1. All workers, paid and volunteer, who minister to/work with children must complete a Screening Form for Children’s Workers” to be filed in the church office. These forms are confidential, and will be kept in a locked file.

2. In addition to “A-1″ above, all NEW workers who minister to/with children must have an “Applicant Interview” conducted by an appropriate interviewer. The results of the interview will be kept in a locked file with the person’s completed Screening Form.

B. Locked File: Contents of the “locked file” should be kept CONFIDENTIAL AT ALL TIMES. Access to these records will be restricted to:

1. The Senior Pastor or appointed designee.
2. The Presiding Clerk of the local meeting.
3. The Clerk of the Elders of the local meeting.

C. Restrictions

1. Persons who have a founded report of abuse against another person of any age, have a criminal record which includes any crime of violence, or are under investigation for a crime are not eligible for any type of volunteer or paid work with children in NWYM churches or activities.

2. Adults volunteering to work with children must have attended a Friends Church for at least six (6) months before they will be considered for ministry to/with children. Exceptions could be made for people who are well known e.g. local teachers, police, etc.

3. Current and prospective workers with children within NWYM churches shall be screened as directed by this policy.

D. Two Adult (Person) rule: Adults working with children should observe the “Two Adult Rule” where feasible. (See II-H under Definitions).

E. Adults working with children are required to use appropriate physical contact at all times, including, but not limited to, touching a child’s hand, side rather than frontal hugging, no touching of private body areas. Appropriate touching takes into account the situation and location. For example, a hug may be appropriate in a public, but not in a private location in the church.

F. Workers must avoid, where feasible, “one-on-one” situation except with parental permission e.g. pastoral counsel, mentoring, etc.

G. Adults working with children should immediately report to the specific program supervisor, any behavior which appears to be abusive or inappropriate. Any physical or mental injury in evidence on any child in their care must be reported as required by state and local laws.

H. There may be situations where “occasional” or “emergency” volunteer workers are required to fulfill a specific ministry with children. These situations are described in II-E and II-F under Definitions. Please refer to II.-H for the “two adult rule.”

I. All policies, procedures and guidelines with respect to Child Protection, and Abuse Prevention should be reviewed each year to make certain they are up to date. It is suggested that the Christian Education Committee see that this is done.

J. It is strongly recommended that windows be present in all classroom doors or other areas used by children. Church leaders and/or Sunday School Superintendents are expected to regularly observe all activities and frequently visit all areas.

K. When taking young children to the rest room, be especially careful to give them as much privacy as possible. Unless unavoidable, only escort children of your gender, and then enter the rest room only if absolutely necessary.

L. Establish and follow strictly a sign-in-sign out system for all nursery-age children. Know the adults who will be picking up the children!

M. Transportation

1. Transportation to church sponsored activities is to be provided only from the church to the activity and from the activity back to the church. Transportation between the home and the church and return is the responsibility of the parents or guardians to arrange.

2. Transportation is to be provided only by drivers that are authorized by the church. Drivers will carry permission slips for each child which have been duly signed by the child’s parent(s) or guardian(s). Permission slips should include liability waivers for each activity. These slips may be signed annually and kept in an appropriate file.

3. The “two adult rule” is especially important when providing transportation. It is advisable for two or more children to be present in each vehicle. A caravan of vehicles is a unique case.

N. Each local church is encouraged to implement a Child Protection, and Abuse Prevention Policy. This sample may be used intact or as a guide to write your own. It is advised that each local church abide by all state and local laws. (See Forms and Resources).