Child Abuse Prevention Policy & Forms

Child Abuse Prevention Policy

Approved 7/11/2006

Children are extremely precious to God and to us. Jesus welcomed them to Himself (Matthew 18:1,2) and used them as an example of the humility and trust that one must have in order to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3,4). He also gave stern warning about causing "one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble. . .".

A church should be a safe place for any child, but tragically that is not always the case. Because Christians are saved sinners there are those who profess Christ that will stumble into sin in their treatment of children. There are also those that make false professions of faith that will give into their sin nature. There are also those who consciously and falsely present themselves a good Christians because they specifically target churches in order to sinfully exploit children.

The Church must work hard to protect children and prevent others (whether adults or other children) from abusing them in any manner whether it be physical, mental or sexual abuse. As part of our effort to protect our children, Grace Bible Church has established policies and procedures for our Nursery, Children’s and Youth ministries which are to be taught and upheld. These policies will be reviewed on a regular basis for effectiveness and conformity to any changes in law.

In order to demonstrate our love by fulfilling the commands of our Lord Jesus Christ, we, the members and congregation of Grace Bible Church, pledge to conduct the ministries of this church in ways that assure the spiritual growth, safety and welfare of all who come. Special attention will be given to the various ministries to our children and youth to prevent any sort of abuse and protect our workers from false charges. We will follow reasonable safety measures in the selection and recruitment of workers; we will implement prudent operational procedures in all programs and events: we will educate all of our workers with children and youth regarding the use of all appropriate policies and methods (including first aid and methods of discipline); we will have a clearly defined procedure for reporting a suspected incident of abuse that conforms to the requirements of state law; and we will be prepared to cooperate with any investigation by law enforcement agencies and to respond to any media inquiries if an incident or accusation occurs.

Volunteer Children’s / Youth Worker Application

Name:

Address:

Home Phone: _________________ Work Phone: _____________ Cell Phone: _______________

Occupation:

Employer:

Previous Church

Special interests, hobbies and skills:

Why would you like to volunteer to work with children and / or youth? _______________________

What qualities do you have that would help you work with children and / or youth?

Describe the level of commitment you can make to the ministry for which you are volunteering:

Would you be willing to help transport children / youth to activities? __________

Do you have a valid New York State Driver’s License? _____________

Do you have any points against your license? If so, how many and for what violations? ________

Have you ever been charged, convicted of, or pled guilty to a crime, either a misdemeanor or a felony (including, but not limited to drug related charges, child abuse, other crimes of violence, theft)?

    Yes     No

    Please explain: (Make an appointment to talk with a GBC Pastor).

Children’s / Youth Worker Policies

Participation Covenant

(7/11/2006) Print Full Name

 Personal Character References  (7/11/2006)

1) Name:

    Address:

    Phone:

    Nature of Relationship

2) Name:

    Address:

    Phone:

    Nature of Relationship

3) Name:

    Address:

    Phone:

    Nature of Relationship:

4) Name:

    Address:

    Phone:

    Nature of Relationship:

Reference Check Form

Applicant’s Name: _________________________________________________________________

Reference Name: __________________________________________________________________

Reference Address: ________________________________________________________________

Reference Phone Number: ___________________________________________________________

1. What is your relationship to the applicant?

2. How long have you known the applicant?

3. How well do you know the applicant? Explain.

4. How would you describe the character applicant in each of these areas?

A. Morality

B. Trustworthiness

C. Truthfulness

D. Loyalty

E. Patience J. Helpfulness

F. Kindness/Gentleness

G. Friendliness

H. Anger

 I. Self-Control

5. How would you describe the applicant’s ability to relate to children and/or youth?

6. How would you describe the applicant’s ability to relate to adults?

7. How would you describe the applicant’s ability to follow the leadership of others?

8. How would you describe the applicant’s ability to provide leadership to others?

9. Do you know of any characteristics that would negatively affect the applicant’s ability to work with children and/or youth? If so, please describe.

10. How comfortable would you be if the applicant were working with a child you love (your own children, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, etc.).

11. Do you have any knowledge that the applicant has ever been convicted of a crime? If so, please describe?

Reference inquiry completed by: ______________________________________________________

                                                Signature                                                                         Date

Authorization and Request for

Criminal Records Check

I, ________________________________, hereby authorize Grace Bible Church, Wappingers Falls, NY, to request ____________________________________ police/sheriff’s department to release information regarding any record of charges or convictions contained in the files, or in any criminal file maintained on me, whether said file is a local, state, or national file, and including but not limited to accusations and convictions for crimes committed against minors, to the fullest extent permitted by state and federal law from any pertinent law enforcement agency / department. I do release said police/sheriff’s department from all liability that may result from any such disclosure made in response to this request.

(All information received is kept confidential and records kept under lock and key)

_____________________________________________________________________________

Signature of Applicant                                                                                                 Date

Print Applicant’s full name: _______________________________________________________

Print all other names that have been used by applicant (if any) ____________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Date of Birth: _________________ Place of Birth ____________________________________

Social Security number (if required by law enforcement agency) __________________________

Driver’s License Number _______________________ State issuing license ________________

License expiration date: ________________________

Request sent to: ________________________________________________________________

Name: ________________________________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________________

Phone number: _________________________________________________________________

(This form may be replaced by any equivalent form supplied by the particular enforcement agency / department contacted)