Policy to Prevent Abuse of
Children and Youth
1. Mission Statement
The Long Lake Lutheran Church seeks to serve the
Lord Jesus Christ: by growing in faith through worship,
study and prayer; by proclaiming and teaching the Good
News of God's saving grace in Christ; and by reaching out
to one another and the world in love.
2. Two Adult Rule
There will always be 2 adult (21 years of age or
older) supervisors present when caring for minor children
under the auspices of Long Lake Lutheran Church.
Long Lake Lutheran Church
Policy for Protecting Children and Youth in Church
Activities
Long Lake Lutheran Church
W3714 Church Road
Sarona, Wisconsin 54870
Table of Contents
Introduction
A. Screening of Lay and Professional Workers
("Leaders")
B. History of Sexual Misconduct
C. Dating
D. Two-Deep Leadership
E. Individual Consultation
F. Respect of Privacy
G. Separate Accommodations
H. Appropriate Attire
I. Housing
J. No Secret Activities
K. Transportation
L. Constructive Discipline
M. Hazing Prohibited
N. No Sexualizing
0. Gifts
P. Nursery
Q. Reporting of Violations of These Rules
R. Mandatory Reporting of Abuse
Long Lake Lutheran Church Policy for Protecting
Children and Youth in Church Activities
(adapted from
Reducing the Risk of Child Sexual Abuse in Your Church,
published by Church Law and Tax Report, from Youth
Protection Guidelines: Training for Volunteer Leaders and
Parents of the Boy Scouts of America and from the Policy and
Procedure Manual of Youth and Young Adult Ministry of the
Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee: Bethany Lutheran Church
Policy for the Protection of Children).
Introduction:
On August 7 of 1997, the Church Council adopted the
following policies and procedures to help keep our church a
safe sanctuary for our children and youth. Fortunately, this
is not initiated in response to problems within Long Lake
Lutheran, but it is prompted by awareness of problems in
other churches that have allowed for the abuse of children
by paid and unpaid child and youth workers in the church, as
well as by other minors. The advice of experts from the
Church Law and Tax Report has shaped our response and
assures us that what helps protect our children and youth
also helps protect our church from unfounded charges and
legal liability. In no way will we allow these policies and
procedures to interfere with our service of Christ; they
will enhance it.
Other agencies in our society have taken similar steps with
good results. Among them are scouting agencies and YMCA and
YWCA. Many of today's parents are accustomed to these
considerations in their volunteer activities with children
and youth outside the church. The experience of other
churches who have adopted similar policies is positive.
Unfortunately, most churches have not been motivated to take
this action until after a problem has occurred. We, of Long
Lake Lutheran, are motivated because we are entrusted with
the spiritual, educational and moral development of our
children and youth.
The following policies shall be followed by all professional
and lay people in their work for Long Lake Lutheran.
A. Screening of Lay and Professional Workers
("Leaders")
Lay and
professional child and youth activity leaders must go
through a standardized screening procedure, overseen by the
Long Lake Church Council, who reserves the right to verify
information regarding background and history of activities
with minors, as well as doing a check on legal history. This
includes people working in youth activities, Confirmation,
music and educational activities, such as Sunday School. No
one will be accepted who has had a criminal sexual or
physical abuse violation. Leaders shall be informed of the
rules they are required to follow in their activities with
minors and shall be required to sign that they will
faithfully follow these requirements.
B. History of Sexual Misconduct
Any adult who has been convicted of sexual misconduct or
abuse may not participate in any capacity in Long Lake
Lutheran programs for children or youth.
C. Dating
Adult leaders shall not date or be romantically involved
with a Long Lake Lutheran youth. If there is a current
relationship, the adult cannot participate in Long Lake
Lutheran events with that minor.
D.
Two-deep Leadership
Two adult leaders must be present at each activity with
minors. Exceptions are Sunday School classes held in rooms
with a window in the door. Such activities are to be
monitored by the paid staff. The Nursery shall always have
at least two leaders.
E. Individual Consultation
Individual consultation between adults and minors must be
done within the two-deep framework. In situations that
require personal conferences, mentoring, or counseling, this
should be conducted in the church offices with at least one
other approved leader present in the area (though not
necessarily in the office).
As a rule, the counseling should be as public as possible,
without sacrificing effectiveness. Seclusion should be
avoided. If conducted in an office, it shall only be in an
office with an unobstructed window in the door or wall.
Unplanned individual contact on outings (such as for
counseling purposes) must be done in view of another adult
or minor. Planned individual contact outside the church
building must occur only in public places and with the prior
consent of the minor and parent or guardian. Examples would
be a ride home, or a conversation over a coke between a
disciple and mentor.
F. Respect of Privacy
Adult leaders need to respect the privacy of minors in
situations such as use of rest rooms, changing into swimming
suits, or taking showers on overnight outings, and intrude
only insofar as health and safety require. They also need to
protect their own privacy in similar situations.
G. Separate accommodations
A minimum of two adults should be present at an overnight
activity. If participants are both male and female, the
adults should be both male and female. If these conditions
can not be met, the event should be canceled. When camping,
no minor is permitted to sleep in the tent of an adult other
than his or her own parent or guardian. On other outings
that require that an adult share the same room as a minor
(such as ELCA national gatherings) the minors and parents or
guardians shall give prior consent. The adult should avoid
occupying the same bed as a minor, again with the exception
of a parent or guardian. Males and females should sleep in
separate rooms at events and have separate access to
bathroom facilities. When separate facilities are not
available, times for male and female use should be scheduled
and posted for showers.
H. Appropriate Attire
Proper clothing for activities is required, e.g.,
skinny-dipping is not appropriate as part of church
activities.
I. Housing
When private homes are used for overnight events, the
program staff member will make final approval of all adults
involved as hosts, hostesses and chaperones. At no
time may only one child or youth dwell in one
home.
J. No Secret Activities
There are no "secret" activities or organizations recognized
by Long Lake Lutheran. All aspects of the church program are
open to observation by parents and congregational leaders.
Confidentiality or secrecy is not a privilege of adult
leaders while involved in church activities with youth, but
a privilege of the youth.
K. Transportation
Transportation to and from events is the responsibility of
the families. During events, drivers should avoid dropping
off or picking up minors without being accompanied by
another adult. The Long Lake Church Council shall set
standards for who is permitted to drive during events. Any
deviations should have the prior consent of the parent and
be reported to the next person in the line of
responsibility.
L. Constructive Discipline
Discipline used in church activities should be constructive
and reflect Christian values. Corporal punishment is never
permitted.
M. Hazing Prohibited
Physical hazing and initiations are prohibited and may
not be included as part of any Long Lake Lutheran
activity.
N. No Sexualizing
No sexual behavior is permitted with Long Lake Lutheran
minors. Other behaviors which are abusive, but do not
involve physical contact, are also prohibited. Examples are
sexual comments, the showing of sexual material and the
exposure of sexual parts of the minor's body and/or the
adults body.
0. Gifts
Child and youth leaders shall not give personal gifts or
money to individual children or youth without first
notifying the parents and direct supervisor An exception is
the Disciples/Mentor program in Confirmation, where gift
giving is an encouraged part of the program. Gifts to entire
classes are acceptable.
P. Nursery
The nursery (if so established) shall have an identification
system that links the child with the parent in a way that
prevents the possibility of someone else taking the child.
The nursery is required to have two adult leaders at all
times of operation.
Q. Reporting of Violations of These Rules
Persons covered by these rules are required to notify the
Long Lake Council of any violations of these rules.
Suspicions of child abuse occurring during an event shall be
reported to the event coordinator and to the local
authorities. The alleged perpetrator should be removed and
supervised until the proper authorities arrive on the
scene.
R. Mandatory reporting of abuse
According to Wisconsin State Law, Section 48.98, those
having cause to suspect that a minor, seen in the course of
professional responsibility (including church professionals)
has or will be the victim of abuse or neglect, must report
the case immediately (not more than 24 hours after cause) by
telephone or personal visit to the local county child
welfare agency, the office of the county sheriff or the city
police department. Concern for the alleged victim, good
judgment and open communication are the standards
surrounding the reporting of an alleged case of emotional,
physical, or sexual abuse. Keep calm, stay with the
participant and know that you don't have to deal with the
victim or information alone. Any person who reports an
incident in good faith is immune from either civil or
criminal liability. All reports are treated with
confidentiality by the authorities.
'There are four types of child abuse. Physical abuse is the
deliberate physical injuring of a child by an adult. Sexual
abuse is the involvement of a child in any sexual act or
situation for the gratification or benefit of an adult.
Emotional abuse is maltreatment which causes low self-esteem
in a child or undue fear or anxiety, or other damage to a
child's well-being caused by such acts as angry fault
finding, humiliating and belittling a child for mistakes or
failures, and deliberate inattention to a child's emotional
needs. Neglect is not providing necessary food, clothing,
shelter, health care, psychological nurturing, education or
supervision for a child.
Variance from these guidelines can only be permitted when
written consent is given by the Long Lake Church Council for
deviation from a specific guideline for identified
reasons.
Program staff are responsible for screening and registering
people working in their program area, informing them of
these guidelines and are responsible for these policies
being followed in their area. The Ministry Team is
responsible for the Program Staff following these rules. The
Ministry Team is responsible to the Church Council for
compliance of these rules.
Adult leaders are liable for disciplinary action for not
following these guidelines, even if no abuse can be
established.
These policies shall go into effect
on_______________________. As of that time, all new adult
participants in Long Lake Lutheran activities involving
minors shall go through the application and screening
process. All adults who were participants before
_______________________ shall sign a statement of compliance
with adopted policy for reducing the risk.
Adult
Registration
Long Lake Lutheran Child & Youth
Ministries
Thank you for your interest in working with the young people
of Long Lake Lutheran. Your involvement with the young
people of Long Lake Lutheran is very important and vital to
a successful child and youth ministry. This form will help
us to get to know you better so that together we will be
able to give our young people the best possible experience
in their faith journey, now and throughout their entire
lives. Adults planning to participate in the Long Lake
Lutheran programs for children and youth protection policies
adopted by the Long Lake Church Council. We hope and pray
that God will lead and guide us in our ministry together.
Thank you for your participation.
Name:
Social Security
Home Address:
Home Phone:
Work Phone:
Place of
Employment:
Health/accident insurance and policy
Emergency contact: Name
Home Address:
Home Phone:
Work Phone:
Please list all present or previous work, either paid or
volunteer, involving youth. Identify the institution and
type of work.
Do you have any medical related training (CPR, lifeguard,
first aid, EMT, etc.)?
Please list any gifts, training, education, interests,
hobbies, etc., that relate to your interest in youth
ministry. Include any you feel you could share with young
people. (e.g., fishing, golf, etc.)
Are you a member of Long Lake Lutheran? If not, what
church?
Are you a part of any committees, organizations within Long
Lake Lutheran? If so, which ones?
Please describe briefly any church involvement over the past
few years.
Do you belong to any organizations, groups, etc., within the
community besides Long Lake Lutheran? If so, what are
they?
Is there any circumstance in your background which would
call into question your being entrusted with the
supervision, care or guidance of youth?
Have you every been accused of sexual misconduct or abuse? -
If yes, please explain.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? _______ Do you use
controlled substances?___________
In general, what age of youth do you prefer working
with?
Are there any physical handicaps or conditions that would
limit your activities in working with youth? If yes, please
explain.
Please provide the names, addresses and phone numbers of
three references who are not related to you. These
references should be able to describe you in a way that is
relevant to your involvement in child and youth ministries
at Long Lake Lutheran
All the information
I have provided in the process of applying to work with the
children and/or youth of Long Lake Lutheran is true and
correct to the best of my knowledge. I voluntarily and
knowingly authorize any person named herein as a contact to
give to the staff of Long Lake Lutheran, any information
they may have regarding my character and fitness for working
with children and youth. I voluntarily and knowingly fully
release and discharge all such contacts from liability for
any evaluation provided of me. I consent to have a police
check of my legal history.
I have read and understood the information contained in the
Long Lake Lutheran Policy for Protecting Children and Youth
in Church Activities and will comply with the procedures and
policies laid out in said manual.
Signature:
Date:
Reviewing staff person:
Signature:
Date:
Position:
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