Purpose
To strengthen our commitment to protecting minors and maintaining a safe, transparent, and accountable ministry environment.

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To view our current child safety policy, click here.

Key Policy Additions and Revisions

1. Prohibited Behaviors

• No adult shall privately message a minor through any digital platform or social media.
• Any romantic or sexual interaction with a minor is strictly forbidden. (Already stated)
• No adult shall be alone with a child who is not their own under any circumstances.
• No physical contact with a minor is permitted unless the adult is a designated caregiver or the contact is appropriate, public, initiated by the child and non-affectionate.

2. Mandatory Reporting and Documentation

• All interactions with minors must be appropriately documented and accessible at the ministry level.
• Any concerning behavior must be reported immediately to church leadership, after being reported to the appropriate authorities. 1 877 NJ ABUSE.

3. Volunteer and Membership Screening

• All volunteers working with minors must undergo a comprehensive background check. This now includes teenagers.
• Prospective members of the church are expected to disclose any past abuse (as perpetrator) and will be subject to an online public record search for related offenses.

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4. Ongoing Communication and Culture of Awareness

Current Practice

• Annual training and onboarding for new volunteers working directly with minors.

Proposed Expansion

• Proactive, church-wide communication throughout the year via:
  • Website Notices
  • In-Service Announcements (Monthly)
  • Bulletin Board Updates
  • Special Emphasis Periods:
    • January (Start of the Year)
    • September (Back to School)
    • Sunday prior to VBS (Team Commissioning and Public Reminder)

Core Message: “Child abuse is never tolerated. Our church is committed to vigilance, safety, and transparency.”