Project Safe Child Mission Statement
The policies set forth in Project Safe Child exist to ensure the safety and well-being of thepreschoolers, children and youth who participate in the programs and ministries of First BaptistChurch, Burleson, Texas.
In order to provide a safe environment for these participants we require the following:
All ministry employees & volunteers who work with preschoolers, children and youth will be required to go through an enlistment process that will include:
- Each ministry will enlist employees & volunteers personally.
- There will be an application form to fill out that will require references and consent to conduct a background check.
- Employees & volunteers will not be placed in ministry leadership positions until theapplication process is complete.
- Records of background checks will be kept in the church office in a locked filing cabinet & updated annually.
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The Project Safe Child Committee will review any background checks that come back with offenses that preclude leaders from participating. Those offenses include, but are not limited to individuals who have been arrested for, charged with, are on probation for, have received deferred adjudication for, or have been convicted of either sexual or physical abuse, or a felony. This also includes individuals who have presently pending any criminal charges of sexual or physical abuse or a felony. Until a determination of guilt is made these individuals will not be allowed to serve nor will they be employed for any church sponsored activity or program for preschool, children or youth.
- A security system will be used each time preschoolers are at church. Parents and guardians are required to check in their preschooler and receive a security tag that will authorize them to pick up their child at the end of the session.
- Training will be provided for all employees and volunteers. The training program will include the definition of child abuse, sexual and physical abuse symptoms, what constitutes inappropriate conduct, church policies regarding working with children, the civil and criminal consequences of misconduct, reporting procedures for observed and suspected misconduct, and the rationale behind screening procedures.
- A minimum of two screened adults will be in each room. Teens will only work under adult supervision. Employees & volunteers will avoid isolated one-on-one situations with students.
- All church programs, activities, field trips and overnight activities will be adequately staffedwith screened and trained employees and volunteers.
- A designated supervisor will be on duty each time children are in care of the church. The supervisor will make frequent, random visits to all classrooms or areas where children are assembled.
Response to Allegations of Abuse:
All allegations of child abuse are taken seriously and acted upon immediately
- Documentation will be required of anything observed or reported.
- All employees and volunteers should immediately report allegation to the appropriate supervisor or minister. The proper authorities will be notified.
- All situations will be handled discreetly with respect for privacy and confidentiality.
If a report is made on a church paid employee or volunteer, he/she will be relieved of his/her duties until investigation is concluded. If a report is made regarding a child, the family will be contacted and appropriate action and counseling will be offered. The church’s attorney and insurance carrier will be notified immediately.
The pastor will select the appropriate person to deal directly with media, congregation and
persons directly involved regarding the matter.
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