|
St. Philip Lutheran Church, ELCA
Raleigh,
North Carolina
Abuse Prevention Policy February
2003
As members of the congregation of St. Philip, blessed with the opportunity
to lend a hand in service to our youth, we promise to provide them
with love, support, guidance, wisdom, counsel, opportunities for spiritual
and intellectual growth, and a loving community where they are safe,
accepted in all that they are and in what they do as they learn how
to live in a changing world, while always keeping Christ in the center.
The most precious resource at St. Philip Lutheran Church is our children. Abuse
refers to any unwanted physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal attention. Sexual
abuse is sexual contact with “any person under the age of eighteen
years or anyone over the age of eighteen years without mental capacity
to consent, or any person when the conduct includes force, threat,
coercion, intimidation, or misuse of office or position.” Physical
abuse includes such activities as beating, harmful restraint, and
use of a weapon or instrument that results in or could result in physical
injury. Emotional abuse includes attitudes, behaviors, or repeated
comments that could create lasting emotional or psychological damage. Verbal
abuse is language that harasses, intimidates, and belittles a person
or that person’s ideas, conduct, or appearance.
Under North Carolina law, “any person or institution who has
cause to suspect that any juvenile is abused or neglected shall report
the case of that juvenile to the director of the Department of Social
Services in the county where the juvenile resides or is found.” Suspicions
of abuse of disabled adults are to be reported to the Department of
Social Services, Adult Protective Services. The report may be
made in person, by telephone, or in writing. It is hoped, but
not required, that the caller identify him/herself.
The following policy reflects our commitment to provide protective
care for all our children, youth, volunteers, and staff who participate
in our programs and use our facilities. It applies to all ministries
of St. Philip Lutheran Church, its schools, and congregational organizations,
and to the paid employees and volunteers who staff those ministries.
- Adults who have been convicted of either child sexual or physical
abuse should not volunteer service in any St. Philip sponsored activity
or program for children or youth.
- As part of the recruitment process for all paid part-time and
full-time employees, regardless of the task, and all volunteer workers
involved with children and youth, qualifications for the job will
be set forth, and the full-time staff person responsible for children
and youth (in those cases where children are involved in the ministry)
or the pastor (in those cases where only adults are involved in
the ministry) must be satisfied that such qualifications are met. A
screening process may include securing character references and,
at the congregation’s expense, securing a background report
from the appropriate legal agencies.
- All volunteers working with children/youth are to be members and
regular worshippers at St. Philip Lutheran Church for a minimum
of six months prior to working with children or youth. Exceptions
to this requirement must have the approval of the pastor or the
full-time staff person who has primary responsibility for children
and youth ministries.
- For the protection of all involved, two adults (not from the same
family) should be present at all times when children are present
for an activity. If two persons from the same family work
together, another person should be in the immediate area at all
times. Except when an adult is present, older youth are not
permitted to supervise younger children or youth. A minimum
of two adults should be present at an overnight activity. If
male and female children/youth are both present, both male and female
chaperons should be present. There will be separate accommodations
for both sexes on overnight events. “Buddy system” should
be used by staff whenever possible, but especially when working
with youth of the opposite sex.
- One-to-one counseling with a student should always occur in a
public place – never alone in a car or in a private place.
- Driving alone with a student of the opposite sex should be avoided
at all times, especially when working with troubled teens. However,
whenever adults transport children in private automobiles, record
should be made noting the driver and passengers in each vehicle. Youth
will not be allowed to transport other youth to and from church
activities unless parents are notified and give authorization.
- There will be no secret organizations. Hazing and derogatory
comments by leaders or youth will not be tolerated. Appropriate
attire will be expected. Any verbal or nonverbal sexual behavior
with any youth is inappropriate. Dating or going out with
any youth is forbidden. Discretion must be used in dealing
with all youth, especially regarding physical contact. Innocent
behavior can be misinterpreted. A hug around the shoulders
is not sexual abuse, but a full boy hug, stroking, massaging, or
an affectionate kiss raises questions. Any overt display of
affection should be made in a public setting in front of other group
members. Sexual gestures or overtures a youth makes to a staff
member should be reported to the youth director or pastor so that
discussion can be held with the youth and parent(s). Romantic
or sexual attraction between a student and an adult leader should
be brought up and discussed with the pastor for prayer and guidance.
- No alcohol, drugs, or tobacco may be used when working with youth. No
visiting in the room or sleeping area of a member of the opposite
sex is allowed. No unauthorized departure from any event is
permitted. Participate in all activities with a spirit of
cooperation and an attitude of openness. Be on time to all
activities. Respect other adults and youth leaders. Respect
and care for those in the group as sisters and brothers in Christ.
- Privileged information will be kept confidential unless abuse
is suspected, in which case the pastor and the Council President
(or other person designated by the Council President) will be informed. If
there is any claim of sexual abuse, legal authorities and the insurance
company will be notified promptly. Supervision of compliance
by those in the congregation who work with children and youth will
be the responsibility of the full-time staff person responsible
for children and youth ministries. All youth will be advised
of the above guidelines and will be encouraged to report improper
behavior to other youth leaders, pastors, or members of the youth
committee immediately. Such reports will be acted upon promptly.
Abuse Prevention Policy Information Form
St. Philip Lutheran Church, Raleigh, NC
This form is to be completed by any volunteer or paid worker with
children or youth in accordance with St. Philip Lutheran Church’s
Abuse Prevention Policy. This is not an employment application
form. The purpose of this form is to assist the congregation
in providing a safe environment for minors by assuring the highest
moral and ethical competencies possible for adults working with minors. If
you do not feel comfortable in writing answers to these questions,
you may speak with the pastor. Such a request does not necessarily
disqualify you from working with the congregation’s ministries.
Name:
Address:
Phone Number:
Have you ever been convicted of a crime against a minor? If
yes, please explain.
List other churches you have attended or where you have worked with
minors, and indicate the type of work you did and dates.
List two personal references (not related to you) that know of your
work with minor children, and indicate how they can be contacted.
Have you read the congregation’s Abuse Prevention Policy? (circle
one) Yes No
By your signature you acknowledge your answers to be true and complete,
and that any misrepresentation or omission may be grounds for rejection
or later dismissal. Permission is also given for contact to
be made with the references, and all who offer references are released
from any liability for such references made in good faith. Further,
permission is given for a criminal records background check.
Signature and Date
|