If a child reports sexual abuse or improper touching:

B. Who Should Report?

1. When a staff member or volunteer witnesses child abuse, or is told of child abuse by a party involved, that person must promptly contact the ministry leader and make a report, or cause a report to be made to the appropriate child protection services and local police agency. This is not to be discussed with the child in question.

2. When a staff member or volunteer has cause to believe that abuse has occurred, but has not observed the abusive conduct, such as abuse by a parent, that person must report the information to the ministry leader. If the ministry leader concurs that the situation warrants, a report will be made to the local authorities. Discussion with the child should be kept to a minimum, and then only to confirm suspicions. The child’s parents, or other suspected individuals, should not be contacted at this time.

3. The senior pastor shall report all relevant information concerning suspected or observed abuse to the Yearly Meeting Superintendent.

C. How Should the Report be Made?

1. Witnessed or suspected child abuse shall be reported on Form - NWYM - F4 which is included in this packet.

2. The form shall be completed as soon as possible following the verbal report, and should be in as much detail as possible. Special attention should be given to time, place, what was witnessed or suspected, person making the report, indicators of abuse, family background, visible signs of any injury on the child, remarks by the child (without interviewing the child), etc.

3. All aspects of the report, verbal and written, shall be maintained confidential except to the extent required for reporting purposes to avoid mistaken accusation.

D. How Should the Written Report Be Followed Up?

The written reports shall be maintained at the church office. Only the Senior Pastor, Clerk of the Elders, and the Presiding Clerk shall have access to these reports.