by letter each fall regarding our abuse policies and are invited to the classes when offered regarding these policies. L. L. The church board will insure that there is periodic review of all abuse policies and procedures. VII. ABUSE PREVENTION POLICIES PERTAINING TO SPECIFIC AREAS OF MINISTRY A. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 1. All leaders, helpers, and teachers are required to attend a training/informational/inspirational meeting each year during which the congregation's abuse policy will be explained. 2. During an opening meeting each year, the Wright View Church of the Nazarene abuse policy will be reviewed with all workers in each program. Parents/guardians should be invited to attend this meeting. Program leaders must take attendance and date of all parents and workers who attended this meeting. File in the church office. 3. We strongly encourage that at all meetings with children and adults present, there be at least three people, preferably two adults and one child. Any one-on-one meetings between a teacher and a student in a room with an open view, must be between people of the same sex, keeping records (including the date, time, and purpose for the meeting, and young person's name). B. NURSERY PROCEDURES The following procedures are to be used during all services, functions, and other occasions when the nursery facilities are needed. 1. All nursery volunteers are required to attend a training/informational/inspirational meeting each year during which the congregation's abuse policy will be explained, and sign and date the Code of Ethics. 2. There should always be at least two nursery workers in the nursery whenever it is in use. Those who serve in the nursery (adults, teens, youth) are expected to be in the nursery at their assigned times. If unable to fulfill their commitment, they are to find a suitable substitute from the approved substitute list only. 3. Nursery volunteers are expected to be in the nursery 10 minutes prior to services or church functions unless otherwise specified and to remain until all children have been picked up at all times. 4. Nursery volunteers should wear name tags. 5. The adult who is to supervise both the infants/toddlers and the teen/youth helpers, are to make sure the safety of the children using the nursery is foremost. Wright View Church of the Nazarene Safety Policy, June 2012 9

6. Parents/guardians are to bring toddlers to the door and leave with the nursery volunteer. At this time, the child will be signed in and his or her belongings checked. At pick up time, children will be handed to the parent/guardian at the door. Never allow them to leave on their own to find a parent. 7. Parents/guardians of infants will be allowed to enter the nursery to settle the baby in a swing, walker, crib, etc. A nursery volunteer will sign in the baby and receive belongings and instructions the parent may have. 8. Parents/guardians are to label clearly all of the child's belongings--diaper bags, bottles, pacifiers, burp cloths, diapers, etc. 9. If a bathroom trip is necessary, all infants, children, and youth/adults serving in nursery are to go together to one bathroom, and the adult/youth volunteers are to remain in clear visibility to one another. Otherwise, no child is to be allowed to leave the nursery except at pick up time. 10. Nursery staff will sign a sheet whenever they change a diaper. 11. Toys are to be picked up and put away neatly. Any broken toys should be removed and/or repaired. C. VAN DRIVERS/RIDERS 1. All drivers and riders must be approved by the Wright View Church of the Nazarene 2. All drivers and riders are required to attend a training/informational/inspirational meeting each year during which the congregation's abuse policy will be explained and sign the Code of Ethics. 3. All drivers must be at least 21 years of age. Every driver must have another adult with them in the vehicle unless another adult is accompanying the activity driving in a separate car following. There must always be at least two adult supervisors, at all times, during church sponsored activities and trips. 4. Those that drive must have a good driving record. 5. All drivers, riders, youth and children should be wearing seat belts when the vans or are in motion. The Discipline Guidelines established by the church above shall be used by the driver and rider for all children and youth who ride in the vans. Yelling, or talking down in a degrading manner to children as a form of discipline is unacceptable. 6. Children ride home the way they came to church unless a parent gave written permission to indicate otherwise. These go on file in the church office. 7. No child will be allowed to attend any activity that is church sponsored without a parent/guardian written permission slip for any reason. 8. Any adult using the church van(s) for personal or other reason must have a parent/guardian written permission slips for any child under the age of 18, unless it is their own child(ren).

WRIGHT VIEW CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE CODE OF ETHICS Wright View Church of the Nazarene Safety Policy, June 2012 10

FOR VOLUNTEERS, STAFF, AND LEADERS IN CHILDREN AND YOUTH PROGRAMS As part of my promise to love, pray for, encourage, instruct, and protect the children at the Wright View Church of the Nazarene, I will be faithful in my commitment to the children/youth to whom I am responsible. Believing that God has placed me in this ministry to serve the children or youth in this congregation . . . 1. My first priority while teaching/supervising/leading children or youth will be to provide a safe environment for them by not leaving them alone unsupervised at any time. 2. I will also try to understand and respect the child's/youth's cultural background showing no biases or prejudice that would be emotionally harmful to any child or youth. 3. I will communicate with parents/guardians giving full information about the program/activities I am teaching/supervising/leading, and what time it begins and ends. 4. I will arrive on time and be prepared for the activities to which I have committed. If I am not able to be present, I will find a substitute from an approved list or check with the Superintendent or Pastor. 5. I have read Wright View Church of the Nazarenes Child Protection and Abuse Prevention Policy. I understand it, and I will live by it in all my participation in Wright View Church of the Nazarenes children's/youth programs and activities. 6. I will not do anything that will damage a child's or youth's trust. I will try to protect the child/youth from all forms of abuse while he or she is in my care. 7. If I suspect that a child/youth may be hurt physically or emotionally by the abusive behaviors of another person I will report that suspicion to the pastor, Sunday school superintendent, youth director, or childrens director so that it can be investigated properly. 8. I will answer a child's/youth's questions openly and honestly using Scripture as appropriate. 9. I will work with the children/youth to set some agreed-upon guidelines for acceptable behavior within the group. I will expect the children/youth to act on the basis of those guidelines. If a child/youth consistently breaks them, I will seek help from parents/guardians and others to assist me in responding to the child/youth appropriately and/or use the Church Discipline Policy as necessary. 10. If a child/youth is distressed, I will try to offer comfort and help. I will encourage them using Scripture as appropriate or direct them to the appropriate ministry person. 11. I will do my best to pray for each child/youth regularly and let them know that I care about them. Signature of Volunteer/Staff/Leader: _________________________________________________________ Date: ___________________________________________

Return Signed and Dated Promptly to the Wright View Church of the Nazarene.

Wright View Church of the Nazarene Safety Policy, June 2012

11