On Procedures & Growth

Child Protection Policy - Our church was up for review for our Liability Insurance. The insurance company asked if we had a Child Protection Policy. We didn't. We were required to not only have an approved policy, but to enforce it to the letter. We learned that if we didn't enforce the policy, our insurance company would not cover a claim if the church was sued for child abuse by a volunteer church member or staff member. Child Protection Policy - Our church had the same experience. This past year though, the insurance company included more stringent requirements. All church volunteers who work with children and youth are required to submit three references who must complete and return a Personal Reference Check form that includes information about the person such as: 1. How long and well have you known the applicant? 2. Are you related to the applicant? 3. Does the applicant's conduct, speech and demeanor consistently honor Christ? 4. Do you have any reason to question this applicant's commitment to the doctrines of historic orthodox Christianity? 3. Rating of the applicant in the following areas: Cooperation, Emotions, Judgement, Reliability, Influence Child Protection Policy - Does everyone know that all employees, church officers and child or youth volunteers must complete a National Criminal Background Check, not just a State Background Check on an annual basis? Not only is this time consuming, but costly! Be sure to budget for this!! This has really put a strain on our staff and ministry leadership! The larger our Children and Youth ministry grows the more time it takes to administer this policy! Any suggestions? Child Protection Policy - The latest twist for our church is that not only does the insurance company require the three references, but the volunteer must be observed by other church members or current staff employees for SIX months before he/she can volunteer in the ministry!! We have to begin recruiting much sooner now to have time to observe the potential volunteer. We are committed to executing the policy, but you are right, it takes several people to oversee the policy!