Calvary Baptist Church

God-centered, Truth-driven, Gospel-loving...

WHEREAS we affirm that children are a gift from God (Psalm 127:3);

And WHEREAS we acknowledge that working with children is a high calling with great responsibility (Matthew 18:6);

 

And WHEREAS we acknowledge that the abuse of children (sexual, physical, and emotional) can happen anywhere, including Calvary Baptist Church, or in other facilities used by Calvary Baptist Church in children’s and youth ministry;

And WHEREAS we understand that the effects of such abuse have a profound short- term and long-term impact on the victim;

And WHEREAS we understand that, as members of Calvary Baptist Church, we must seek to ensure that children and youth that participate in any programs offered through our church may do so without fear of abuse;

And WHEREAS we acknowledge that a person who would prey upon children may see Calvary Baptist Church as a place where he/she may have access to children or youth;

And WHEREAS we understand that any abuse, or allegation of abuse, can seriously compromise our witness for Christ within our community and beyond;

We, the members of Calvary Baptist Church solemnly agree to adopt the following Child Care Policy, effective immediately and dated this 28th day of October, 2005.

 

 

CHILD CARE POLICY

1.  All persons desiring to work with children/youth through any ministry (current or future) of Calvary Baptist Church must first meet the following qualifications:

 

• Be a regular attendee, in good standing, of Calvary Baptist Church for at least 6 months; or, must be in essential agreement with our statement of faith, must provide a reference from a leader of a like-minded church, a second character reference, and upon request be interviewed by the leadership team of Calvary Baptist Church

• Demonstrate Christian character and integrity in both speech and conduct

• Upon request, complete an application form

• Upon request, complete a Royal Newfoundland Constabulary “Certificate of Conduct” form to be processed by the RNC. A record involving any abuse of children will, in all cases, disqualify the individual from working with children or youth through Calvary Baptist Church

• Upon request, view the video entitled “Reducing the Risk”

 

2. Children will not be left in an individual’s care in an isolated and private location.

 

3. Teens involved in children’s or youth ministry will be supervised by an adult.

 

4. Individuals who work with children and/or youth will be reminded of the importance of avoiding potentially compromising situations in which an allegation of abuse could be made.

 

5. When providing transportation for children’s or youth ministry to and from Calvary Baptist Church, or a Church-related activity, reasonable efforts will be made to ensure that there are two adults in each vehicle providing transportation, unless there is parental consent to allow an approved adult to transport their child/children.

 

6. We will strive to ensure that parents are made aware of the precautions being taken to protect their children. Parental consent forms will be used for all special activities or events, and for any event which requires an overnight stay.

 

7. In the event that any allegation of abuse of a child or youth is made, it will be reported immediately to the appropriate police authorities and to the pastor or deacons. The process will be carefully documented, including dates, times, and content of all conversations pertaining to the alleged abuse.

 

8. Any incident in which there is a concern for the safety or well-being of a child under the care or supervision of our Church will be taken seriously and may be investigated.

 

9. This policy will be posted inside the premises of Calvary Baptist Church and will be reviewed at each Annual General Meeting of the Calvary Baptist Church, to inform the congregation of the dangers of child abuse and to remind them of the importance of strict adherence to this policy.