WHEREAS both a severe warning against offending little ones and solemn commandments to protect, nurture and teach our children are evident throughout the Word of God;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED

THAT the safety of the child be defended and sacred value of each individual be taught in the writings, the witness and the work of St. James the Less Church;

THAT we subscribe to a gracious balance between the safety of each individual and the responsibility to parental, civil and church authority;

THAT we boldly declare our belief that each child has the right to life, liberty and fulfillment in the pursuit of the pleasures of God according to the precepts of the Bible;

THAT together we demonstrate a deep respect for human life, a firm commitment for future generations to have access to Christ’s calling and an entrance into His eternal Kingdom; and

THAT we will accordingly adhere to the Child Safety Policy that is hereto attached.

CHILD SAFETY POLICY

OBJECTIVES OF THE POLICY

Corporation of the Anglican Parish of Renforth, hereafter referred to as St. James the Less; recognizes that providing a safe and happy environment for children takes diligent oversight and the heartfelt conviction that children deserve the very best. Protecting our children is at the heart of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus placed a priority on children and took special care to draw them unto Himself. It was the Lord himself who said, “Do not hinder the children,” Luke 18:16. The hope is that this policy will provide guidance, support and security to all members of St. James the Less and the children who rely upon us.

A. QUALIFICATIONS FOR CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH WORKERS

1.00 PURPOSE

1.01 The church has a spiritual, moral and legal obligation to provide a secure environment for children participating in church programs or who are under the auspices or authority of the church.

1.02 This policy is intended to further the church’s obligations to the children under its care by prescribing certain policies or procedures designed to minimize the risk of child abuse or complaints of abuse. It is hoped that these policies will further the reality that the church is a sanctuary and a place of ministry. Abuse of children must be condemned and prevented in the church and its programs.

2.00 CHILDREN’S MINISTRY PERSONNEL

2.01 All personnel, employees and volunteers are required to complete an application form, in a form prescribed from time to time by the church Vestry. Attached as Appendix 1 is a Volunteer Application Form for Child and Youth Ministries.

2.02 All applicants are required to give the names of two references. These references will be contacted by such persons designated by the church Vestry in order to complete a Personal Reference Information Form in the form prescribed by the church Vestry and generally, but not limited to, the form attached as Appendix 2.

2.03 All applicants shall be subject to a personal interview conducted by such persons designated from time to time by the church Vestry and each applicant shall complete and submit a Criminal Records Check in the form attached as Appendix 3, or as required by Local Law Enforcement Agencies in specific jurisdictions.

2.04 All applicants must be faithful attendees in good standing for at least six (6) consecutive months of St. James the Less or another Christian church and be known by the Rector/Minister-in-charge of the church before making application to work with children or youth, and have agreed in writing to be submitted to the authority of the church, its guidelines and policies.

2.05 Any applicant who has been accused of any form of physical or sexual abuse, or any other violent crime will not be permitted to work with minors, absent a determination by the Rector/Minister-in-charge that such event(s) could have no bearing on the applicant’s position.

2.06 Any applicant who has been legally found guilty of any form of physical or sexual abuse, or any other violent crime will not be permitted to work with minors or in Children & Youth Ministries at St. James the Less.

3.00 EDUCATION

3.01 All personnel, employees and volunteers involved in children’s ministries shall participate in meetings, seminars, workshops or read resource material as prescribed from time to time by the church Vestry or Rector/Minister-in-charge directed toward, but not limited to issues related to Children & Youth Ministries (C&YM) guidelines, child safety, child abuse prevention, identification and reporting obligations.

4.00 TEACHING OR FUNCTIONS

Programs that involve children and youth must always include adequate supervisory personnel. Supervision should also be maintained before and after the event until all children are in the custody of their parents or legal guardians. The supervisory staff should make regular visits to the classroom to make sure the class is properly staffed and supervised.

4.01 There shall be a minimum of two (2) qualified caregivers*, one being an adult, in any care situation for children under the age of five years.

*Red Cross/Saint John Ambulance baby-sitting course or equal - minimum age of 12 years.

4.02 Classroom doors, except where there are windows in the doors or there are two or more qualified caregivers present, shall be kept open during any time where children are in the care of persons under the authority of the church.

4.03 Individual counseling/ministry with a child (under the age of 16) shall not be done in a closed room except with a minimum of two qualified caregivers present.

4.04 No overnight functions shall be permitted unless two or more qualified adults are present and the function has first been approved by the Rector/Minister-in-charge. In addition, a supervision ratio of 1 qualified adult supervisor for every 5 children with a minimum of 2 adult supervisors shall be maintained.

4.05 At no time shall any caregiver use any form of physical discipline when correcting a child. (Appendix 7)

4.06 Parental/guardian consent is required for participation by any child in a church program or activity. On-going participation in church programs as well as special events requires the written consent of parent or guardian.

4.07 Nursery and Toddler programs shall have an appropriate child identification, emergency contact and ‘check-in/check-out’ system in place to ensure the safety of children in their care. All preschool rooms are to be staffed with at least one female caregiver to better facilitate observance of the washroom guidelines.

5.00 WASHROOM GUIDELINES

5.01 Parents are to be encouraged to take their children to visit the washroom prior to each class or service. This recommendation is to be communicated to parents at the beginning of each new school year, and through the year to newcomers. (Eg. Signs, notices, etc.)

5.02 Nursery Children

Diaper changing must take place in such a way that another nursery worker can easily see the child that is being changed, as well as the other children and workers in the room. Children must be 12 years of age or older, with appropriate training before being permitted to change infant’s diapers.

5.03 Preschool – Grade 2 Children

Two adults will escort a group of children to the washroom. Where we do not have two adults available to take children to the washroom, hallway or safety monitors will be appointed to assist with washroom and security duties.

If just one child must go to the washroom, the adult volunteer should escort the child to the washroom and prop the outside door open. Having made sure there is no one loitering in the washroom, the volunteer should then remain outside the washroom door and wait for the child before escorting him or her back to the classroom.

When children need assistance in the washroom, an adult may enter the washroom cubicle to assist when a second adult is within visual contact. If this is not possible, inform another adult when taking a child to the washroom and when returning.

6:00 REPORTING CHILD ABUSE (REFLECTING NB LAW)

6.01 Section 30(1) of the Family Services Act, Part III Protection Services requires that any person who has information causing him to suspect that a child has been abandoned, deserted, physically or emotionally neglected, physically or sexually ill-treated or otherwise abused shall inform the Minister of the situation without delay.

NB: Minister means the Minister of Health and Community Services