Steps to Develop Child Safety Protection Guidelines:
I. Establish Proper Child Safety Policies and Procedures for the Local
Church
Have an attorney review these for compliance with local and state laws. Check
with your insurance company for policy guidelines.
II. Implement Screening Procedures of All Volunteers Who May Come in Contact
with Children or Youth
This includes volunteers, pastors, office staff, janitors, and any persons
consistently in the building where children meet.
Screening may include such
steps as:
- • An employment or volunteer application
- • Use of a screening form
- • Reference Checks
- • A criminal records check
- • Photo identification of the person (i.e. driver’s license)
- • Six–Month Waiting Period Rule (Individuals should attend a church for at
least six months before applying to work with children.)
- • Personal Interview
III. Develop Guidelines for Volunteer Supervision
- • Establish proper policies and procedures for volunteers. (Consider policies
and procedures for both on–site and off–site the church property. Ask volunteers
to agree to follow these policies and procedures.)
- • Provide current training for all volunteers and leaders.
- • Provide adequate supervision at all times.
- • Enforce the Two–Adult rule and buddy system (recommend at least one over the
age of 21).
- • Provide windows in all classrooms or doors.
- • Workers are not to spank, shake, hit, grab, or otherwise physically
discipline a child.
IV. Develop Proper Reporting Policies and Procedures and Understand
Reporting Obligations in Your State
Designate one person as the church reporter. This person should be
knowledgeable about all types of abuse, reporting policies, and procedures.
V. Consult These and Other Available Resources
Sample Document: No liability is assumed by those who have prepared or
distibuted this material. All material, policies, and procedures should be
reviewed by a competent attorney before
implementing.