This document is a summary of our policy, primarily for the purpose of introducing parents to the protection they can expect from CPC. Our full policy is available upon request.

OVERVIEW
Covenant will seek to prevent the abuse of children when they are participating in church programs. Preventive measures shall include screening, training and supervision of custodians of minors, including particularly teachers and workers as defined in this policy.

TRAINING
All regular teachers and workers are required to read, agree to and abide by our complete protection policy.

Information and instruction concerning this policy and related abuse issues involving children shall be offered periodically, and at least annually, at Covenant.

SCREENING
All regular teachers, workers and other persons involved in the custody and care of children at Covenant must have been a member of the church for at least six (6) months.

All new regular teachers and workers involved in the custody and care of children at Covenant shall complete a confidential Application that will ask for references and include questions concerning child abuse.

Background checks and/or reference checks on regular teachers and workers will be made by or under the direction of the Covenant staff member directly responsible for the ministry in question.

Confidentiality of the completed and signed forms utilized to implement this policy shall be maintained by limiting the access to these filed forms.

Adults who have been convicted of either sexual or physical abuse are not permitted to provide supervisory services in any church-sponsored activity or program for children.

SUPERVISION
Teachers, workers and other persons involved in the custody and care of children at Covenant should observe

the “two adult rule,” which requires an adult working with children to be accompanied by another worker. The “two adult rule” should be followed whenever possible. The “two adult rule” must be adhered to strictly in areas considered to be high isolation settings. The “two adult rule” may include and allow for scenarios in which an adult regular teacher or worker is assisted by a youth worker who is older than the children being supervised, subject to approval by the Covenant staff member directly responsible for the ministry.

One-on-one supervision of a minor or any other exception to the “two adult rule” is acceptable ONLY in the event it occurs in a public area that is not considered to be a high isolation setting OR if parental permission is received in advance.

All rooms used by adults and minors together should be accessible (unlocked doors) and have open visibility (a window in the door or the door left wide open).

Compensated church staff or their designees shall make unannounced visits to all scheduled classes or small group situations involving children, youth, teachers and workers.

Parents or legal guardians are welcome to observe any activity involving their child.

Covenant teachers and workers will not search children.

Physical force will not be used except in self-defense or when deemed necessary to prevent possible injury.

The parent or guardian is responsible for ensuring that the child is not left alone in an unsupervised area. Pick up of children up to and including 2nd grade shall only be by the parent or guardian unless written, signed notification is provided for other arrangements.

All staff, teachers and workers shall also refrain from inappropriate relationships, comments, etc., by means of texting, messaging, or any social media/digital platform. These interactions shall be governed by the same biblical standards as any of other conversation or contact with children or youth.

Donna Spears, Director of Early Childhood Ministries

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