TWO RIVERS COMMUNITY CHURCH

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

POLICY & GUIDELINES

POLICY

The Children's Ministries of TRCC shall be conducted in accordance with our statement of Purpose, Objectives and Core Values. The Children's Ministry is envisioned to work as partners with parents in providing childcare, Bible teaching, social activities, and ministry opportunities for children up through 6th grade. The safety and well-being of each child is paramount; therefore all children’s ministry workers shall meet TRCC attendance requirements, submit to a personal interview and background screening, and make application as a volunteer children’s worker. (Ref. Two Rivers Community Church Safety Awareness For Volunteer Children’s Workers, Addendum 1)

GUIDELINES

Core Value #3: To experience the Christian life in community (small groups) while also making a safe place for new people.

Core Value #5: To extend God's love and hope through the gospel message to all we can, however we can, with a servant's heart.

Core Value #7: To grow in our commitment to Christ's Lordship and to personal holiness by encouraging consistency in the habits necessary for spiritual growth.

Core Value #9: To equip and encourage families to be embassies for the kingdom

of God, incorporating all of the objectives of our church.

OPPORTUNITIES: Morning (classes change periodically as needs dictate)

Nursery: Birth to walking. A Nursery Coordinator will assign workers for Sunday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Toddlers: Walking until 2 years old. A Nursery Coordinator will assign workers for Sunday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Children's Bible Study: 2 years old through 6^th grade. A Children's Ministry Leader will schedule teachers for Sunday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Children's Church: 3 years old through their 6^th birthday. This class shall be conducted during the worship service from approximately 10:45 to 11:45.

OPPORTUNITIES: Evening -- 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (classes change periodically as needs dictate)

Nursery: Birth to walking. A Nursery Coordinator will assign workers.

Toddlers: Walking through 2 years. A Nursery Coordinator will assign workers.

Mission Friends: 3 years of age through Kindergarten. A Children's Ministry Leader will schedule teachers.

WOW: 1^st through 6^th grade. A Children's Ministry Leader will schedule teachers.

Exceptions to these guidelines may be made on a case by case basis after consultation with the appropriate teachers, Directors, Pastor, and Children's Ministry Undershepherd (Mike Scarberry).

ADDENDUM 1

TWO RIVERS COMMUNITY CHURCH

SAFETY AWARENESS

FOR

VOLUNTEER CHILDREN’S WORKERS

PURPOSE:

Two Rivers Community Church (TRCC) takes seriously our responsibility to provide a Bible-based environment for our children to be nurtured in the Lord. Inherent within our Policy and Procedures for TRCC Children’s Ministry is the safety of children within our care.

As a Christian institution, we are becoming increasingly aware of the influence of the world crowding in upon the church. One aspect of that influence is the unfortunate fact that child sexual abuse sometimes takes place even in churches. It is a real problem facing churches today.

Our insurance company strongly recommends we make reasonable effort to reduce the risk of litigation dealing with child sexual abuse. Church litigation is commonly on the basis of Negligence—generally referring to conduct that creates an unreasonable risk of foreseeable harm to others.

Generally speaking, churches are vulnerable to sexual abuse due to¹:

• Trust: Churches lean toward trust as a Christian attribute.

• Need: Churches struggle to fill all the needs in the various areas of ministries.

• Lack of screening: Churches do little to nothing regarding background checks of those helping in the various ministries.

• Access: Child molesters are attracted to institutions that provide access to potential victims where trust is relied upon rather than screening.

Our goal at TRCC is to protect the children from any inappropriate act, prevent workers from being in situations that could leave them vulnerable to accusations, and uphold our reputation as the Bride of Christ.

It is important to note that there have been no reported instances of child sexual abuse at TRCC. We are being proactive to maintain the integrity and reputation of the Lord Jesus Christ as preeminent in all our activities.

While we seek to do our utmost to protect our children through prudent and reasonable care, we also realize that any person, who the Lord calls to Himself in Christ “… is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold the new has come” (II Cor. 5:17). It is not our intention to pass judgment upon anyone for past sins, regardless of what those sins are. However, we are not to be naïve either. We all struggle with sin to some degree because we are humans. To a child molester, this sin may always be a temptation, and as we all are prone to do in dealing with our sins, we stumble, fall, fail, weaken and have doubts. TRCC holds the belief of “parental responsibility” for our children’s care. We cannot afford to allow the individual to be in a place of temptation (Rom. 13:14). The idea is not one of mistrust, nor is it one of suspicion. It is an attitude that acknowledges mankind is depraved, we are all fleshly, and the potential for evil lurks in the heart of every human being (Jer. 17:9). If the leadership of TRCC becomes aware of an individual applying to work in the Children’s Ministry who has committed a sexual act against children, that person will not be allowed to serve, or be removed if already serving, from any direct contact with the Children’s Ministry of TRCC. If that individual is honest with himself and the leadership of TRCC, he/she should be open to guidance and accountability and agree with the need for close attention.² Although we fully believe that repentance and restoration can take place, the legal system does not recognize “forgiveness” in the manner the church does.³ A person who demonstrates “Godly sorrow unto repentance” can be believed to be forgiven. TRCC leadership will address that individual and help them in efforts to minister in other areas of the church without contact with children. If the leadership becomes aware of an individual that has been accused of, or alleged to have committed a sexual act against children, and has assigned duties within the church, that person will be notified they are temporarily relieved of those duties until the investigation is concluded. Upon being cleared of the abuse allegations, permission to resume assigned duties may be granted.

DEFINITION / WHAT TO LOOK FOR / WHAT TO DO

Child Sexual Abuse Defined

Ohio Revised Code/Title XXIX Crimes - Procedure /Chapter 2907 Sex Offenses /In General §2907.01. Definitions

As used in sections 2907.01 to 2907.38 of the Revised Code: 

(A) "Sexual conduct" means vaginal intercourse between a male and female; anal intercourse, fellatio, and cunnilingus between persons regardless of sex; and, without privilege to do so, the insertion, however slight, of any part of the body or any instrument, apparatus, or other object into the vaginal or anal opening of another. Penetration, however slight, is sufficient to complete vaginal or anal intercourse. 

(B) "Sexual contact" means any touching of an erogenous zone of another, including without limitation the thigh, genitals, buttock, pubic region, or, if the person is a female, a breast, for the purpose of sexually arousing or gratifying either person. 

(C) "Sexual activity" means sexual conduct or sexual contact, or both.

Signs of Sexual Abuse ⁴ (General explanation-not necessarily applicable to church settings but must be viewed in a comprehensive fashion.)

Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the child:

• Has difficulty walking or sitting.

• Suddenly refuses to change for gym or to participate in physical activities.

• Reports nightmares or bed wetting.

• Experiences a sudden change in appetite.

• Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior.

• Becomes pregnant or contracts a venereal disease, particularly if under age 14.

• Runs away.

• Reports sexual abuse by a parent or another adult caregiver.

If a child alleges, or there are observable signs, of sexual abuse what should you do?⁵

Above all, take it seriously, but stay calm. By all means do not ignore the child’s pleas. When a child's plea is ignored, he/she may not risk telling again. However, it is vital that reasonable attempts be made to determine the facts before legal actions are pursued. Give lots of love and comfort. If you are angry, don't let the child see it--you do not want the child to think the anger is aimed at him/her.

If a sexual abuse allegation has occurred at TRCC, inform the Pastor and/or Undershepherds⁶ and parents immediately. They will contact the suspected party to inform them of the allegations, and if there is reasonable suspicion that such an event has occurred, the incident will be reported to the local police.

If you have witnessed a sexual abuse situation, take protective/preventative action and immediately report to the Pastor and/or Undershepherds and the parent. The Pastor and/or Undershepherds will immediately report it to the police. Reference TRCC Constitution, Article III, Membership, Section F, Number 4, footnote.

The Pastor and/or Undershepherds will complete the checklist and associated Incident Report Form with occurrence of either of the above.

POLICY IMPLEMENTATION:

Actions by TRCC:

With the oversight and blessing of the Undershepherds, we are proceeding with the necessary steps to satisfy ourselves and our insurance company we are making a reasonable effort to reduce the risk of sexual abuse at TRCC. The first step was to inform you via a handout in November/December 2006 that we were actively pursuing the implementation of Safety Awareness. Research has concluded that a frequent complaint in church litigation is that churches have not conducted adequate screening, monitoring, or adequate supervision of workers.⁷

Here’s what is accomplished or in-progress:

• Spoken with other churches as to their policies and procedures.

• Initiated information for distribution to workers and prospective workers.

• Completed installation of windows in nursery room doors.

• Adjusted nursery scheduling to accommodate, as near as possible, guidelines as to workers pairings (Atch 2-Two Adult Rule).

• Changed Children’s Ministry Policy and Guidelines.

• Established Six-Month requirement for membership or equivalent: We will not give any volunteer worker the opportunity to be involved in nursery or children's work until he/she has been associated with TRCC for at least six months. Research indicates that child abusers volunteer for ministries in which they can have quick access to children. Normally, they won't wait a long period of time to gain such access. Parents new to TRCC may always attend any children’s or youth event with their children.

  • A new member must have attended TRCC regularly for a minimum of six months before they can be added to the Children’s Ministry workers schedule.

  • Nonmembers may work in the Children’s Ministry but also must have attended TRCC regularly for a minimum of six months AND attend the TRCC new member’s class.

• Implemented screening process

  • Written application⁸ (Atch 3)

  • Personal interview

  • Sexual abuse background check

ADDENDUM 1

Attachment 1

Two Rivers Community Church (TRCC) Child Abuse Reporting

If TRCC receives an allegation of child abuse, we will respond with the utmost concern to the victim, parent, or other party making such an allegation. The accused will be treated with dignity and support. Without clear and convincing evidence to the contrary, TRCC personnel will assume that such complaints are made in good faith. Persons making such complaints should have no doubt that TRCC takes them seriously and will take appropriate action.

When it becomes necessary to report suspected child abuse or neglect, the protection of children is vital to all involved. It is the legal duty of any person with responsibility for the care of children to report all cases of child abuse they observe, and further, to report visible signs of alleged abuse. Failure to report could lead to a liability on the part of this church, the observer or both. TRCC has determined that it is the responsibility of the Undershepherds/Pastor to report all cases of suspected child abuse to proper legal authorities. While the confidentiality of the Undershepherds/Pastor/congregate relationship is very important, reporting reasonable suspicion of child abuse has potential for helping individuals receive help for a previous problem and may prevent further harm to a child, that person or others.

What is reasonable suspicion? Reasonable suspicion means that there is credible evidence or a discrepant or inconsistent history in explaining a child’s suspected abuse.

A report based on reasonable suspicion does not require proof that abuse or neglect has actually occurred or that the reporter witnessed the incident in question. Reporting is not a determination that child abuse or neglect has actually occurred; rather, it is a request for an assessment of the condition of a child.

Two Rivers Community Church has adopted the following guidelines for reporting.

Checklist for Sexual Abuse Cases To Be Completed By Pastor/Undershepherd(s)

In the case of an alleged/witnessed child sexual abuse, the volunteer or Pastor/Undershepherd who observes, or to whom the information is given, is required by Two Rivers Community Church to complete the tasks listed below. Date and sign as each step is completed. The Pastor/Undershepherd(s) will retain this completed form and any notes, pictures or other forms of information for secure keeping on church premises.

Pastor/Undershepherd(s) will administer procedures from this point on.

INCIDENT REPORT FROM

(to be used in conjunction with Checklist)

Reason for report __________________________________________________________

Date of incident _________________ Class________________________________

Name(s) and Age(s) of Minor(s) _________

Quote the child's first words verbatim: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Briefly describe what happened: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What action did you take?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Has the incident been resolved? __ yes __no Explain: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Were there any witnesses?

Names: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signatures of witnesses (if possible): _______________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Report submitted to: ___________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

ADDENDUM 1

Attachment 2

Use the Two-Adult Rule⁹  

Discourage the use of teen-agers under 16 years of age as nursery workers. Whenever the church sponsors an activity involving children on or off premises, always have at least two adults supervising each room, vehicle, or other enclosed space. More supervisors will be necessary if the group is large.  

A "claim check" procedure should be used to ensure children are released only to the person presenting the "check." Even though nursery workers may be weary by the end of the service, they can't permit children to leave the area unsupervised. This will require that children be picked up by a parent, guardian, or other person with a claim check. (This may or may not be used – as TRCC grows this procedure may be invoked) 

Be careful to supervise off-premises events involving children or youth. These events, especially when they involve overnight stays, present greater opportunities for sexual offenses to occur. Parental or legal guardian permission must be granted for all off-premises activities. All workers should be trained to prevent situations in which an individual attempts to isolate himself with one or more children.

ADDENDUM 1

Attachment 3

CHILDREN

VOLUNTEERS AND EMPLOYEES

Personal

Name: _______________________________ Daytime telephone: _______________

Last First Middle

Address: ____________________________________________________________________

Age range: ? 16–25 ? over 25

In which children program(s) are you seeking to become involved? ____________________________________________________________________

What skills would you bring to the children program? ____________________________________________________________________

What other children/youth work experience do you have? (Please list)

Organization Program Dates Contact

______________ ____________ ______________ _____________

______________ ____________ ______________ _____________

______________ ____________ ______________ _____________

______________ ____________ ______________ _____________

Have you at any time ever:

_ Been convicted of a felony? ? Yes ? No

_ Been charged or convicted of any child molestation, exploitation, or abuse? ? Yes ? No

Are you aware of:

_ Having any traits or tendencies that could pose any threat to children or others? ? Yes ? No

_ Any reason why you should not work with children or others? ? Yes ? No

If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” please explain in detail:

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

(Please attach additional pages if more space is needed) (over)

Church Activity

What church or churches have you attended in the past five years?

Church name Pastor’s name Years attended

___________________ ___________________ _____________

___________________ ___________________ _____________

___________________ ___________________ _____________

___________________ ___________________ _____________

Applicant Verification and Release

I recognize that Two Rivers Community Church (TRCC) is relying on the accuracy of the information contained herein. Accordingly, I attest and affirm that all of the information that I have provided is absolutely true and correct.

I authorize TRCC to contact any person or entity listed in this application, and I further authorize any such person or entity to provide the organization with information, opinions, and impressions relating to my background or qualifications.

I voluntarily release TRCC and any such person or entity listed herein from liability involving the communication of information relating to my background or qualifications. I further authorize TRCC to conduct a sexual abuse background check.

I have carefully read the policy and procedures of TRCC, and I agree to abide by them and to protect the health and safety of the children at all times.

Printed name: ________________________________________________

Signature: ___________________________________ Date: ___________