A Safe Place

for Children, Youth and Workers

Abuse Prevention Policy Summary
Impact Church is committed to being A SAFE PLACE

These safeguards are not only to protect children, but also workers.

The trauma of abuse can have a lifelong and tragic impact on a child, and a false accusation can destroy a workers reputation. Church volunteer groups are trusting, and appreciative of help, however statistics reveal that this sector now accounts for the majority of allegations of abuse.

As a church we want to ensure that both children and workers are protected, by creating a “SAFE PLACE.” Therefore we have created a set of policies and procedures outlining our “PLAN TO PROTECT.”

  1. WE WILL SCREEN all paid employees, including ministerial staff, and volunteers who work with preschoolers, children or youth.
  2. WE WILL CHECK references and do criminal record checks and vulnerable sector verification for all employees and volunteers working with preschoolers, children or youth. Anyone with criminal abuse violations will not be allowed to work with children or youth.
  3. WE WILL TRAIN all of our staff who work with preschoolers, children or youth, both paid and volunteers, to understand the nature of child sexual abuse. They will learn how to carry out our policies to prevent sexual abuse, including our clearly defined reporting procedures for suspected incidents.
  4. WE TAKE OUR POLICIES SERIOUSLY, and see that they are enforced.
  5. ALL WORKERS WILL SIGN THE MINISTRY COVENANT, agreeing to comply with Church policies and guidelines.
  6. WE HAVE ADOPTED A BASIC “TWO-ADULT” RULE. Such a rule says that two adults should be present during any children’s activity. This rule reduces the risk of compromising situations arising.
  7. WE WILL FOLLOW THE “SIX MONTH” RULE. Volunteers will be permitted to work with preschoolers, children or youth only after they have been members of Impact Church for a period of six months. Such a policy gives the Church an additional opportunity to evaluate applicants and volunteers. (This provision may be waived where the person is transferring in from another church and has a letter of recommendation signed by the Pastor of that Church).
  8. SECURE CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT POLICIES, will be adhered to ensuring all the children are in custody of their parents or legal guardians.

>> Download our Safe Place Policy Brochure here.