CHILD AND YOUTH ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY for Fresno Bible Church Rev. 7/2/2024
CHILD AND YOUTH ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY FOR Fresno Bible Church
Introduction
To help protect children, Fresno Bible Church has adopted the following Child and Youth Abuse Prevention Policy. It is important that all Fresno Bible Church paid staff and volunteers understand and implement these guidelines to help prevent abuse against children and to promote their safety. The following includes the Purpose and Definitions for these guidelines, the outlines of Protection and Prevention, and an Acknowledgment to be signed by those people working with children.
Purpose
These procedures are designed to reduce the risk of child abuse in order to:
1. Provide a safe and secure environment for children, youth, adults, members, volunteers, visitors, and paid staff.
2. Assist Fresno Bible Church in evaluating a person's suitability to supervise, oversee, and/or exert control over the activities of children and youth.
3. Satisfy the concerns of parents and staff members with a screening process for paid staff and volunteers. 4. Provide a system to respond to alleged victims of sexual abuse and their families, as well as the alleged perpetrator.
5. Reduce the possibility of false accusations of sexual abuse made against volunteers and paid staff.
Definitions
The following terms used herein and are defined as follows:
1. Paid Staff : Any pastor, or employee who is paid.
2. Children/Youth/Minor : Any person who has not reached his/her 18th birthday or the age of majority as defined by state law. (Ohio = 18, or 21 if mentally/physically handicapped)
3. Adult : Any person who has reached his/her 18th birthday (See Definition #2)
4. Volunteer : Means any unpaid person engaged in or involved in activities and who is entrusted with the care and supervision of minors or a person who directly oversees and/or exerts control or oversight over minors or adults.
5. Young child : Any person who is the age of 5 and under.
6. Sexual Abuse : The employment, use, persuasion, inducement, enticement, or coercion of any minor or adult to engage in, or assist any other person to engage in, any sexually explicit conduct or any simulation of such conduct for the purpose of producing any visual depiction of such conduct or rape, and in cases of caretaker or inter-familial relationships, statutory rape, molestation, prostitution, or other form of sexual exploitation of minor or adult, or incest with a minor or adult, or as defined by federal and state law. This includes and is not limited to unwelcome sexual remarks, jokes, advances, leering, whistling, or sexual gestures; sexual touching, fondling, molestation, assault, or other intimate physical contact; compelling another person to engage in a sexual act by threats or fear or undue influence; and providing or displaying pornographic materials to another person.
6. Child Emotional Abuse : Verbal or nonverbal conduct including mental exploitation, degrading communication, or humiliating or threatening conduct that may or may not include bullying or as defined by state law.
7. Regular Attender : Attending at least three out of four Sunday services a month at Fresno Bible Church.
Protection and Prevention Volunteer and Employee Screening Procedures
The following screening procedures are to be used with paid staff and volunteers who are entrusted with the care and supervision of minors or a person who directly oversees and/or exerts control or oversight over minors. All information collected should be maintained in confidence.
1. Employment Application and Volunteer Application : Any paid staff and volunteers who will work with a minor must complete the Employment Application and/or the Volunteer Application. The release statement attached to the Application must be signed by the individual completing the Application to apply for and qualify for service.
Our Employment Application includes questions regarding:
● Current and previous residence addresses.
● Current and previous employment, including addresses, dates, duties, titles, and reasons for leaving. ● Names and addresses of schools attended and degree(s) earned.
● References from previous employers and organizations that serve children.
● Pending criminal charges (where not prohibited by state law).
● Criminal history information.
Our Volunteer Application includes questions regarding: ● Current address.
● Volunteer experience.
● Criminal history information.
● Personal references.
Applications include a statement, which the applicant should acknowledge in writing, certifying that statements provided in the application are true and complete, and any misrepresentation or omission may be grounds for rejection of the applicant or for dismissal if he or she is employed. This statement authorizes Fresno Bible Church to contact any individual or organization listed in the application.
2. Review all statements made in the application, paying specific attention to any gaps in time and irregular employment patterns or unexplained absence. Pursue these gaps with employers listed and in a subsequent interview.
3. Conduct interviews with qualified applicants. If detrimental information is uncovered but the applicant remains desirable, discuss this information with the applicant. In the event the applicant is ultimately hired or accepted as a volunteer, document the reasons for overriding the prior information. Whenever possible, Fresno Bible Church will have a pastor or paid staff member participate in the interview.
4. All listed references for volunteers may be contacted for any information that might help determine the applicant's suitability for the position. If a response is not received within a reasonable period of time, follow up and keep notes if possible.
5. All listed references and employers for paid staff may be contacted. Inquire as to the reason the applicant left and ask for any information that might help determine the applicant's suitability for the position. If a response is not received within a reasonable period of time, follow up and keep notes if possible.
6. Criminal Background Check : Fresno Bible Church will conduct a criminal background check on all paid staff and volunteers who are entrusted with the care and supervision of minors or a person who directly oversees and/or exerts control or oversight over minors. All criminal background checks will be updated every five years.
7. Six-Month Rule : All volunteers will be required to have been a regular attender of Fresno Bible Church for six months and have reviewed and signed the Child and Youth Abuse Prevention Program.
Confidentiality
Information obtained through the screening, application, reference check, interview, and criminal background check will be kept in confidence, unless otherwise required by law. All information discovered or obtained through the above referenced means will be kept in a secure location and access to it will be restricted in use to only Elders of Fresno Bible Church.
Supervision Procedures
Unless an extenuating situation exists, Fresno Bible Church :
1. Will have two screened and trained paid staff or volunteers present in classrooms or at events involving children ages 5 and under.
2. Will have at least one screened and trained paid staff or volunteer present in classrooms or at events involving children ages 6 to 6th grade.
3. Will monitor facilities during activities involving children.
4. A sign-in and sign-out sheet will be utilized in both the Nursery and Pre-School Sunday school class.
5. Will obtain written parental permission, including a signed medical treatment form and emergency contacts, before taking minors on trips and should provide information regarding the Trip. See Appendix A: FBC Youth Ministry.
6. Will require that children ages 5 and under be accompanied to the restroom. Whenever possible, the escort will be the same sex as the minor. No minor Ministry Helpers will accompany children to the restroom.
7. Will permit children ages 6 and older to go to the restroom unaccompanied.
8. Will screen all paid staff and volunteers and approve those individuals in advance for any overnight activities.
Behavioral Guidelines for Religious Organization Paid Staff
All volunteers and paid staff will observe the following guidelines:
1. Do not provide alcoholic beverages, tobacco, drugs, contraband, or anything that is prohibited by law to minors.
2. To the extent possible, Fresno Bible Church events that are co-educational will have both male and female chaperons.
3. Speaking to a minor or minors one-on-one during a church event should be done in public settings where paid staff or volunteers are in sight of other people.
4. Avoid all inappropriate contact with minors. All touching shall be based on the needs of the individual being touched, not on the needs of the volunteer or paid staff. In the event a minor initiates inappropriate physical contact, it is appropriate to inform the minor that such contact is inappropriate.
5. Never engage in physical discipline of a minor. Volunteers and paid staff shall not abuse minors in any way, including but not limited to physical abuse, verbal/mental abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse of any kind. In the case of a disagreement between two minors it may be necessary to restrain a minor from injuring themselves or others.
6. If you recognize an inappropriate relationship developing between a minor and adult, maintain clear professional boundaries and refer the minor to another individual with supervisory authority. Report the incident to the ministry leader and/or an elder.
7. Anyone who observes abuse of a minor on church property or during church events will take appropriate steps to immediately intervene and provide assistance. Report any inappropriate conduct to the ministry leaders and/or elders of Fresno Bible Church for handling.
8. In the event that there is a discipline issue with a minor on church property or during a church event, we encourage communication between the volunteer, paid staff, ministry leaders and the parents on the discipline issues. Building Security With the exception of the main, double glass door, entrance, all exterior doors will be locked during services and events. (Locked doors must allow egress without having to “unlock”)
Disqualification
No person may be entrusted with the care and supervision of minors or may directly oversee and/or exert control or oversight over minors who has been convicted of the offenses outlined below, been on a probated sentence or received deferred adjudication for any offense outlined below, or has presently pending any criminal charges for any offense outlined below until a determination of guilt or innocence has been made, including any person who is presently on deferred adjudication. The following offenses disqualify a person from care, supervision, control, or oversight of minors:
1. Any offense against minors as defined by state law. 5
2. A misdemeanor or felony offense as defined by state law that is classified as sexual assault, indecency with a minor or adult, assault of a minor or adult, injury to a minor or adult, abandoning or endangering a minor, sexual performance with a minor or adult, possession or promoting pornography, enticing a minor, bigamy, incest, drug related offenses, or family violence, or other inappropriate behavior.
3. A prior criminal history of an offense against minors. 4. The elders of FBC reserve the right to disqualify any individual who would apply to volunteer or serve in children’s ministry.
Sexual Offender at Fresno Bible Church
Fresno Bible Church may allow a person known to be a sexual offender to remain, attend or become a member of the congregation, but they must adhere to specific guidelines. However, first check with the offender's probation/parole officer for any restrictions regarding attending services or other functions where children are present. Ask the probation/parole officer to put any restrictions in writing. If restrictions do not prohibit offender participation, the following additional two requirements must be implemented and remain in force at all times involving any known sexual offender:
1.The convicted sexual offender cannot participate in any of the child or youth programs in any way.
2.The congregation needs to be made aware that a convicted sex offender is attending. And the name does need to be disclosed.
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Response to Sexual Abuse
Fresno Bible Church will respond promptly to investigate any accusation of sexual abuse. All accusations of sexual abuse will be taken seriously. It is important to be appropriately respectful to the needs and feelings of those who allege sexual abuse and those who have been accused of sexual abuse. When an allegation is made involving sexual abuse, the person reporting the complaint is to be told about the guidelines and the procedures to be followed. A pastor or an appointed elder will begin investigating the allegations and may use the assistance of legal counsel or other consultants. If an elder is accused then another elder will conduct the investigation. The investigation will be conducted as follows:
1. Report the incident to appropriate authorities in accordance with the state mandatory reporting laws.
2. Report the matter to Fresno Bible Church's insurance carrier.
3. Cooperate with authorities and the insurance carrier. 4. Fresno Bible Church may suspend (with pay for paid staff) the alleged offender while a confidential investigation is being conducted.
5. An elder or appointed official of Fresno Bible Church (and legal counsel or other consultants) will then meet with the governing body of Fresno Bible Church and present a report on their investigation, which will include findings and recommendations of actions.
6. An elder or appointed official of Fresno Bible Church will meet with the alleged perpetrator and notify him/her of the results of the investigation and recommendations for actions.
7. An elder or appointed official of Fresno Bible Church will meet with the alleged victim, along with his/her parents or guardians, and notify them of the results of the investigation and recommendations for actions.
8. An elder or appointed official of Fresno Bible Church (and legal counsel or other consultants) may meet with the alleged perpetrator, the alleged victim, and any others with knowledge of relevant facts.
9. During the investigation, an elder or appointed official of Fresno Bible Church shall maintain contact with the alleged victim and his/her parents or legal guardian, and inform them of the actions taken and assist them in their process of healing.
10. Cooperate if needed with criminal and civil legal counsel of Fresno Bible Church .
11. Communicate with those affected by the ministry of the alleged perpetrator.
12.Hire a consultant or assign a spokesperson to respond to media or prepare a statement for the media if the need shall arise, subject to the approval of Fresno Bible Church's attorney.
Child and Youth Abuse Prevention Program Acknowledgment
These guidelines have been designed to guide and assist you when working with minors. The information establishes general practices and guidelines and should not be construed in any way as a contract of employment or continued employment. Fresno Bible Church reserves the right to make changes in the content or application of this program and to implement those changes with or without notice. The terms defined herein are defined for the purposes of the program and do not suppose or establish a legal relationship. These terms are not defined for the purposes of creating a legal relationship with the Fresno Bible Church or any related or associated entity and instead are to be used with this document. I have received a copy of the Fresno Bible Church's Child and Youth Abuse Prevention Program. I understand it is my responsibility to become familiar with and adhere to the information contained herein. I understand that these policies are the property of the Fresno Bible Church.
______________________________________
Print Name ______________________________________ Signature ______________________________________
Date
Fresno Bible Church Policy on using minors as helpers in Sunday School, Children's Church and Nursery.
Purpose:
To use our young people as resources of help in ministries of FBC.
To not over-use, as to not allow them to participate in the worship services.
To define requirements for service.
To define the scope of their duties and availability. Fresno Bible Church has been blessed with a good group of young people.
The spiritual growth and edification is our first and foremost desire.
Requirements for minors to serve at FBC.
To have been a regular attendee of Sunday Worship as well as Youth Group activities at Fresno Bible Church for six months.
To have a recommendation from either Pastor Chris Cutshall or Ben Croghan.
Signed consent form from the parent or guardian. (needs to be created)
Attend a youth responsibility training session and sign off on the policies. (needs to be created)
To not miss the Sunday morning service more than once a month due to being a helper. Or to miss two consecutive Sunday morning services. (can't do Children's church one week and Nursery the next) Minors will only be used in addition to the two screened and trained paid staff or volunteers present in classrooms or at events involving minors. (See page 5, Supervision Procedures #1)
CHILD AND YOUTH ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY FOR Fresno Bible Church
Introduction
To help protect children, Fresno Bible Church has adopted the following Child and Youth Abuse Prevention Policy. It is important that all Fresno Bible Church paid staff and volunteers understand and implement these guidelines to help prevent abuse against children and to promote their safety. The following includes the Purpose and Definitions for these guidelines, the outlines of Protection and Prevention, and an Acknowledgment to be signed by those people working with children.
Purpose
These procedures are designed to reduce the risk of child abuse in order to:
1. Provide a safe and secure environment for children, youth, adults, members, volunteers, visitors, and paid staff.
2. Assist Fresno Bible Church in evaluating a person's suitability to supervise, oversee, and/or exert control over the activities of children and youth.
3. Satisfy the concerns of parents and staff members with a screening process for paid staff and volunteers. 4. Provide a system to respond to alleged victims of sexual abuse and their families, as well as the alleged perpetrator.
5. Reduce the possibility of false accusations of sexual abuse made against volunteers and paid staff.
Definitions
The following terms used herein and are defined as follows:
1. Paid Staff : Any pastor, or employee who is paid.
2. Children/Youth/Minor : Any person who has not reached his/her 18th birthday or the age of majority as defined by state law. (Ohio = 18, or 21 if mentally/physically handicapped)
3. Adult : Any person who has reached his/her 18th birthday (See Definition #2)
4. Volunteer : Means any unpaid person engaged in or involved in activities and who is entrusted with the care and supervision of minors or a person who directly oversees and/or exerts control or oversight over minors or adults.
5. Young child : Any person who is the age of 5 and under.
6. Sexual Abuse : The employment, use, persuasion, inducement, enticement, or coercion of any minor or adult to engage in, or assist any other person to engage in, any sexually explicit conduct or any simulation of such conduct for the purpose of producing any visual depiction of such conduct or rape, and in cases of caretaker or inter-familial relationships, statutory rape, molestation, prostitution, or other form of sexual exploitation of minor or adult, or incest with a minor or adult, or as defined by federal and state law. This includes and is not limited to unwelcome sexual remarks, jokes, advances, leering, whistling, or sexual gestures; sexual touching, fondling, molestation, assault, or other intimate physical contact; compelling another person to engage in a sexual act by threats or fear or undue influence; and providing or displaying pornographic materials to another person.
6. Child Emotional Abuse : Verbal or nonverbal conduct including mental exploitation, degrading communication, or humiliating or threatening conduct that may or may not include bullying or as defined by state law.
7. Regular Attender : Attending at least three out of four Sunday services a month at Fresno Bible Church.
Protection and Prevention Volunteer and Employee Screening Procedures
The following screening procedures are to be used with paid staff and volunteers who are entrusted with the care and supervision of minors or a person who directly oversees and/or exerts control or oversight over minors. All information collected should be maintained in confidence.
1. Employment Application and Volunteer Application : Any paid staff and volunteers who will work with a minor must complete the Employment Application and/or the Volunteer Application. The release statement attached to the Application must be signed by the individual completing the Application to apply for and qualify for service.
Our Employment Application includes questions regarding:
● Current and previous residence addresses.
● Current and previous employment, including addresses, dates, duties, titles, and reasons for leaving. ● Names and addresses of schools attended and degree(s) earned.
● References from previous employers and organizations that serve children.
● Pending criminal charges (where not prohibited by state law).
● Criminal history information.
Our Volunteer Application includes questions regarding: ● Current address.
● Volunteer experience.
● Criminal history information.
● Personal references.
Applications include a statement, which the applicant should acknowledge in writing, certifying that statements provided in the application are true and complete, and any misrepresentation or omission may be grounds for rejection of the applicant or for dismissal if he or she is employed. This statement authorizes Fresno Bible Church to contact any individual or organization listed in the application.
2. Review all statements made in the application, paying specific attention to any gaps in time and irregular employment patterns or unexplained absence. Pursue these gaps with employers listed and in a subsequent interview.
3. Conduct interviews with qualified applicants. If detrimental information is uncovered but the applicant remains desirable, discuss this information with the applicant. In the event the applicant is ultimately hired or accepted as a volunteer, document the reasons for overriding the prior information. Whenever possible, Fresno Bible Church will have a pastor or paid staff member participate in the interview.
4. All listed references for volunteers may be contacted for any information that might help determine the applicant's suitability for the position. If a response is not received within a reasonable period of time, follow up and keep notes if possible.
5. All listed references and employers for paid staff may be contacted. Inquire as to the reason the applicant left and ask for any information that might help determine the applicant's suitability for the position. If a response is not received within a reasonable period of time, follow up and keep notes if possible.
6. Criminal Background Check : Fresno Bible Church will conduct a criminal background check on all paid staff and volunteers who are entrusted with the care and supervision of minors or a person who directly oversees and/or exerts control or oversight over minors. All criminal background checks will be updated every five years.
7. Six-Month Rule : All volunteers will be required to have been a regular attender of Fresno Bible Church for six months and have reviewed and signed the Child and Youth Abuse Prevention Program.
Confidentiality
Information obtained through the screening, application, reference check, interview, and criminal background check will be kept in confidence, unless otherwise required by law. All information discovered or obtained through the above referenced means will be kept in a secure location and access to it will be restricted in use to only Elders of Fresno Bible Church.
Supervision Procedures
Unless an extenuating situation exists, Fresno Bible Church :
1. Will have two screened and trained paid staff or volunteers present in classrooms or at events involving children ages 5 and under.
2. Will have at least one screened and trained paid staff or volunteer present in classrooms or at events involving children ages 6 to 6th grade.
3. Will monitor facilities during activities involving children.
4. A sign-in and sign-out sheet will be utilized in both the Nursery and Pre-School Sunday school class.
5. Will obtain written parental permission, including a signed medical treatment form and emergency contacts, before taking minors on trips and should provide information regarding the Trip. See Appendix A: FBC Youth Ministry.
6. Will require that children ages 5 and under be accompanied to the restroom. Whenever possible, the escort will be the same sex as the minor. No minor Ministry Helpers will accompany children to the restroom.
7. Will permit children ages 6 and older to go to the restroom unaccompanied.
8. Will screen all paid staff and volunteers and approve those individuals in advance for any overnight activities.
Behavioral Guidelines for Religious Organization Paid Staff
All volunteers and paid staff will observe the following guidelines:
1. Do not provide alcoholic beverages, tobacco, drugs, contraband, or anything that is prohibited by law to minors.
2. To the extent possible, Fresno Bible Church events that are co-educational will have both male and female chaperons.
3. Speaking to a minor or minors one-on-one during a church event should be done in public settings where paid staff or volunteers are in sight of other people.
4. Avoid all inappropriate contact with minors. All touching shall be based on the needs of the individual being touched, not on the needs of the volunteer or paid staff. In the event a minor initiates inappropriate physical contact, it is appropriate to inform the minor that such contact is inappropriate.
5. Never engage in physical discipline of a minor. Volunteers and paid staff shall not abuse minors in any way, including but not limited to physical abuse, verbal/mental abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse of any kind. In the case of a disagreement between two minors it may be necessary to restrain a minor from injuring themselves or others.
6. If you recognize an inappropriate relationship developing between a minor and adult, maintain clear professional boundaries and refer the minor to another individual with supervisory authority. Report the incident to the ministry leader and/or an elder.
7. Anyone who observes abuse of a minor on church property or during church events will take appropriate steps to immediately intervene and provide assistance. Report any inappropriate conduct to the ministry leaders and/or elders of Fresno Bible Church for handling.
8. In the event that there is a discipline issue with a minor on church property or during a church event, we encourage communication between the volunteer, paid staff, ministry leaders and the parents on the discipline issues. Building Security With the exception of the main, double glass door, entrance, all exterior doors will be locked during services and events. (Locked doors must allow egress without having to “unlock”)
Disqualification
No person may be entrusted with the care and supervision of minors or may directly oversee and/or exert control or oversight over minors who has been convicted of the offenses outlined below, been on a probated sentence or received deferred adjudication for any offense outlined below, or has presently pending any criminal charges for any offense outlined below until a determination of guilt or innocence has been made, including any person who is presently on deferred adjudication. The following offenses disqualify a person from care, supervision, control, or oversight of minors:
1. Any offense against minors as defined by state law. 5
2. A misdemeanor or felony offense as defined by state law that is classified as sexual assault, indecency with a minor or adult, assault of a minor or adult, injury to a minor or adult, abandoning or endangering a minor, sexual performance with a minor or adult, possession or promoting pornography, enticing a minor, bigamy, incest, drug related offenses, or family violence, or other inappropriate behavior.
3. A prior criminal history of an offense against minors. 4. The elders of FBC reserve the right to disqualify any individual who would apply to volunteer or serve in children’s ministry.
Sexual Offender at Fresno Bible Church
Fresno Bible Church may allow a person known to be a sexual offender to remain, attend or become a member of the congregation, but they must adhere to specific guidelines. However, first check with the offender's probation/parole officer for any restrictions regarding attending services or other functions where children are present. Ask the probation/parole officer to put any restrictions in writing. If restrictions do not prohibit offender participation, the following additional two requirements must be implemented and remain in force at all times involving any known sexual offender:
1.The convicted sexual offender cannot participate in any of the child or youth programs in any way.
2.The congregation needs to be made aware that a convicted sex offender is attending. And the name does need to be disclosed.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Response to Sexual Abuse
Fresno Bible Church will respond promptly to investigate any accusation of sexual abuse. All accusations of sexual abuse will be taken seriously. It is important to be appropriately respectful to the needs and feelings of those who allege sexual abuse and those who have been accused of sexual abuse. When an allegation is made involving sexual abuse, the person reporting the complaint is to be told about the guidelines and the procedures to be followed. A pastor or an appointed elder will begin investigating the allegations and may use the assistance of legal counsel or other consultants. If an elder is accused then another elder will conduct the investigation. The investigation will be conducted as follows:
1. Report the incident to appropriate authorities in accordance with the state mandatory reporting laws.
2. Report the matter to Fresno Bible Church's insurance carrier.
3. Cooperate with authorities and the insurance carrier. 4. Fresno Bible Church may suspend (with pay for paid staff) the alleged offender while a confidential investigation is being conducted.
5. An elder or appointed official of Fresno Bible Church (and legal counsel or other consultants) will then meet with the governing body of Fresno Bible Church and present a report on their investigation, which will include findings and recommendations of actions.
6. An elder or appointed official of Fresno Bible Church will meet with the alleged perpetrator and notify him/her of the results of the investigation and recommendations for actions.
7. An elder or appointed official of Fresno Bible Church will meet with the alleged victim, along with his/her parents or guardians, and notify them of the results of the investigation and recommendations for actions.
8. An elder or appointed official of Fresno Bible Church (and legal counsel or other consultants) may meet with the alleged perpetrator, the alleged victim, and any others with knowledge of relevant facts.
9. During the investigation, an elder or appointed official of Fresno Bible Church shall maintain contact with the alleged victim and his/her parents or legal guardian, and inform them of the actions taken and assist them in their process of healing.
10. Cooperate if needed with criminal and civil legal counsel of Fresno Bible Church .
11. Communicate with those affected by the ministry of the alleged perpetrator.
12.Hire a consultant or assign a spokesperson to respond to media or prepare a statement for the media if the need shall arise, subject to the approval of Fresno Bible Church's attorney.
Child and Youth Abuse Prevention Program Acknowledgment
These guidelines have been designed to guide and assist you when working with minors. The information establishes general practices and guidelines and should not be construed in any way as a contract of employment or continued employment. Fresno Bible Church reserves the right to make changes in the content or application of this program and to implement those changes with or without notice. The terms defined herein are defined for the purposes of the program and do not suppose or establish a legal relationship. These terms are not defined for the purposes of creating a legal relationship with the Fresno Bible Church or any related or associated entity and instead are to be used with this document. I have received a copy of the Fresno Bible Church's Child and Youth Abuse Prevention Program. I understand it is my responsibility to become familiar with and adhere to the information contained herein. I understand that these policies are the property of the Fresno Bible Church.
______________________________________
Print Name ______________________________________ Signature ______________________________________
Date
Fresno Bible Church Policy on using minors as helpers in Sunday School, Children's Church and Nursery.
Purpose:
To use our young people as resources of help in ministries of FBC.
To not over-use, as to not allow them to participate in the worship services.
To define requirements for service.
To define the scope of their duties and availability. Fresno Bible Church has been blessed with a good group of young people.
The spiritual growth and edification is our first and foremost desire.
Requirements for minors to serve at FBC.
To have been a regular attendee of Sunday Worship as well as Youth Group activities at Fresno Bible Church for six months.
To have a recommendation from either Pastor Chris Cutshall or Ben Croghan.
Signed consent form from the parent or guardian. (needs to be created)
Attend a youth responsibility training session and sign off on the policies. (needs to be created)
To not miss the Sunday morning service more than once a month due to being a helper. Or to miss two consecutive Sunday morning services. (can't do Children's church one week and Nursery the next) Minors will only be used in addition to the two screened and trained paid staff or volunteers present in classrooms or at events involving minors. (See page 5, Supervision Procedures #1)