Safe Child Policy ~ Guidelines For Safe Ministry With Children And Youth

Statement of Policy

A. Youth Protection

First Congregational Church is committed to creating a safe and healthy environment in which young people can learn about and experience God’s love. In order to ensure this, it is the policy of this church to provide adequate supervision for all youth activities. We also expect all employees or volunteers who work with minors to complete and submit an appropriate disclosure and/or acknowledgement form for the role the employee or volunteer will have within our youth activity programs.

B. Ministerial Conduct

All persons engaged in the ministry of First Congregational Church, including elected or appointed leaders, employees, volunteers and authorized ministers, are responsible for knowing the possible impact of their words and actions in ministering to the emotional, mental, and spiritual needs of persons who come to them for help or over whom they have any kind of authority.

Because ministers, including elected or appointed leaders, employees, volunteers and authorized ministers, often deal with individuals who are emotionally and psychologically fragile or otherwise personally vulnerable, it is imperative that those engaged in the ministry of this church maintain their own psychological, emotional and spiritual health, and that they have adequate preparation and education for helping those individuals they seek to serve in the ministry. It is the policy of First Congregational Church to encourage its leaders, authorized ministers, employees and volunteers to nurture safety within ministerial relationships by being attentive to self-care, education and the importance of referring those in need to supportive and helpful resources. It is also expected that those engaged in providing ministry will complete and submit an appropriate disclosure and/or acknowledgment form for the role in our youth ministry each individual will fulfill.

C. Prohibition of Sexual Misconduct, Abuse and Other Discrimination

First Congregational Church is committed to creating and maintaining a worship and work community in which members, friends, staff and volunteers can work together in an atmosphere free of all forms of discrimination, harassment, abuse, exploitation or intimidation. This church affirms its responsibility for creating an environment of hospitality for all persons, male or female, adult or child, that is free of sexual misconduct, free of physical and emotional abuse, and that encourages respect, equality, equity and kinship to Christ. We support equity among all persons regardless of ethnicity, situation, age or gender.

Specifically, all persons associated with First Congregational Church should be aware that the church is strongly opposed to sexual exploitation and harassment, and that such behavior is prohibited by church policy. It is the intention and responsibility of the church to take the action needed to prevent and correct behavior that is contrary to this policy and, if necessary, to discipline any person who violates this policy. Sexual harassment or sexual exploitation of parishioners or other individuals by anyone engaged in the ministry of First Congregational Church is unethical and unprofessional behavior, and will not be tolerated within this congregation.

D. Review and Education

This policy was drafted, reviewed and approved by the Christian Education Board. The Church Council also reviewed and approved adoption of this policy.

The Christian Education Board will conduct periodic reviews of this policy and make any changes it deems appropriate as a result of its review. Church Council approval will be obtained before implementing any changes the Christian Education Board makes to this policy in the future.

This church commits itself to educating all church leaders, employees and volunteers who work with minors in our youth programs on the provisions of our Safe Child Policy so they are aware of their responsibilities within the framework of this policy, the rationale behind the development of this policy and the applicable guidelines to be followed in ministry. A copy of this policy will be available for review in the Church office and library. It will also be posted on the Church’s website.