This document summarizes the key points of the Child Protection Policy for First Presbyterian Church in Port Jefferson, NY. The policy aims to protect children and youth from harm, protect teachers and leaders, meet insurance regulations, and comply with legal requirements. It defines terms like child abuse, sexual abuse, and child maltreatment. The policy outlines procedures for reporting abuse observations, screening teachers and volunteers, supervising children's activities and travel, and obtaining parental consent. Compliance with the policy helps ensure a safe environment for children at the church.

1. Child Protection Policy First Presbyterian Church Port Jefferson, NY

2. Thank You for your interest in the children and youth of First Presbyterian Church of Port Jefferson. We share the conviction that these young people are God’s greatest gift, not only to their families but also to the Church and to the community in which we and all God’s people live.

3. Yet in today’s society we know that danger exists, and that it may be found – indeed has been found – even in church-related settings.

4. Some of us can remember a time when bringing a child to church or taking youth on a church-related trip was considered the safest and most secure environment parents could provide. In most cases, that’s still true.

5. In response to this realization, the Session of First Presbyterian Church of Port Jefferson developed and approved a Child Protection Policy.

6. As you view this presentation, please have in front of you a copy of the policy. We will refer to it by page number, section and subsection. At the end of the presentation, you will be asked to answer some questions to ascertain that you have completed the training, and to sign some required forms. Using this Presentation

8. To protect teachers and leaders

9. To meet insurance regulations, and

10. To meet the requirements of the law.WHY A POLICY?

12. What if a child needs to leave the room?

13. What actions by a teacher are prohibited?

14. If the kids are going outside or on a trip, what do I need to know?

18. I Definitions

19. A.

20. Read this carefully.

21. Note that Child Abuse can happen between adult and child, child and child, and between youth and youth.

24. They may be obvious even if the child denies abuse.

26. You are not accusing anyone.

29. Section II-B gives specifics for how to report Child Abuse. Note again the words “Reasonable cause to suggest” and “perceived risk.” Any observation of this type will be recorded. Whether further action is taken is a decision of the “civil authorities.” Whom Do I Tell?

31. Sign a Sexual Misconduct Information Form.Screening of Teachers and Leaders Page 2, Section III. A.

33. The Sexual Misconduct Form permits the pastor to make additional inquiries.

34. We have access to a secure data base established by our Insurance Company to do Background Checks. Screening of Teachers/leaders (Continued)

35. Screening of Teachers/Leaders(Page 3 Items 6 and 7) Anyone who works with children or youth is required to receive training in the Child Protection Policy at least once every two years. Persons who are assisting with children or youth, for example as drivers or chaperones, may not be designated as leaders unless they have received Child Protection Training and completed necessary forms.

36. It is important to emphasize that all persons working with children or youth must be trained, even if they serve only as helpers, aides or drivers. Anyone who has not received training may not serve as a teacher or leader of children or youth.

37. We at First Presbyterian Church PJ employ Nursery Care workers. They must be over 21, and they must complete Child Protection Training and submit a Sexual Misconduct Form. Often parents wish to help in the Nursery. Parents may do so for no longer than one year. Then they must complete an application form and sign a Sexual Misconduct Information Form. Nursery Workers and Helpers (Page 3: # 8, 9, 10)

38. Please Note that Nursery Workers or aides are not permitted to give any food or drink to children, except for a bottle provided by a parent for a particular child. No snacks are served in the nursery.

39. Teens often want to help in the Nursery or Church School. However, for the protection of the children, the church and the teenagers them- selves, there are conditions listed under Item 10. Please be aware of these. Don’t ask or allow your own child or others to serve as Teen Assistants unless they have met these requirements. Teen Assistants (Page 3, Item 11)

40. Parents who register their children are given a copy of this section of the policy when they complete the registration form. Completed Registration Forms and Medical Release Forms are kept on file in the Church Office. Requirements of Parents (P. 3, III B)

42. NEVER allow a child under third grade to leave the classroom unaccompanied.

43. NEVER release a child to anyone not specifically authorized, even if you know the person.

44. NEVER dismiss a child before the end of class unless prior arrangements have been made with the parent.

46. Items IV - G and - H apply any time children or youth leave Church grounds, even if only around the corner or to the beach. Note requirements regarding Drivers, Passengers and Vehicles. Leaving Church Grounds

48. At least 2 adults, regardless of the number of children.

49. At least 2 leaders over 21 who are at least 5 years older attendees.

50. At least 1 adult for each six children/youth.

51. One adult of each gender if both boys and girls are in attendance.Adult: Child Ratios

52. If there are 4 girls, and 2 boys, there must be 1 adult male and 1 adult female. If there are 10 boys and 2 girls, there must be 2 male adults and 1 female adult. If there are just 3 girls, there must be two adults, at least one of whom is a female. For Example:

53. Section V gives further information about how background checks are done. Information from Background Checks is treated with the highest level of security. A Social Security Number is required for doing background checks, but that information will not be stored in a computer data base. Background Checks

54. In your packet there are forms: Driver’s Covenant – to be completed by all drivers. Permission Slip/Medical Release forms - to be signed by parents - one for Church School, one for Youth Groups Leaders will be given copies of these forms whenever you leave the church property with children or youth. Consent Forms

55. If anything happens, such as an injury or illness, no matter how trivial it may seem, you must report it to the Church Office immediately, and within no longer than 24 hours. AND REMEMBER

56. A child of 15 is abused. Can the victim say he/she consented to the abuse? Why? A child’s brother, age 12, comes to pick up a 3rd grader. What do you do? A second grader needs to leave the room to go to the bathroom. It’s right down the hall. What do you do? So How much do you remember?

57. A parent of a 13 year old tells you her daughter would rather help in the Nursery than attend class. What is your response? A mother tells you a child can’t come next week unless she has a ride. What do you do? Your regular classroom is unavailable and you need to use a classroom without a window in the door. What do you do?

58. You’ve completed the Child Protection Policy Training for First Presbyterian Church. In your packet you will find : A Certification of completion of Child Protection Training. Christian Education Information Application. Certification, Consent and Release Form for Child/Youth Workers. Release of Information Authorization. Complete all of these forms. Congratulations!

59. If you are going to be serving as Youth Advisor, Complete an Adult Advisor/Driver Covenant Form If you are going to be driving children or youth Complete a Driver Covenant Other Forms

61. All completed forms are kept in a locked file in the Church Office, to which only the Pastor and Church Secretary have access, and only when needed.

62. All adults must submit appropriate forms before they will be allowed to serve as teacher/leader.Wrap it up!

63. “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” The terminology changes, but the fact remains: Danger exists. We want to do all we can to protect our children from it. As Paul says:

64. We are grateful to all who respond to the call to lead and protect children and youth. Our goal is that every child knows the love of God, and the security that comes with faith. And Thank You