A Safe Place

for Children, Youth and Workers

Abuse Prevention Policy Summary
Impact Church is committed to being A SAFE PLACE

These safeguards are not only to protect children, but workers.

The trauma of abuse can have a lifelong and sometimes tragic impact on a child. A false accusation can destroy a workers reputation. Protestant volunteer groups are trusting, and appreciative of help to accomplish their acts of kindness. Statistics show that this sector now accounts for the majority of allegations of abuse. As a church we want to mount a strong defense against this evil, by following disciplined practices designed to create “A SAFE PLACE.”

  1. WE WILL SCREEN all paid employees, including ministerial staff, and volunteers who work with preschoolers, children or youth.
  2. WE WILL CHECK references and do criminal record checks on all our workers, for any position involving work with preschoolers, children or youth. Anyone with criminal abuse violations will not be allowed to work with children or youth.
  3. WE WILL TRAIN all of our staff who work with preschoolers, children or youth, both paid and volunteers, to understand the nature of child sexual abuse. They will learn how to carry out our policies to prevent sexual abuse, including our clearly defined reporting procedures for suspected incidents.
  4. WE TAKE OUR POLICIES SERIOUSLY to prevent sexual abuse and will see that they are enforced.
  5. ALL WORKERS WILL SIGN THE MINISTRY COVENANT, agreeing to comply with Church policies and guidelines.
  6. WE HAVE ADOPTED A BASIC “TWO-ADULT” RULE. Such a rule says that two adults should be present during any children’s activity. This rule reduces the risk of compromising situations arising.
  7. WE WILL FOLLOW THE “SIX MONTH” RULE. Volunteers will be permitted to work with preschoolers, children or youth only after they have been adherents/members of Impact Church for a period of six months. Such a policy gives the Church an additional opportunity to evaluate applicants and volunteers, and will help to repel persons seeking immediate access to children. (This provision may be waived where the person is transferring in from another church and has a letter of recommendation signed by the Pastor of that Church).
  8. SUPERVISION WILL BE MAINTAINED BEFORE AND AFTER EVENTS until all the children are in the custody of their parents or legal guardians.

>> Download our Safe Place Policy Brochure here.