1. Pastor For Families, Children, and Youth
HCC Child Safety Training
Church security is needed for all sizes. Smaller churches are vulnerable due to size, as are larger churches
September 30, 2018
Steve Brown
Pastor For Families, Children, and Youth
Copyright 2017 © Full Armor Church
No Reproduction Allowed
Modified with permission from Full Armor Church

2. A Biblical Perspective
Paul speaking to the Ephesian elders:
“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.”
Acts 20:28
Jesus’ words regarding the value of children:
"If anyone causes one of these little ones-those who believe in me-to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” Matthew 18:6
Church security is needed for all sizes. Smaller churches are vulnerable due to size, as are larger churches

3. The Risk is Real the Response Should be Sufficient
Churches should be safe places for children and their families to gather and encounter the love of Christ.
Therefore, HCC-03 Children’s Ministry Policies and Procedures are being implemented to ensure all children at HCC are protected.
Church security is needed for all sizes. Smaller churches are vulnerable due to size, as are larger churches
In The
NEWS
August 2018, PA Grand Jury – Issues 900 page report of abuse in 6 PA dioceses over 70 years;
1000 victims of abuse identified.

4. Annual Policy Review & Verification
All staff, elders, and children’s ministry volunteers (adult and youth) must agree to the HCC-03 Children’s Ministry Policies and Procedures by reviewing them annually and signing the Verification Statement.
(Page 3, Section 2)
Church security is needed for all sizes. Smaller churches are vulnerable due to size, as are larger churches

5. Goals of Children’s Ministry Policies and Procedures
The Goals of HCC-03 Children’s Ministry Policies and Procedures are:
To safeguard our children against any inappropriate behavior or abuse
To protect our employees and volunteers against false allegations
To train workers to recognize the signs of abuse
To address inappropriate behaviors and actions
To ensure proper reporting of abuse and cooperation with authorities
To guard our children from preventable exposure to danger
(Page 3, Section 2)
Church security is needed for all sizes. Smaller churches are vulnerable due to size, as are larger churches

6. Definition of Child Abuse
Any action or lack of action that endangers or harms a child’s physical, psychological, or emotional health and development. Child abuse includes all of the following:
Physical Abuse
Emotional Abuse
Sexual Abuse
Neglect
(Page 4, Section 3)
Church security is needed for all sizes. Smaller churches are vulnerable due to size, as are larger churches

7. Procedures for Ensuring Safety
Step One - Selection and Screening
Church employees and volunteers are required to complete a screening process before being permitted to work with children.
This is the frontline defense in safeguarding our children’s and youth based ministries from harm.
It also demonstrates to incoming parents that we place high value on protecting their children.
Church security is needed for all sizes. Smaller churches are vulnerable due to size, as are larger churches

8. Screening Requirements
Employees
2 Reference Checks
National Criminal Background Check
State Background Check
Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI)
Sex Offender Record Information (SORI)
Adult Volunteers
At least 18 years old
Attendee for 3 months
Complete staff approved application
State Background Check
Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI)
Sex Offender Record Information (SORI)
Youth Volunteers
Deemed sufficient in maturity
Attendee for 3 months
State Background Check
Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI)
Sex Offender Record Information (SORI)
Always serve with an adult
Church security is needed for all sizes. Smaller churches are vulnerable due to size, as are larger churches
(Page 4-5, Section 4A-C)

9. Extra Screening Requirements
Any volunteer involved in an overnight activity with minors, counseling of minors, or one-on-one mentoring of minors shall complete the following extra screening requirements prior to working with children:
Faithfull attendee for 6 months
2 Reference Checks
National Criminal Background Check
(Page 6, Section 4D)
Church security is needed for all sizes. Smaller churches are vulnerable due to size, as are larger churches

10. Procedures for Ensuring Safety
Step Two - Staffing and Supervision
Although screening can help to identify and address known threats, staffing and supervision procedures are required in order to:
Prevent abuse
Provide accountability
Guard against the appearance of improper actions
Guard against allegations
Church security is needed for all sizes. Smaller churches are vulnerable due to size, as are larger churches
(Page 9, Section 11)

11. Rules for Staffing and Supervision
We do not allow children to be alone with one adult
TWO PERSON RULE
To the extent possible, two volunteers shall be present with groups of children.
OPEN-DOOR POLICY
Requires the door be open at all times when there are not two workers present. There must be at least 3 children present.
Church security is needed for all sizes. Smaller churches are vulnerable due to size, as are larger churches
(Page 9, Section 11A-B)

12. Rules for Staffing and Supervision
We do not allow children to be alone with one adult
BATHROOM RULE
If possible take more than one child at a time
An adult or youth volunteer shall always accompany a child to the restroom
Workers should remain at the doorway to provide supervision
If the child needs assistance prop open the door or stall
DIAPER CHANGING RULE
Only an adult volunteer working in the Nursery or the parent/guardian may change a child’s diaper.
Never leave a child unattended on a changing table
Church security is needed for all sizes. Smaller churches are vulnerable due to size, as are larger churches
(Page 9, Section 11C-D)

13. Inappropriate Behavior with Minors
Although the examples below are not all inclusive, such actions are determined to be improper and are considered to be inappropriate interactions with minors:
Any hugs that are determined to be inappropriate
Minors sitting in someone’s lap
Giving massages or touching another person in an inappropriate way
Being alone with a minor in a private or secluded place
Any intimate relationship involving an adult with a minor
Church security is needed for all sizes. Smaller churches are vulnerable due to size, as are larger churches
(Page 7, Section 6)

14. Supervision and Check-in System
To ensure the safe and documented exchange of supervision of minors we will utilize a selected tracking system for children who are dropped off and picked up by parents/guardians.
Parents with children in the Nursery must check-in and pick-up their children
Parents with children in PreK through 2nd grade must be present to pick up their children
Children in 3rd grade and up may be released if permission has been given by the parent
Church security is needed for all sizes. Smaller churches are vulnerable due to size, as are larger churches
(Page 11 , Section 14 )

15. Supervision and Check-in System
Adult volunteers are responsible to verify children are picked up the by parent
Parents/guardians must notify volunteers in advance if different pick up arrangements have been made.
Children shall not be released to other individuals unless prior approval has been given by the parent/guardian
Church security is needed for all sizes. Smaller churches are vulnerable due to size, as are larger churches
(Page 11 , Section 14 )

16. Child Discipline Procedures
The purpose of discipline with children is to maintain order in a manner consistent with love, respect, and cooperation.
Rules will be posted in each classroom
Behavior that is disruptive will result in the following actions
Remind the child of appropriate behavior with positive verbal instruction and re-direction
Remove the child from the rest of the class for a few moments to to discuss the infraction and make sure they understand the issue
Contact the child’s parent to help resolve the issue
No child shall be disciplined by the use of spanking or any form of physical punishment
Church security is needed for all sizes. Smaller churches are vulnerable due to size, as are larger churches
(Page 11, Section 15)

17. Parental Supervision
When not participating in a planned children’s ministry activity, children are considered to be under their parent’s supervision. Children are not permitted to be left alone in the church facility without supervision.
Church security is needed for all sizes. Smaller churches are vulnerable due to size, as are larger churches
(Page 10 , Section 12 )

18. Transporting Minors and Off Site Events
It is preferred that parents/guardians provide their own transportation for minors to and from church events
When transportation is provided by church volunteers they must be:
Pre-approved by the staff or elders
Have a valid driver’s license
Have active insurance
Volunteer drivers must never be alone in a vehicle with a child. If a second adult is not available the vehicle must be occupied by 3 or more children.
Parents/guardians shall give written or electronic consent prior to allowing their child to participate in off-site functions or receive transportation services.
Church security is needed for all sizes. Smaller churches are vulnerable due to size, as are larger churches
(Page 13 , Section 20)

19. Minor Injuries
Use facility first aid kits to treat minor injuries like scrapes, small cuts, and bruises
Parents/guardians shall be notified of the injury upon pick-up
If a child becomes ill immediately contact parent/guardian
If clean up is required, wear disposable gloves and notify assigned ministry leader to ensure proper cleaning takes place
Church security is needed for all sizes. Smaller churches are vulnerable due to size, as are larger churches
(Page 12, Section 16)

20. Emergencies
Consult HCC-01 Safety and Security Policy for instructions on responding to the following:
Medical Emergencies, Section 12A
Missing Child, Section 12B
Emergency Evacuation, Section 13B
Church security is needed for all sizes. Smaller churches are vulnerable due to size, as are larger churches
(Page 12, Section 17-19)

21. Procedures for Ensuring Safety
Step Three - Observation & Reporting
It is important for children’s ministry workers to recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect.
The presence of a single sign does not prove child abuse is occurring, but a closer look at the situation may be warranted when these signs appear repeatedly or in combination.
Church security is needed for all sizes. Smaller churches are vulnerable due to size, as are larger churches

22. Reporting Procedures
Ensure the incident is properly documented in a church incident report. These forms can be found in HCC-01 Safety and Security Policy, Section 15 Reporting and Documentation.
Immediately notify the staff and elders providing details of the event and/or allegations.
Working with the staff and elders, take the next reportable steps as determined by the circumstances.
(Page 7-8, Section 8-9)

23. Reporting Awareness
Concerns of abuse, allegations of abuse, and reported abuse cannot be handled internally.
State laws dictate that such concerns are to be immediately reported to local child protection services and/or law enforcement.
Churches and caregivers who refuse to report suspected abuse are subject to arrest and are civilly liable for damages
(Page 7, Section 7)

24. Signs of PHYSICAL ABUSE
Consider the possibility of physical abuse when the child:
Has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, or broken bones,
Has fading bruises or marks noticeable after an absence
Seems frightened of parents and protests or cries when leaving
Shrinks at the approach of adults
Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver
Consider the possibility of physical abuse when the parent or other adult caregiver:
Offers conflicting accounts or no explanation for the child’s injury
Describes the child as “evil,” or in some other very negative way
Uses harsh physical discipline with the child
Has a history of abuse as a child *

25. Signs of NEGLECT Consider the possibility of neglect when the child:
Is frequently absent
Begs or steals food or money
Lacks needed medical care
Is consistently dirty and has severe body odor
Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather
States that there is no one at home to provide care
Consider the possibility of neglect when the parent or other adult caregiver:
Appears to be indifferent to the child
Seems apathetic or depressed
Behaves irrationally or in a bizarre manner
Is abusing alcohol or other drugs *

26. Signs of SEXUAL ABUSE
Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the child:
Has difficulty walking or sitting or participating in physical activities
Reports nightmares or bedwetting
Experiences a sudden change in appetite
Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior for their age
Reports sexual abuse by a parent or another adult caregiver
Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the parent or other adult caregiver:
Is unduly protective of the child
Severely limits the child’s contact with other children of the opposite sex
Is secretive and isolated
Is seen as jealous or controlling with family *