"CHILD PROTECTION POLICY" approved by the First Presbyterian, Richmond, Indiana in the

Session Meeting March 2001

Revised and approved at Session Meeting May 2007

First Presbyterian Church, Richmond

Child Protection Policy May 2007

It is the policy of First Presbyterian Church to provide a spiritually enriching, educational, and safe environment for its youth. Youth for purposes of this policy means any child under age 18. The Church recognizes that a written policy can help protect our youth. The following has been adopted by the Session of First Presbyterian Church to help ensure the safety of our youth, for the protection of our paid staff and volunteer workers, and as a guide for appropriate behavior.

All applicants who work with youth will be required to consent in writing to a criminal background check annually. All adults who work with youth in Church activities shall be required to attend an annual training session for the prevention and reporting of child abuse. When a child needs to use the restroom, an adult is expected to enter the restroom alone to make sure no one else is in the room. The adult then waits outside the door until the child returns to the activity. If a child requires assistance, a second adult will need to be present while one adult assists.

No volunteer will be accepted to work with youth until the volunteer has been active in the life of the Church for six consecutive months.

At least two workers (paid or volunteer) shall be present at all times for all Church activities attended by youth. The only exception to this is:

b During counseling sessions with a clergy member, when written permission for one-on-one counseling has been given by the child's parent or legal guardian.

For our purposes, "child sexual abuse" means any contact or interaction between a child and an adult when the child is being used for the sexual stimulation or gratification of the adult person or of a third person. The behavior may or may not involve touching. Sexual behavior between a child and an adult is never consensual and is always considered forced or coercive.

Anyone who reasonably believes there has been an incident of child abuse or neglect shall immediately comply with all State law reporting requirements. In Wayne County, such reports are to be made to the Wayne County Child Protection Services at (765) 935-1135. In addition, the Pastor, Supply Pastor, or an Elder shall be notified immediately. Thereafter the Pastor, Supply Pastor, or Elder will notify the Church's attorney and the Whitewater Valley Presbytery office. A response will be coordinated with legal advice and Presbytery's assistance.

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