Article V

Child Protection

Our mission

To make a first impression of our heavenly Father in such a way that it makes a lasting impression on the heart of a child. Build his kingdom, one child at a time.

Our Goals

To lay a strong spiritual foundation and help children grow in the knowledge of God, His Word, and in their walk with him.

To provide a safe and secure environment for the children who participate in our programs and activities. To this end, any report of inappropriate behaviors, grooming, or suspicions of abuse will be taken seriously and will be reported, in accordance with this policy and state law, to the Pastor and the Police Department, Child Protective Services, or other appropriate agency.

By implementing the below practices, our goal is to protect the children of United Baptist Church from incidents of misconduct or inappropriate behavior while also protecting our staff and volunteers (workers) from false accusations.

Section 1:        Selection of Workers

All persons who desire to work with the children participating in our programs and activities will be screened. This screening includes the following:

1. Training

United Baptist Church will provide training on this child protection policy to all new childcare workers and will strive to provide opportunities for additional training classes or events on an annual basis. All workers are required to attend these training events. Training will be renewed every two years. All workers must also read and sign this policy.

2. Written Application (staff only)

All persons seeking to work with children must complete and sign a written application in a form to be supplied by us. The application will request basic information from the applicant and will inquire into previous experience with children, previous United Baptist Church affiliation, reference, and employment information, as well as disclosure of any previous criminal convictions. The application form will be maintained in confidence on file at the United Baptist Church.

3. Personal Interview (staff only)

Upon completion of the application, a face-to-face interview may be scheduled with the applicant to discuss his/her suitability for the position.

4. Reference Checks (staff only)

Before an applicant is permitted to work with children, at least two of the applicants’ references will be checked. These references should be of an institutional nature as opposed to personal or family references, preferably from organizations where the applicant has worked with children in the past. Documentation of the reference checks will be maintained in confidence on file at United Baptist Church.

5.         Criminal Background Check

A criminal background check is required for all “volunteers” as defined above.

Before a background check is run, prospective workers will be asked to sign an authorization form allowing the church to run the check. If an individual declines to sign the authorization form, s/he will be unable to work with children.

A disqualifying offense that will keep an individual from working with children will be determined by the pastor and staff on a case-by-case basis in light of all the surrounding circumstances. Generally, convictions for an offense involving children and/or for offenses involving violence, dishonesty, illegal substances, indecency and any conduct contrary to our mission will preclude someone from being permitted to work with children. Failure to disclose a criminal conviction on the application form will also be a disqualifying event.

The background check authorization form and results will be maintained in confidence on file at the United Baptist Church.

Section 2:        Two Adult Rule

It is our goal that a minimum of two unrelated (when possible) adult workers will be in attendance at all times when children are being supervised during our programs and activities. Some classes may have only one adult teacher in attendance during the class session; in these instances, doors to the classroom should remain open. We do not allow minors to be alone with one adult on our premises or in any sponsored activity unless in a counseling situation. If an unusual circumstance occurs and a worker finds themself alone with a single child, they are to take the child to a room or building occupied by others, or to a location easily observed by others. (Example: if a child is the last in a class to be picked up by a parent, move to an adjoining room where other staff members or volunteers are present.)

Section 3:        Definitions

For purposes of this policy, the terms “child” or “children” include all persons under the age of eighteen (18) years. The term “worker” or “volunteer” includes both paid and unpaid persons who work with children in any capacity.

For purposes of this policy, “child abuse” is any action (or lack of action) that endangers or harms a child’s physical, psychological, or emotional health and development. Child abuse occurs in different ways and includes the following:

1. Physical abuse – any physical injury to a child that is not accidental, such as beating, shaking, burns, and biting.
2. Emotional abuse – emotional injury when the child is not nurtured or provided with love and security, such as an environment of constant criticism, belittling and persistent teasing.
3. Sexual abuse – any sexual activity between a child and an adult or between a child and another child at least four years older than the victim, including activities such as fondling, exhibitionism, intercourse, incest, and pornography.
4. Neglect – depriving a child of his or her essential needs, such as adequate food, water, shelter, and medical care.

Childcare workers may become aware of abuse or neglect of the children under our care. In the event that an individual involved in the care of children at this church becomes aware of suspected abuse or neglect of a child under his/her care, this should be reported immediately to authorities as mandated by state law as well as reporting to the pastor.

Section 4:        Reporting Suspected Abuse

To maintain a safe environment for all children, all persons must be aware of their individual responsibility to report anything questionable, which endangers or threatens children. Pending the outcome of an investigation, all information pertaining to the alleged incident should be kept confidential.

Reporting abuse:

1. Anyone witnessing an occurrence of or hearing an outcry of abuse should:

1. Report immediately to the DFPS at 1-800-252-5400. Then let the pastor or other staff member know that a report was made.
2. The accused should not be confronted until the safety of the child is secured unless imminent injury or damage is present.
3. Personally secure the safety of child/children. Do not leave the child while reporting the incident.

2. The parent or guardian will be notified.
3. Regardless of where the conduct occurred (at church, off-site church event, or non-church event), the person initially contacted by the child must complete a written report which should include, as much as possible, the precise wording of the child within 24 hours and make it available to the authorities.
4. Response to the accuser:

1. Allegations should be taken seriously and emotional support given to the accuser. The care and safety of the accuser is the priority.

5. All efforts should be made to reach out to the accuser and the accuser’s family, extending whatever pastoral and professional resources may be needed. This should be for the purpose of providing pastoral support during the time of crisis and not for the purpose of investigating the incident or influencing the investigation.  
6. Response to the accused:

1. Treat the accused with dignity. He/she will be relieved of his/her duties until the investigation is finished and instructed to remain away from the premises during any investigation by authorities. He or she should be instructed to have no contact with the victim or with witnesses.
2. He or she will be provided with resources.

7. The organization will fully cooperate with the investigation of the incident by civil authorities.
8. The insurance company will be notified, and the organization will complete an incident report. Any documents received relating to the incident and/or allegations will immediately be forwarded to the insurance company.
9. If necessary, the organization will designate a spokesperson to the media concerning incidents of abuse or neglect. The advice of legal counsel will be sought before responding to media inquiries or releasing information about the situation to the congregation. All other representatives of the organization should refrain from speaking to the media.
10. No person shall attempt to conduct a detailed investigation either through examination or interrogation of the child, the accused person, or a witness.
11. It is a crime and against the law to not report child abuse.

Section 5:        Suspicious Activity/Reporting Violation of Policy

In order to maintain a safe environment for our children, United Baptist staff members and volunteers must be aware of their individual responsibility to report any questionable circumstance, observation, act, omission, or situation that is a violation of these policies.  All questions or concerns related to inappropriate, suspicious, or suspected grooming behavior should be directed to an immediate supervisor in the ministry area or the Pastor.

During services, children are not allowed to wander the campus. If you see a child who is not in an appropriate place, please approach them or contact a staff member. They will take the child to their class or to their parent.

If you see an adult wandering the building, please ask if you can help them find their way. If suspicious, please contact the security team.

Section 6:         Teenage Workers

We recognize that there may be times when it is necessary or desirable for Nursery and Children’s workers (paid or volunteer) who are themselves under age 18 to assist in caring for children during programs or activities in addition to the required adults. The following guidelines apply to teenage workers:

1. Must be at least age 16
2. Must be screened as specified above.

Must be under the supervision of an adult and must never be left alone with children.

Section 7:        Check-in/Check-out Procedure

At any time that a child has been entrusted to United Baptist Church staff members or volunteers, the Church incurs responsibility for the safety and well-being of the child.  Staff members and volunteers must act to ensure the appropriate supervision and safety of children in their charge.

Children’s Ministries staff members or volunteers are responsible for releasing children in their care only to parents, legal guardians, or other persons designated by parents or legal guardians at the close of services or activities.

It is presumed a person who drops off a child or student has authority to pick up the child.

In the event that staff members or volunteers are uncertain of the propriety of releasing a child, they should immediately locate or contact their immediate supervisor or the Pastor before releasing the child.

Section 8:        Sick Child Policy

It is our desire to provide a healthy and safe environment for all of the children at United Baptist Church. Parents are encouraged to be considerate of other children when deciding whether to place a child under our care. In general, children with the following symptoms should NOT be dropped off:

1. Fever, diarrhea, or vomiting within the last 48 hours;
2. Green or yellow runny nose;
3. Eye or skin infections; and/or
4. Other symptoms of communicable or infectious disease.

Children who are observed by our workers to be ill will be separated from other children and the parent or guardian will be contacted to request that the child be picked up for the day.

United Baptist staff members and volunteers should not serve if sick. Call ahead and make arrangements for another trained volunteer/staff to fill the role.

Section 9:        Medications Policy

It is the policy of United Baptist Church not to administer either prescription or non-prescription medications to the children under our care. Medications should be administered by a parent at home. Parents are reminded of our sick child policy.

Exceptions to the medications policy may be granted to parents of children with potentially life-threatening conditions (such as asthma or severe allergic reactions). Parents of such children should address their situation with the pastor or a staff member to develop a plan of action.

Section 10:        Discipline Policy

It is the policy of United Baptist Church not to administer corporal punishment, even if parents have suggested or given permission for it. There should be no spanking, grabbing, hitting, or other physical discipline of children. Workers should consult with the pastor or staff if assistance is needed with disciplinary issues.

Section 11:        Physical Contact

Physical touch and affection are important to a child’s physical and emotional development. However, there is obvious danger with inappropriate touch or affection either intentionally or inadvertently in children’s ministry. Physical contact with children should be age and developmentally appropriate. The following guidelines are to be carefully followed by anyone working with children:

• All physical affection must be in the presence of other workers.
• Physical touch or affection should be brief in nature and never on a child’s “private” areas. Shoulder pats, head pats, side hugs, short hugs, and high fives are considered appropriate displays of physical touch with a child. Preteen and older children should be hugged from the side.
• Physical contact should be for the benefit of the child and never be based upon the emotional needs of a staff member or volunteer.
• Do not force physical contact, touch, or affection on a reluctant child.  A child’s preference not to be touched must be respected.
• Kids in laps (in chairs) should be sitting on the legs of the adult, not on adult private areas. Kids should not straddle an adult’s legs. When sitting on the floor, it is not appropriate for a child over the age of 6 to sit in another person’s lap.
• Elementary kids (kindergarten to 5th grade) should not be picked up, lifted off the ground, held, given piggy-back rides, etc. even if requested to do so by the kids. Simply redirect them to another activity or shift their focus.
• Kisses should not be given to a child of any age.
• When approached by a child physically, do not reject the child, but guide their affection to an appropriate contact. Hugs are easily shifted, as are misplaced hands. when a child touches an adult in an inappropriate way unintentionally, no reference to it should be made to the child, simply redirect their hand or body. If intentional, correct with the same tone as any other correction and notify the supervisor.
• Any inappropriate behavior or suspected abuse by a staff member or volunteer must be reported immediately.

Section 12:        Restroom Guidelines

When taking elementary kids to the restroom, wait outside in the hall.

1. Before allowing a child to enter a bathroom, please knock on the bathroom door to see if anyone is inside.
2. If there is an adult in the bathroom already, wait until they leave before allowing a child to enter.

1. Take children to the restroom in age-appropriate groups.
2. In restroom emergencies, use disposable gloves when handling soiled clothing. Soiled clothing should be placed (un-rinsed) in a plastic bag and labeled with the child’s name.

Section 13:        Diaper/Pull-Up Changing Policy

1. Gather all necessary items before beginning
2. Lay child on changing pad or changing table
3. Put a new pair of disposable gloves for every diaper change.
4. Place a sheet of wax paper under the child, on the changing table.
5. Remove wet/soiled diapers and use wipes or damp paper towels to clean the child. Use only wipes provided by parents if allergies are present.
6. Place wipes and diaper in a plastic bag or lined trash receptacle with lid.
7. Remove gloves by pulling the glove inside out from the wrist so that all residue remains inside the glove and dispose with wipes and diaper. Put on clean gloves to complete diaper change.
8. Put on a clean diaper.
9. Wash hands with soap and water first after each diaper change and then use Hand Sanitizer
10. Check children again near the end of the session. Send them home dry!

Section 14:        Accidental Injuries to Children

In the event that a child or youth is injured while under our care, the following steps should be followed:

1. For minor injuries, scrapes, and bruises, workers will provide First Aid (Band-Aids, etc.) as appropriate and will notify the child’s parent or guardian of the injury at the time the child is picked up from our care.
2. In case of serious emergency involving broken bones, severe cuts or bleeding, convulsions, fainting, unconsciousness, or other serious injury, follow these procedures:

1. Call 9-1-1 or signal for another adult to call 911.
2. Keep calm and keep children and the injured child as calm as possible. Have children move away from the injured child.
3. DO NOT MOVE THE INJURED CHILD
4. Speak calmly, reassuring the child.
5. Notify supervisor as soon as possible and they will locate and inform the parents
6. In the case the child is transported to the hospital, an assigned leader will accompany the child, if the parents cannot be located in a timely fashion.
7. Once the child has received appropriate medical attention, an incident report will be completed as soon as possible with specifics of medical personnel recommendations and the name of the hospital where the child was taken. in the case of injuries requiring treatment by a medical professional.

Section 15:        Parental Contact and Involvement

Parents who leave a child in the care of United Baptist Church staff members and volunteers during church services or activities will be contacted if their child becomes ill, injured, or has a severe disciplinary problem while participating in Children’s Ministries programs.

Parents are encouraged to visit any and all services and programs in which their child is involved at United Baptist Church.  Parents have an open invitation to observe all programs and activities in which their child is involved.  However, parents who desire to participate in or have continuous, ongoing contact with their children’s programs at United Baptist will be required to complete the volunteer application and screening process.

I have read and agree to abide by all the child protection policies and procedures of United Baptist Church.

Signature:_________________________________________ Date:_________________