Safe Church Policies And Procedures of the
East Woodstock Congregational Church (United Church of Christ)

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East Woodstock, Connecticut

Mission

The East Woodstock Congregational Church of Woodstock (EWCC) is committed to being a community of Christian fellowship. Every effort will be made to ensure that all who participate in our church life, including children, adults, and church workers, whether paid or volunteer, will be able to explore their relationship with God and each other as they seek to grow in their faith and faithfulness in an environment that is safe, secure, and nurturing.

Youth Protection Procedures

Classroom Supervision Rule

No adult will be alone in the Church, or at a church approved activity, with a child(ren) that is not his or her own or a relative. One adult and one classroom helper (see 5 year older rule) must be present with a child or children under 18 years of age at all times. NOTE: If the classroom helper is an adult, they cannot be married to the other adult in the classroom, unless there is a third adult or classroom helper present.

Five Year Older Rule

Classroom and nursery helpers, and youth group assistants must be five years older than the oldest participant in the class, group, or activity. The minimum age to help in the nursery or Sunday School classroom is thirteen.

Medical Release Forms

1. All youth participating in an overnight youth group event must have a Medical Release Form on file before their participation.
2. Forms must be given to youth or parents/guardians to be completed and returned to the the Youth group leader for youth group participation.
3. Completed forms will be kept on file in the Christian Education (CE) office.
4. Each time an overnight event occurs, the original must be taken with an adult leader while a copy remains in the CE office.

Field trip/youth event guidelines

CE Approval: All field trips or events should receive the approval of the CE Committee before the activity can take place and before fund raising for the activity begins.

Parental Consent: Parents or guardians should be fully informed about programs, activities, leaders, chaperons, dates and times, cost, method of transportation, and purpose of the scheduled trip or activity.

Vehicle rules:

1. Drivers for field trips must be 25 years or older and have a copy of their driver's license and registration on file in the church office.
2. Anyone who has had their license revoked or suspended within the past five years will be ineligible to drive for youth activities.
3. If it was revoked or suspended more than five years ago, the CE Committee will make a decision as to suitability. All occupants of a vehicle will use a seat belt.
4. Appropriate supervision: The classroom supervision rule applies for all church-related events. For overnight events, the boys and the girls will sleep in separate areas with at least two chaperons of the same gender directly supervising each group. If the minimum level of supervision cannot be achieved, the activity must be canceled. This may result in the loss of deposit fees for which the church cannot be responsible.
   1. Non-overnight activities on church property: 1 adult and 1 classroom helper for each group.
   2. Day trips off church property: 1 Adult for 4 youths for grades P-4, 1 adult for 6 youths for all other ages, minimum of 1 adult and 1 classroom helper.
   3. Overnight activities either on or off church property: 1 adult for 6 youths (that they are not related to) of the same gender, minimum of 1 adult and 1 classroom helper (e.g. If there are nine boys and three girls, there must be two male adults and two female adults). In other words, the boys and the girls will be considered two separate groups with the classroom supervision rule applied to both groups.

Discipline

The purpose of discipline with youth is to maintain order in a manner consistent with the teaching of Christian responsibility, respect, and cooperation.

1. No youth will be disciplined by the use of any form of physical punishment.
2. Supervisors are encouraged to listen to the youth, and clearly communicate expectations of appropriate behavior.
3. If a child's behavior is disruptive, the classroom helper may leave to seek the DCE or the child's parent to come to the classroom.

Appropriate Activities

Activities that involve inappropriate physical contact are not suitable recreational activities.

Youth Protection Guidelines (Reference Bullets)

Length of time a volunteer needs to attend church before supervising youth:

• 6 months minimum

Criminal background (Choicepoint) checks to be conducted for these positions:

• Pastors and/or volunteer ordained staff
• Paid employees
• Music Director
• Bell/Chime Choir Director
• Director of Christian Education
• Youth Group leaders
• Certain chaperons

Classroom Supervision Rule

• 1 adult, and 1 classroom helper much be with a child (or children) under age 18 at all times.

Five Year Older Rule:

• Helpers must be 5 years older than the oldest child in the class or group
• Helpers may not be married to the other adult in charge unless a third party is also present

Medical Release Forms required of:

• Youth Group members participating in overnight events on or off Church property

Approval of CE Committee needed for:

• Field trips and youth events

Adult to child supervision ratios:

• In church during the day - 1 adult and 1 classroom helper per group
• Day trip off-site, special on-site youth event - 1 adult per 4 youths for pre-school through 4th grade (minimum 1adult and 1 classroom helper) - 1 adult per 6 youths for 5th grade and up (minimum 1 adult and 1 classroom helper)
• Overnight - 1 adult per 6 youth of one gender (1 adult and 1 classroom helper minimum). Girls and boys are to be considered two separate groups with the classroom supervision rule applied to each group.

Drivers for field trips and youth events:

• Must be 25 years or older
• Must have a safe driving record

Discipline:

• Positive, non-physical discipline only

Appropriate activities:

• No unnecessary physical contact

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Adopted by the East Woodstock Congregational Church and modified January 4, 2010