Child Protection Policy
On January 2, 2007 the General Board of Louisa Christian Church unanimously voted in favor of a Child Protection Policy. There will be a period of transition and education through July of 2007 for Louisa Christian Church to come in compliance with the policy.
Every effort will be made to make the policy understandable, minimally invasive, and as effective as possible.
What is a Child Protection Policy (CPP)? Why Adopt and Follow a CPP?
1. To protect children from potential abusers
2. To protect staff/volunteers from baseless and harmful claims
3. To demonstrate to our community, members, youth, and visitors that we take our youth's protection to heart
Child abuse can negatively affect children for years. Abuse can cause injury, STD's, spiritual damage, emotional damage, and more.
Unfounded abuse claims against volunteers and staff can inflict damaging affects on the person's career, relationships, family, and more.
A CPP will also make it clear who is responsible for what. People are often confused on what action to take when they suspect a child is being abused at home. A CPP clearly states who is a mandatory reporter, who is not, how to report, and what signs to look for.
Furthermore, a CPP will retain permission to obtain medical care for child/youth if they become injured during a church sponsored event.
Is there really a problem?
Some people always assume the best in our community and do not believe that a case of abuse could arise in our church. However, a CPP should not be adopted as a response to a perceived threat, but rather should be adopted to prevent any future situations. A CPP is a preventive, not prescriptive, measure.
Regardless, there are many registered sex offenders in our county. Abusers look for places (Internet and churches ... schools and libraries have already adopted CPP's) that allow them easy access to children and youth.
A CPP will lead to several changes in how our church operates. These changes only take place to protect our children, paid staff, and volunteer staff. They should be followed in all situations with all people. Some changes include:
1. Background checks on staff and volunteers
2. Better interviewing procedures
3. Background and, possibly, driving records checks for those that drive the youth
4. Children should not be left alone with only one adult or in confined spaces
5. Permission forms need to be used for all youth
6. Three month waiting period for new church members to work with youth
Below are the documents that make up the Child Protection Policy for Louisa Christian Church. If you have questions, please contact Rev. Ricks. If you would like to volunteer or allow your child to take part in church activities, please, fill out the appropriate forms and return them to Rev. Ricks. Thanks for your help!
All CPP Forms in One Click: Download all of the Louisa Christian Church CPP forms on one document
Volunteer - Paid Staff Information Form: All those who are either paid or volunteer staff must fill this form out
Child Protection Guidelines: This document explains the details of the Child Protection Policy
CPP Rational: The short piece explains why every church needs a child protection policy and what a cpp will do
Criminal Background - Driving Record Check: Volunteers and drivers fill this form out to give LCC permission to perform and background and driving record check
Criminal History sp-167: This is the Virginia State Police form that must be submitted by those wishing to serve as volunteers in a position of sole responsibility for children/youth at Louisa Christian Church ... You do not need to fill this form out. The information needed for it will be collected from the Volunteer - Paid Staff Information Form that is completed in the background check process. You will be handed a printout from the State Police to be notarized. This form is simply here for you to look at.
Info and Authorization Form: The parents/guardians fill this form out to give their children permission to participate in church sponsored events
LCC Code of Ethics: This form must be read and acknowledged by signature by all who are paid/volunteer staff
LCC CPP Cover Letter - Implementation Date: This document discusses the transition into the child protection policy