AIEA HEIGHTS CHURCH CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

General Purpose Statement:

Aiea Heights Church (AHC) seeks to provide a safe and secure environment for the children and youth who participate in our programs and activities. By implementing the below practices, our goal is to protect the children and youth of AHC from incidents of misconduct or inappropriate behavior while also protecting our staff and volunteers from false accusations.

Definitions:

For purposes of this policy, the terms “child” or “children” include all persons under the age of eighteen (18) years.

Selection of Staff/Volunteers:

All employees and all persons who desire to work with children participating in our programs and activities will be screened. This screening includes:

  • Six Month Rule

    • No volunteer will be allowed to work with children until s/he has been a member or regular attendee of AHC for a minimum of six (6) months. This time of interaction between our leadership and the applicant allows for better evaluation and suitability of the applicant for working with children. Exceptions to this rule will only be made on a case-by-case basis and must be confirmed and recorded by one of the following: Pastor of Children’s Ministries, Pastor of Student Ministries, or his designee.

  • Written Application

    • All persons seeking to work with children must complete and sign a written application supplied by AHC. The application will request basic information from the applicant and will inquire into previous experience with children, previous church affiliation, reference and employment information. The application form will be maintained in confidence on file at the church.

  • Personal Interview

    • Upon completion of the application, a face-to-face interview may be scheduled with the applicant to discuss his or her suitability for the position.

  • Background Screening

    • A background screening is required for all employees (regardless of position) and volunteers in Children’s and Students’ Ministries. Before a background screening is conducted, prospective workers will be asked to sign an authorization form allowing AHC to run the screening. If an individual declines to sign the authorization form, he or she will be unable to work with children. What constitutes a disqualifying offense that will keep an individual from working with children will be determined on a case-by-case basis considering all the surrounding circumstances. Generally, convictions for an offense involving children and/or for offenses involving violence, dishonesty, illegal substances, indecency and any conduct contrary to our mission will preclude someone from being permitted to work with children. The background screening authorization form and results will be maintained in confidence on file at the church. 

  • Teenage Workers

    • There may be times when it is necessary or desirable for volunteers or staff, who are themselves under age 18, to assist in caring for children during programs or activities. These workers: • must be at least in junior high or working with one or both of their parents. • will be screened as specified above. • must be under the supervision of an adult and must never be left alone with children unless otherwise approved by the Pastor of Children’s Ministries. 

Two Approved Volunteer Rule

A minimum of two approved volunteers will be in attendance at all times when 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, doors to the classroom should remain open and there should be no fewer than three students with the adult teacher. Minors are not allowed to be alone with one adult on our premises or in any sponsored activity unless in a counseling situation.

Open Door Policy

Classroom doors should remain open unless there is a window in the door or a side window beside it. Doors should never be locked while persons are inside the room. 

Responding to Allegations of Child Abuse

For purposes of this policy, “child abuse” is any action (or lack of action) which endangers or harms a child’s physical, psychological or emotional health and development. Child abuse occurs in different ways and includes:

  • Physical abuse – any physical injury to a child which is not accidental, such as unusual bruising, shaking, burns, and biting.

  • Emotional abuse – emotional injury when the 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 years older than the victim, including activities such as fondling, exhibitionism, intercourse, incest, and pornography.

  • Neglect – depriving a child of their essential needs, such as adequate food, water, shelter, and medical care.

Due to their area of service, staff and approved volunteers in Children’s or Students’ Ministries may become aware of child abuse or neglect.

If an individual involved in the care of children, at this church, becomes aware of suspected abuse or neglect of a child under his or her care, this shall be reported immediately to the appropriate pastor or staff member and/or the administrative 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 AHC or during a sponsored program or activity, the following procedure shall be followed:

  • AHC will comply with the state’s requirements regarding mandatory reporting of abuse as the law then exists.

  • The parent or guardian of the child will be notified. • The worker alleged to be the perpetrator of the abuse or misconduct will immediately be placed on leave from working with children pending an investigation.

  • Our insurance company will be notified, and the reportee or designate will complete an incident report.

  • AHC will cooperate with any investigation of the incident by state or local authorities. In the event there is no investigation of the incident by state or local authorities, a AHC team will be formed to investigate the circumstances of the incident. The AHC team should act only in consultation with our insurance company and/or attorney.

  • Any person who is not found innocent of the alleged abuse or misconduct will be removed from their position with children or youth.

  • The administrative pastor or his designee will be our spokesperson to the media concerning incidents of abuse or neglect, unless he or she is alleged to be involved. All other workers shall refrain from speaking to the media.

  • A pastoral visit will be arranged for those who desire it. 

Check-in/Check-out Procedure

All children 4th grade and under need to be checked-in and out by a parent or guardian.

5th & 6th graders need to check-in, but can do so on their own.

AHC uses a secure check-in/out system in our Children’s ministries. This system provides one sticker for the child to wear and one to place in the check-in book, as well as a sticker for the parent or guardian to present when picking up a child. If a parent or guardian is unable to present their sticker, they will need to contact the ministry coordinator or other appropriate staff member, such as one of the elders or the Lead Pastor. The staff member will be responsible for releasing the child to the care of the parent or guardian.

Any ministries or events not using the check-in/out system, will use a sign-in/sign-out form for checking in and out.

Siblings in Jr. High and above can pick up their younger siblings in any class above nursery level if they have the appropriate sticker. 

Well Child Policy

It is our desire to provide a healthy and safe environment for all children at AHC. 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 disease Children who exhibit such symptoms or otherwise appear to be ill will be separated from other children and the parent or guardian will be contacted to request the child be picked up for the day. 

Medication Policy

It is the policy of AHC to not administer either prescription or non-prescription medication to the children under our care. Medications should be administered by a parent at home. Exceptions to the medication policy may be granted to parents of children with potentially life-threatening conditions (such as asthma or severe allergic reactions). Parents of such children should address their situation with either the Lead Pastor or Student Ministries to develop a plan of action.

Discipline Policy

It is the policy of AHC to not administer corporal punishment, even if parents have suggested or given permission for it. There shall be no spanking, grabbing, hitting, or other physical discipline of children. Workers shall consult with the Ministry Coordinator if assistance is needed with disciplinary issues.

Restroom Guidelines

For the protection of all, staff and/or volunteers should never be alone with a child in a bathroom with the door closed and never be in a closed bathroom stall with a child.

Children 2nd grade and younger should be escorted to and from a hallway restroom in a group of two or more. If a room has an attached restroom it should be utilized by the children.

The restroom should be checked to make sure it is empty before the child is allowed to enter. If a child is taking longer than necessary, the staff/volunteer should call to the child from outside the door. If the child requires assistance, the door should be propped open and the staff/ volunteer may enter to assist the child while remaining outside the stall. 

Injuries to Children

In the event a child is injured while under our care, the following steps should be followed:

  • For minor injuries, scrapes, and bruises, workers will provide first aid (Band-Aids, etc.) as appropriate. If the child is 3rd grade or younger we will notify the child’s parent or guardian of the injury at the time the child is picked up from our care.

  • For injuries requiring medical treatment beyond simple first aid, the parent and/or guardian will immediately be notified in addition to the Ministry Coordinator or Director. If warranted by circumstances, emergency responders 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.

Training

AHC will provide training on this child protection policy to all staff and volunteers within Children’s and Students’ Ministries and will strive to provide opportunities for additional training classes or events on an annual basis. All workers are strongly encouraged to attend these training events.