The Unitarian Universalist Church of Silver Spring
Child Safety Policy
Child Safety Policy for the UUCSS Religious Education and Child Care Program
Rationale
In accordance with the UUCSS Religious Education (RE) Program’s Mission Statement, we are responsible for nurturing our children’s growth in spirit, mind, and body. We are committed to create and sustain a safe, loving environment and foster a sense of community and caring for self and others. These policies have been developed to provide moral and legal safeguards for our Church community.
Screening of RE Teacher Volunteers
Volunteers assisting in the implementation of the RE Program can be members or non-members of UUCSS. All volunteers will complete a Screening Form that includes questions about their interests, prior experience, and any record of criminal convictions involving sexual or physical abuse. No person who has a history of crimes involving children shall be eligible to supervise children or youth. The RE Committee will keep all screening information on file and available to the Director of Religious Education (DRE).
All volunteers will be contacted by the DRE or by an RE Committee member, including volunteers involved in one-time events. The DRE or RE Committee member will make sure that the volunteers understand and agree to adhere to the Child Safety Policy.
Orientation and Training
Orientation will be provided for new teachers by the DRE along with members of the RE Committee. Volunteers shall be informed of the Code of Ethics (see below) and asked to affirm it. All teachers are expected to attend Teacher Orientation prior to being involved with children in RE activities. Teacher Orientation will include a review of the UUCSS Child Safety Policy, procedures for reporting suspected child abuse, and safety and emergency guidelines.
Supervision of Children and Youth
Two adults are required to supervise children and youth during classroom, RE-sponsored, or child care activities. Partners/couples who teach together will have a conversation with the DRE about having a third volunteer in the class. Teachers should contact the DRE to arrange for adequate coverage if two adults are not available to carry out the activity.
Field Trips and Outside Activities
The DRE must approve all field trips and activities requiring overnight arrangements involving minors. Parental Permission Forms containing emergency and medical information shall be required for any activity which involves transportation or overnight arrangements.
Transportation may be provided by volunteers. Children younger than eight years of age or weighing less than 65 pounds must be transported in approved child safety seats, installed according to the manufacturer’s instruction. Qualified teenagers may act as drivers to church-sponsored events, but youth riding with them must have written permission from their parent specifying that the driver will be a teen. The volunteer to child ratio on field trips must be as follows:
Preschoolers: 1 adult for every 3 children
Grades K through 6: 1 adult for every 5 children
Grades 7 through 12: 1 adult for every 7 youth.
Volunteers and children or youth participating in activities requiring overnight arrangements will receive Rules for Overnight Accommodations developed by the RE Committee prior to the trip or event. Volunteers will be charged with the enforcement of these rules. A minimum of two adults at every event is required.
Reporting Requirements and Response Plan for Suspected Abuse
Reporting of suspected child abuse to the proper authorities is required by law. Volunteers who are made aware of or suspect child abuse, or have a concern about any child’s safety, must report this information to the DRE or the minister immediately. The Board of Trustees will be informed immediately if a staff member or volunteer is suspected of abuse, and the Board shall decide what action will be taken in respect to continuing staff/volunteer responsibilities. The volunteer will not participate in activities involving children or youth pending the outcome of an investigation. Any information concerning suspected child abuse shall be kept in strict confidence.
Other Policies Related to Child Safety
A first aid kit will be available and visibly accessible in each church building. On a quarterly basis, these kits will be checked and any missing items replaced.
An emergency escape plan shall be posted in each room. Accommodations in accordance with the American Disability Act will be made for volunteers, children and youth with disabilities.
Parents who expect medication to be administered by volunteers or staff must supply instructions in writing.
Confidential Screening Form for Volunteers in
RE Activities involving Children and Youth