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WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH MADISON, WISCONSIN
CHILD PROTECTION & SEXUAL MISCONDUCT COVENANT
ADOPTED BY SESSION, AUGUST 28, 2006
Purpose The Christian church is called to express and give witness to the love of God through Word and action. This is how the Church reveals God's vision and Kingdom of justice in the world. Expressions of God's love are revealed to us and our neighbor through worship, study, prayer, and fellowship. Through this type of ministry together, the Christian community connects us to the most intimate, vulnerable, and sacred dimensions of our lives. The work of building God's new creation is done by church members (both adult and children), clergy, and church staff.
Central to the Reformed faith is the concept of "covenant." God entered into the covenant with the people of God to assure survival and liberation. God's people made promises to God in order to live out the covenant in their lives. As the body of Christ, we covenant with one another to create a community where all the people experience the security, love, and acceptance of the Christian community. The promises we make to each other are sacred.
In the covenant of baptism, individuals and the congregation take responsibility for the spiritual well-being and growth of individuals entrusted to the believing community. In the covenant that takes place during communion, the cup and the bread represent our commitment to remembering the new covenant Jesus created with his friends and disciples.
Because of the nature of relationships between church members, staff, and clergy and the vulnerability that arises from sharing our faith and life together, the church can potentially be a place where individuals can engage in abusive, inappropriate, and illegal behaviors and actions with other community members.
The purpose of this sexual misconduct and child protection covenant is to firmly address the presence of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment in our social and ecclesiastical culture in a proactive manner. To that end, it will be the policy of Westminster Presbyterian Church to protect visitors, members, and staff of the Church from sexual misconduct, including both the potential victim and the potential accused person. To protect potential victims and accused persons, the following covenant will be in force in all areas of Westminster Presbyterian Church ministry. In addition to this policy, clergy may be covered by other sexual misconduct policies of the John Knox Presbytery and other denominations.
Definitions a.) For the purposes of this covenant, "child" and "children" means those of less than 18 years of age. b.) Sexual misconduct is the comprehensive term used in this covenant to include: sexual abuse or exploitation of children or adults, rape or sexual assault, sexual harassment, verbal, emotional and/or spiritual abuse. Sexual misconduct is an abuse of authority and power, breaching Christian ethical principles by misusing a trust relationship to gain advantage over another for personal gratification. Such behavior is not limited to physical contact, but may also include gestures, spoken words, or written contact. c.) Types of abuse that involve touching include: fondling; oral, genital, and anal penetration; intercourse; rape. d.) Types of abuse that do not involve touching include: verbal comments, pornographic videos, obscene phone calls, allowing children to witness sexual activity. e.) Sexual abuse or misconduct includes unwelcome touching or non-touching interaction for the purposes of sexual stimulation among adults, whether this involves staff members, lay leaders, and/or members of the congregation. Sexual abuse or misconduct also includes any act that involves the sexual molestation, exploitation of a child by any party or other person who has permanent or temporary care. It is recognized that, under some circumstances, there may be a wholesome and consenting relationship among staff members or between a member of the staff and another adult. f.) Child sexual abuse or misconduct includes touching or non-touching interaction for the purpose of sexual stimulation between a child and an adult. This behavior is always considered forced when the interaction involves a child and an adult, whether or not the victim has consented. This is also true in the case of any non-minor who is incapable of appraising the nature of or resisting the conduct, or of communicating unwillingness to be subject to unwelcome sexual interaction.
Standards of Conduct a.) Volunteer adults working with children and youth in church related activities in a leadership position shall have attended Westminster for at least three months and be well known to the individual in charge of supervision of all children and youth programs. Exceptions can be made if the volunteer is previously known to the supervisor. b.) Paid and volunteer adults and youth helpers shall not touch or interact with children in any way that is intended or could be reasonably construed to be sexually stimulating. Care must also be taken that consenting adults do not act in a sexual way during any Church activity. Common expressions of affection (hugs), affirmation (pat on the back), support (prayer), or physical caretaking (diapers, etc.) are appropriate as long as respect for others personal wishes about being touched are honored, not excessive, or imposed upon another individual. c.) Supervisors of programs involving children should work in pairs; whenever possible, two adults should be present with the children at all activities. An unaccompanied adult should not drive a single child in a Church-sponsored activity without the permission of the child's parent or guardian. When practicable, parental permission should be obtained in writing. It is recommended that children and youth be transported in groups rather than alone. d.) Christian education teachers, nursery advisors, and youth advisors should work in pairs when possible; a teacher may work alone when there is visual access to the classroom (door with window, or open door). e.) All overnight activities must have a minimum of two adults present; for mixed youth overnights there must be both a male and female present. Parental permission in writing is required for all overnights. f.) On those occasions when one-on-one counseling is appropriate, the adult should notify another adult where he/she and the youth will be. Counseling shall take place where there is visual access (door with window, or open door). g.) Christian education teachers, youth advisors, nursery supervisors and helpers shall discipline with kindness with the goal of helping children develop a sense of responsibility and self-control. Corporal punishment of any kind within the church is unacceptable. Corporal punishment includes but is not limited to slapping, spanking, pinching and/or shaking. Punitive techniques that cause physical pain such as assuming an uncomfortable position are not appropriate. Physical restraint of children should be used only when someone's safety is at risk. Derogatory remarks or comments that humiliate or frighten the child shall not be used. Appropriate discipline establishes clear expectations, provides rewards and incentives for acceptable behavior. Appropriate discipline uses verbal disapproval, loss of privileges, and redirection to teach children acceptable behavior.
Supervision and Accountability a.) Christian education leaders will seek volunteers in sufficient numbers to allow staffing of the programs as stated above. Church staff may participate in these programs and may be present at random time to help with supervision. b.) Communication and explanation of this policy will be included annually in all training and orientation programs for Christian education volunteers, as well as during officer training events. c.) Written information about this policy shall be sent to all church members and posted in the office. Mention of this policy will be included in new member orientation classes and the policy will be included in the Westminster Personnel Manual. d.) As a condition of paid or volunteer employment with children all people agreeing to work with children and/or youth will be required to complete a confidential form (see below) that states whether he/she has ever been convicted of a crime involving sexual abuse or misconduct, as defined in this covenant, or terminated from employment for sexual abuse, harassment, or misconduct. Two references will be required for all paid employees, and a background check will be required. Two references will be required for volunteers in a leadership position who have been known to the church or supervisors for less than six months. References will be asked whether the person has ever been convicted of a crime involving sexual abuse or misconduct. A background check into his/her arrest records may be required.
Reporting of Misconduct The first person to learn of an incident of sexual abuse or misconduct (either a person witnessing the incident or the victim) should immediately report this verbally to the staff person supervising the activity or a member of the misconduct response team. The misconduct response team consists of the Pastor, the Director of Education, the Chair of the Personnel Committee, and the Chair of the Christian Education Committee. The team, after obtaining such professional advice as is deemed necessary, shall conduct an investigation of the reported incident or charge. Should the report or charge prove to be credible, the team shall advise the Session and take such other acts as are necessary to investigate and resolve the matter. If the Pastor is the subject of such incident, the witness or victim shall contact the Clerk of the Session and the Presbytery. Those persons involved in the report or investigation should hold information received in strict confidence, subject to such disclosures as are required under Church procedures or required by law. Further action will be taken in accordance with Westminster Presbyterian Church Personnel Manual, and legal requirements of the State of Wisconsin.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FOR VOLUNTEERS*
I. _____________________________ (print name), have read and agree to comply with the Westminster Presbyterian Church Child Protection and Sexual Misconduct Covenant. I also state that I have not been convicted of a crime involving sexual misconduct or abuse, as defined in the Covenant, or resigned from or been terminated from any position for reasons relating to sexual abuse or misconduct, as defined in this Covenant.
I am not using illegal drugs and am not being treated for drug or alcohol abuse.
Name Date
* If you cannot sign this statement, you may request a meeting with a member of the misconduct response team and the Pastor to discuss your reason.
Detach here. Keep Covenant, and return portion below.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FOR VOLUNTEERS*
I. _____________________________ (print name), have read and agree to comply with the Westminster Presbyterian Church Child Protection and Sexual Misconduct Covenant. I also state that I have not been convicted of a crime involving sexual misconduct or abuse, as defined in the Covenant, or resigned from or been terminated from any position for reasons relating to sexual abuse or misconduct, as defined in this Covenant.
I am not using illegal drugs and am not being treated for drug or alcohol abuse.
Name Date
* If you cannot sign this statement, you may request a meeting with a member of the misconduct response team and the Pastor to discuss your reason.
If the volunteer position requires the driving or use of a private vehicle for the transportation of minors as a part of the church programs, please supply the following: Driver’s License Number_______________________________ Expiration Date __________________________________ Do you have automobile Liability Insurance? Yes q No q
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CHILD AND YOUTH PROTECTION AGREEMENT FOR PAID STAFF
Name______________________________________________________________
List all other names you have been known by:
___________________________________________________________________
Address_______________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________ City State Zip
Home Telephone________________________________________________________________________
Cell Phone_____________________________________________________________________________
If you have lived elsewhere than the State of Wisconsin within the past 5 years, please identify your prior residences. ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________
Acknowledgement*
I. _____________________________ (print name), have read and agree to comply with the Westminster Presbyterian Church Child Protection and Sexual Misconduct Covenant. I also state that I have not been convicted of a crime involving sexual misconduct or abuse, as defined in the Covenant, or resigned from or been terminated from any position for reasons relating to sexual abuse or misconduct, as defined in this Covenant.
I am not using illegal drugs and am not being treated for drug or alcohol abuse.
Name Date
* If you cannot sign this statement, you may request a meeting with a member of the misconduct response team and the Pastor to discuss your reason.
If the volunteer position requires the driving or use of a private vehicle for the transportation of minors as a part of the church programs, please supply the following: Driver’s License Number_______________________________ Expiration Date __________________________________ Do you have automobile Liability Insurance? Yes q No q
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