THE VINEYARD Church OF FEDERAL WAY

SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION PLAN

THE FOUR MAIN COMPONENTS OF THIS PLAN ARE:

1. Selection and screening of workers
2. Supervision of workers
3. Reporting Requirements
4. Response plan

SELECTION AND SCREENING OF WORKERS:

1. Any person whether employed or volunteer, including ordained or licensed ministers, working with minor children is subject to all of the policies herein.
2. Formal application must be made for all supervisory positions.
3. The Senior Pastor may need to make the final decision if the application raises questions. This application is to be kept on file indefinitely.
4. A "short form" application is to be filled out by all last minute volunteers applying to work in the Nursery or Children's Department.


SUPERVISION OF WORKERS AND CHILDREN:

1. Two adults to be in all classes with children ages 5 and under. Under some circumstances, a roaming assistant will suffice to meet this requirement.
2. Windows have been installed in all classroom doors or in the hallway walls. For classes with children under the age of 5, gates are installed in the doorways and the classroom door remains open to provide a roaming assistant visibility and easy access into the classroom.
3. It is the parent’s responsibility to care for the bathroom needs/visits for their children. We advise parents to take their children to the restroom before class begins. No Vineyard worker or volunteer is to change diapers or accompany children to the bathroom. If an emergency situation develops and the parent cannot be located, the worker shall call for two adults to accompany the child to the bathroom.
4. If children over the age of 5 must leave the room to use the restroom, another child must accompany them to and from the facilities. (In the Young Disciples class (grades 1-4), children are allowed to cross the hall to the Kinderciples room to use the restroom, if necessary.)
5. Children in the nursery, Kinderciples (ages 3-5), and Young Disciples (grades 1-4) classes are releases from class only to the parent or guardian. Parents are asked to come to the class to pick up their children immediately after the service ends.
6. Male youth workers will never be alone with one youth.
7. Overnight or long distance trip chaperons must be an approved worker/volunteer and receive clearance by filling out the WA State Patrol Criminal History form.




REPORTING REQUIREMENTS:

What constitutes unacceptable behavior?
1. Inappropriate "touching" of private parts.
2. Kissing on the mouth.
3. Hugging, other than a brief greeting.
4. Excessive time spent with one child, more than another.
5. Possession and use of materials not approved by their department head.
6. Undressing the child.
7. Slapping, biting, shoving or in any way violating the child.

State Law requires us to report any case where it is suspected there is abuse, sexual abuse or neglect, giving them the names and addresses of those involved.

Workers are required to immediately report any inappropriate behavior observed or perpetrated to the Supervisor, Children/Youth Overseer or the Senior Pastor.

Supervisors, Children Pastors and Youth Pastors together with the Senior Pastor will investigate the situation and determine if it is warranted to call the Child Services Agency.

Workers are to be encouraged to report any unusual activity. The church will take every step to protect and shield the worker from any criticism or gossip.

RESPONSE PLAN:

The church leadership and ministry will "take seriously" any report of abuse and act immediately to insure that all parties are given a fair and impartial hearing. When it is determined that there is cause to believe in the possibility of abuse, sexual abuse or neglect, the Senior Pastor will represent the church in the following ways:

1. Contact the Church Attorney.
2. Contact the Child Services Agency.
3. Contact the Church Mutual Insurance Agent.
4. Meet with the Church Board of Directors for the purpose of preparing a news release.
5. Instruct all other workers and leaders involved that the Pastor alone has the authority to meet with the media and or issue press releases.
6. Meet as soon as possible with legal counsel provided by the insurance company.
7. Cooperate with legal authorities in the investigative process to the extent legal counsel permits and advises.
8. Gather the following information immediately:
A. Names, addresses and phone numbers of:
(1) Victim
(2) Parents of Victim
(3) Alleged Perpetrator
(4) Witnesses
B. Details of location where the alleged act took place.
C: Statements from all of the above mentioned people, detailing their perspective of the alleged event.
D. When talking with the child, do so in the presence of the child's parents.
E. Most importantly - see that all responses are rooted in love.
Be sensitive.
Do not foolishly agree to fault if you are unsure.
Do not deny, minimize or blame.
Do not judge.
Do not cover up or obscure any information or facts.
9. Remove the accused person from all activities relating to children/youth until such time as the charge is resolved.
10. If investigative facts warrant, the Pastor shall, in cooperation with the insurance company, provide for professional Christian Counseling for the child/youth victim.

This policy is to be:

A· part of the material used in the interviewing process for all applicants for employment or volunteers working with minors.
Readily available to all· church members.
Given to all employees and volunteers, with the original· signed and dated "Acknowledgment of Receipt" form, kept in their file indefinitely.


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I ____________________________________________ have received, read and understand the Vineyard "Sexual Abuse Prevention Plan." As a volunteer worker in the Nursery Children's Program of The Vineyard of Federal Way, I agree to observe and abide by the policies and safeguard measures of The Vineyard.

______________________________ ___________________________________
Date Signature

______________________________ ___________________________________
Supervisor/Department Head Please print name

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