Kona Baptist church child protection policy
rev. 2/21/21
GENERAL PURPOSE STATEMENT
Kona Baptist Church (KBC) seeks to provide a safe and secure environment for the children who participate in our programs and activities. By implementing the following practice, our goal is to protect the children of KBC from incidents of misconduct or inappropriate behavior while also protecting KBC, our staff, and volunteers (workers) from false accusations.
DEFINITIONS
For purposes of this policy, the terms “child” or “children” include all persons under the age of eighteen (18) years. The term “worker” includes both paid and volunteer person who work with children.
SELECTION OF WORKERS
All persons who desire to work with the children participating in our programs and activities will be screened. Screening shall include the following:
Written Application: All persons seeking to work with children must complete and sign an application form to be supplied by KBC. The application will request basic information from the applicant and may inquire into previous experience with children, KBC affiliation, reference, and employment information. The application form will be maintained in confidence on file at KBC.
Reference Check: Before an applicant is permitted to work with children, if requested, at least two of the applicant’s references will be checked. No references are requested on the Volunteer application for Vacation Bible School workers. Documentation of reference checks will be maintained in confidence at KBC.
Security Background Check: A criminal background check is required for all employees (regardless of position) and for following categories of volunteers:
Those who will be involved in our child care and educational programs
Those who will be involved in overnight activities with children
Those counseling children
Those involved in one-on-one mentorship of children
Those having occasional one-on-one contact with children (such as KBC sponsored athletic team coaches and vehicle drivers)
Personal Interview: Upon completion of the application, a face-to-face interview may be scheduled with the applicant to discuss his/her suitability for the position.
What constitutes a disqualifying offense that will keep an individual from working with children will be determined by KBC leadership on a case by case basis, considering the surrounding circumstances. Conviction for an offense involving children and/or offenses involving violence, dishonesty, illegal substances, indecency, and any conduct contrary to our mission will preclude someone from being permitted to work with children. Failure to disclose a criminal conviction on the application form will also be a disqualifying event. The background check authorization forms will be maintained in confidence on file at KBC. Background checks will be conducted every 2 years.
6/2 RULE
Any person working with children should be an active member for six (6) months prior to working in a primary leadership role (teacher, group leader), and be an active member/attender for three (3) months prior to an assistance role (helper/volunteer). Exceptions can be made by the pastor for special events such as VBS, Hallelujah Harvest Festival (missionaries, BCM).
It is our policy that a minimum of two (2) adult workers or one (1) adult and one (1) other worker 12 years old or older will be present at all times while children are being supervised during our programs and activities. Some youth classes may have only one adult teacher in attendance during the class session; in these instances, open view and access shall be maintained and there should be no fewer than three (3) students with the adult teacher. It is our intent that a minor shall not be alone with one adult on our premises or in any sponsored activity except in a counseling situation where open views and access shall be maintained.
RESPONDING TO ALLEGATIONS OF CHILD ABUSE
For the purposes of this policy, “child abuse” is any action (or lack of action) that endangers or harms a child’s physical, psychological, or emotional health and development. Child abuse occurs in different ways and includes the following:
Physical Abuse: any physical injury to a child that is not accidental, such as beating, shaking, burns, and biting.
Emotional/Psychological abuse: emotional injury when a child is not nurtured or provided with love and security, such as an environment of constant criticism, belittling, and persistent teasing.
Sexual abuse: any sexual activity between a child and an adult or between a child and another child at least four (4) years older than the victim, including activities such as fondling, exhibitionism, intercourse, incest, and pornography.
Neglect: depriving the child of his/her essential needs, such as adequate food, water, shelter, and medical care.
Childcare workers may have the opportunity to become aware of abuse or neglect of the children under our care. In this event, this shall be reported immediately to the pastor for further action including reporting to authorities as may be mandated by state law.
In the event that an incident of abuse or neglect is alleged to have occurred at KBC or during our sponsored programs or activities, the follow procedure shall be followed:
The event leader will be notified. The event leader will contact the Pastor.
The parent or guardian of the child will be notified and an incident report will be completed.
If a worker is alleged to be the perpetrator, he/she will be immediately placed on leave from working with children pending an investigation and instructed to remain away the premises during the investigation.
Civil authorities will be notified and KBC will comply with the state’s requirements regarding mandatory reporting of abuse as the law exists. KBC will fully cooperate with the investigation of the incident by civil authorities.
As necessary, our insurance company will be notified and any pertinent documents received relating to the incident and/or allegations will be forwarded to them.
The Pastor of KBC will be our spokesman for all purposes concerning incidents of abuse of neglect, unless he is alleged to be involved. We will seek the advice of legal counsel before responding to media inquiries or releasing information to the congregation. All other representatives of the church shall refrain from speaking to the media or making premature comments.
A pastoral visit will be arranged for those who desire one.
Any person who is not found innocent of the alleged abuse or misconduct will be removed from their position working with children.
Preserve integrity of persons involved by not talking about to others about the situation.
ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS:
OPEN DOOR POLICY
Classroom doors should remain open unless there is an uncovered window. Doors should never be locked while persons are inside the room.
TEENAGE WORKERS
We recognize that there may be times when it is necessary or desirable for assistants or babysitters (paid or unpaid) who are themselves under age 18 to help in caring for children during programs and activities. The following guidelines apply to teenage workers:
Must be at least age 12 or in 7th grade
Must be under supervision of an adult
CHECK IN / CHECK OUT PROCEDURE
For all participants, a security check-in/check-out procedure will be followed. The child will be signed in and out by the responsible party, on a designated form provided at each function. Parents or guardians shall be immediately contacted if any child is not accounted for on the sign-in or sign-out form.
SICK CHILD POLICY
It is our desire to provide a healthy and safe environment for all the children at KBC. Parents are encouraged to be considerate of other children when deciding whether to place a child under our care. In general, children with the following symptoms should NOT be dropped off:
Fever, diarrhea, or vomiting within the last 48 hours
Green or yellow runny nose
Eye or skin infections
Other symptoms of communicable or infectious ailments (lice, flu, etc)
Children who are observed by our workers to be ill will be separated from other children and the parent or guardian will be contacted to request that the child be picked up for the day.
MEDICATIONS POLICY
It is the policy of KBC to not administer either prescription or non-prescription medications to the children under our care. Medications should be administered by a parent/guardian at home. Parents/Guardians are reminded of our sick child policy. Exceptions to the medication policy may be granted to parents/guardians of children with potentially life threatening conditions (such as asthma or severe allergic reactions). Parents/Guardians of such children should address their situation in advance with the KBC office to develop a plan of action.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
It is the policy of KBC to not administer corporal punishment, even if the parents/guardians have suggested or given permission for such. There should be no spanking, grabbing, shaking, hitting, or other physical discipline of the children. Workers should consult with the childcare leader if assistance is needed with disciplinary issues.
RESTROOM GUIDELINES
It is our intent that children should always be escorted to the restrooms in a group, intending to never take an individual child to the restroom alone. The workers should always check the restroom to be sure it is empty and then allow the children inside. The worker should then remain outside the restroom door and escort the children back to the classroom or activity. If a child is taking longer than seems necessary, the worker should open the restroom door and verbally ask if the child requires assistance. If that is the case, the worker should prop the restroom door open and leave the stall door open as they assist the child.
It is our intent, for the protection of all, workers should not be alone in a restroom with the door closed and not be in a closed restroom stall with a child. Parents/Guardians are strongly encouraged to have their children visit the restroom prior to class or activities.
ACCIDENTAL INJURIES TO CHILDREN
In the event that a child or youth is injured while under our care, the following steps should be followed:
For minor scrapes, injuries, or bruises, workers will provide First Aid (bandages, ice, etc.) as appropriate and will notify the parent of guardian of the injury at the time the child is picked up from our care. First Aid kits are located in the office, nursery, bathrooms, kitchen, and youth room.
For injuries requiring medical treatment beyond simple First Aid, the parent and/or guardian will immediately be summoned in addition to the Pastor or childcare leader. If warranted by circumstances, an ambulance will be called.
Once the child has received appropriate medical attention, an incident report will be completed in the case of injuries requiring treatment by a medical professional.
Kona Baptist Church will periodically provide training regarding this document as well as provide the documents to those starting in any related position.
CHILDCARE POLICY FOR PARENTS
Revised 2/21/21
CHECK IN / CHECK OUT PROCEDURE
For all participants, a security check-in/check-out procedure will be followed. The child will be signed in and out by the responsible party, on a designated form provided at each function. Parents or guardians shall be immediately contacted if any child is not accounted for on the sign-in or sign-out form.
SICK CHILD POLICY
It is our desire to provide a healthy and safe environment for all the children at KBC. Parents are encouraged to be considerate of other children when deciding whether to place a child under our care. In general, children with the following symptoms should NOT be dropped off:
Fever, diarrhea, or vomiting within the last 48 hours
Green or yellow runny nose
Eye or skin infections
Other symptoms of communicable or infectious ailments (lice, flu, etc)
Children who are observed by our workers to be ill will be separated from other children and the parent or guardian will be contacted to request that the child be picked up for the day.
MEDICATIONS POLICY
It is the policy of KBC to not administer either prescription or non-prescription medications to the children under our care. Medications should be administered by a parent/guardian at home. Parents/Guardians are reminded of our sick child policy.
Exceptions to the medication policy may be granted to parents/guardians of children with potentially life threatening conditions (such as asthma or severe allergic reactions). Parents/Guardians of such children should address their situation in advance with the KBC office to develop a plan of action.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
It is the policy of KBC to not administer corporal punishment, even if the parents/guardians have suggested or given permission for such. There should be no spanking, grabbing, shaking, hitting, or other physical discipline of the children. Workers should consult with the childcare leader if assistance is needed with disciplinary issues.
RESTROOM GUIDELINES
It is our intent that children should always be escorted to the restrooms in a group, intending to never take an individual child to the restroom alone. The workers should always check the restroom to be sure it is empty and then allow the children inside. The worker should then remain outside the restroom door and escort the children back to the classroom or activity. If a child is taking longer than seems necessary, the worker should open the restroom door and verbally ask if the child requires assistance. If that is the case, the worker should prop the restroom door open and leave the stall door open as they assist the child.
It is our intent, for the protection of all, workers should not be alone in a restroom with the door closed and not be in a closed restroom stall with a child. Parents/Guardians are strongly encouraged to have their children visit the restroom prior to class or activities.
ACCIDENTAL INJURIES TO CHILDREN
In the event that a child or youth is injured while under our care, the following steps should be followed:
For minor scrapes, injuries, or bruises, workers will provide First Aid (bandages, ice, etc.) as appropriate and will notify the parent of guardian of the injury at the time the child is picked up from our care. First Aid kits are located in the office, nursery, bathrooms, kitchen, and youth room.
For injuries requiring medical treatment beyond simple First Aid, the parent and/or guardian will immediately be summoned in addition to the Pastor or childcare leader. If warranted by circumstances, an ambulance will be called.
Once the child has received appropriate medical attention, an incident report will be completed in the case of injuries requiring treatment by a medical professional.
Kona Baptist Church will periodically provide training regarding this document as well as provide the documents to those starting in any related position.