St. Andrew's Youth & Child Supervision Policy

Part 1 – Supervision
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church’s goal is to maintain the following ratios of volunteers to children and youth whenever feasible. The church recognizes that in some circumstances achieving these ratios may not be feasible, such as an unexpected number of children and youth showing up for an event. In those cases an event will proceed as planned, unless volunteers and ministry staff feel the safety of the children would be compromised.

Adult to Child and Youth Ratios
• For ages First Grade through High School the ratio will be one adult for every eight children or youth.
• For Birth through Kindergarten the ratios will be one adult for every five children.
• If ratio requires only one adult, the Two Adult Rule shall be followed.
• Trips away from the church will change these ratios

Part II – Two Adult Rule Policy
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church requires a minimum of two adults supervising any church sponsored event or program for children or youth. When the ratio of adults to children would require only one adult, then the Two Adult Rule applies. Only the ministers and the chair of the youth/child education committee may make exceptions to the Two Adult Rule Policy, in which case the child’s parent shall give written and signed agreement. An attempt will be made, by those in charge of events and programs, to ask both male and female volunteers to fulfill the Two Adult Rule Policy. The Two Adults may not be spouses or partners in a committed relationship if they are the only two supervisors.