Screening and Training
Our Disciplers are required to be background checked in accordance with PA State Guidelines before serving with children. After receiving their clearances, Discipers are trained in Child Protection and Policies, and sign a Code of Conduct. This training is completed annually.
Supervision and Accountability
Supervision of our covenant and community children is to be observable and interruptible at all times, avoiding situations where one adult is alone with one child. At minimum, two approved adult staff or Disciplers must be present with the children during all church-related activities and events.
Youth Leadership
Youth may volunteer at church-related activities and events where there are a minimum of two approved adult staff or Disciplers present.
Check-in and Check-out Processes
Children who are attending Children’s Ministry events will be checked in and out safely. In contexts where internet is available, Planning Center will be used to check children in and out. Children will receive a name label and matching security label. Parent(s)/guardian(s) will be required to present the security label at pick up.
Health and Safety
Sick Policy
Please be vigilant for symptoms of sickness in your child and keep them home if they are sick. If your child becomes ill within 48 hours of attending a Children’s Ministry event, please notify the Director of Children’s Ministry so other families can be informed of the exposure and vigilant over their own children.
Medication Policy
Volunteers cannot administer any type of medication to children under our care. Exceptions to the medication policy are granted to parents or guardians of children with severe allergies or asthma who should discuss a plan of action with the Director of Children’s Ministry or other supervising staff and Disciplers.
Emergency Response
Accident
All adult staff and Disciplers are allowed to administer minor first aid to injuries. In the case of a more serious injury, we deal with the immediate need (ie. apply pressure to stop bleeding) and then contact 911, never leaving the child unattended. Any time a child is hurt, an accident/injury report will be completed.
Missing Child
If a child is missing, the Director of Children’s Ministry or other church staff will implement the Missing Child Procedure. If the missing child procedure is implemented, a missing child report will be filed. This will provide a record of our actions and help direct any future policies and procedures.
Evacuation Procedures
In case of an emergency requiring evacuation, parents or guardians will pick up their child(ren) at the assembly point identified for each event. Disciplers or Children’s Ministry Staff will check children out and ensure that all children are accounted for.
Incident
If a Discipler has a concern about the health and well being of a child, a report will be filed with ChildLine. City Reformed is committed to cooperating with any resulting investigations.
For a more detailed information packet, please contact Becki Toney here:
