Preface

Because EP Church is committed to our children and because we strive to provide fun, safe programs from Nursery through Youth that encourage our children to grow in Christ, EP Church has enacted a comprehensive Child Abuse Prevention And Protection Policy. We believe that the church must maintain the highest standards in both its programs and the people who staff those programs. Although we believe in the integrity of our people, our culture frequently becomes an unfriendly environment. Therefore, to demonstrate this commitment to our children, to the parents (visitors and members) of the children who participate in our programs, and to the community, EP Church has adopted a Child Abuse Prevention And Protection Policy.

First, this policy is for our children

It will provide a protected environment for them as we supervise and teach them and show them Christ’s love. Child sexual abuse is a given fact of life in our society today. Experts estimate that one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before they are 18 years old. In 8 out of 10 reported cases of abuse, the child victim knows the offender as a trusted or loved authority figure. It strikes children from every social background, race, and age and in settings where children are completely at ease - in homes, schools, camps, and most sadly, in the church.

Second, this policy is for our youth and children’s workers

It ensures that they have a standard to follow and are aware of the necessary steps to follow if abuse is discovered. The policy also includes a “two person rule” which provides protection for our workers and allows them to minister and serve without fear. The intent is that a worker should not be isolated with a single individual. There is no way to keep an individual from making an accusation, but this policy will give our workers an eye witness at all times. The policy also requires workers to complete a primary screening form if they work with children or youth on a permanent basis. Those helping less than 12 hours in a year will fill out a secondary screening form. The policy also requires “permission forms” for special situations.

Third, this policy is for our church.

Our prayer is that EP Church will never have to deal with a situation involving child abuse. But this policy lets everyone know that we have taken steps necessary to ensure the safety of our children and the protection of our workers.

POLICY

EP Church will work to avoid situations which might allow or encourage sexual abuse of children; protect individuals from unfounded charges or suspicion of abuse; and deal with charges or suspicions appropriately. EP Church will work to protect our children and workers’ physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Therefore, EP Church will work to avoid possibilities for isolated one to one contact between children and caretakers. EP Church will implement a process for screening all persons who work with children. EP Church will implement uniform safety, sanitation, discipline, language and biblical doctrine policies to be followed at all times. In summary, EP Church will maintain and grow an ongoing ministry for the purpose of assisting parents in the Christian nurture of their children to help our children know God, know God’s Word, understand God’s grace, worship God in spirit and truth, and share God with others both near and far. The policy will be overseen by the Children’s Policy Coordinator (currently Assistant Pastor Rev. Joshua M. Knott)

Implementation

The following policy is posted in every classroom. All volunteers & workers have read & signed a copy of these rules.

• 1 - A two person policy will be maintained (one person must be over 18 years) during any scheduled activity by EP Church, unless previous approval by the Children's Policy Coordinator (currently Assistant Pastor Rev. Joshua M. Knott) or parental permission forms have been obtained, emergencies excluded. All classrooms will have a window to allow monitoring.
• 2 - A written parental permission form must be obtained when any children will be alone with any adult, including transportation, during a scheduled program activity by EP Church, or if a children will leave the grounds of EP Church for a scheduled program or activity by EP Church, emergencies excluded.
• 3 - No child will be released to any person other than the parent, family member, or adult who brought the child to EP Church unless prior arrangements have been made with the Covenant Children’s Policy Coordinator or a parental permission form has been obtained, emergencies excluded.
• 4 - Any child requiring bathroom assistance must be assisted with the bathroom door opened or propped open at all times (except parent/child relationship).
• 5 - There will be no physical discipline imposed at any time (not including physical resistance to avoid injury or danger if all other precautions fail).
• 6 - Only child appropriate language will be used in the presence of children.
• 7 - All volunteers and workers will teach and act according to the biblical doctrines of EP Church in the presence of children and at the EP Church facility.
• 8 - All paid staff and paid child care workers will be fingerprinted by the Delaware State Police for a background check. In addition, all workers who are responsible for an overnight activity schedule by EP Church will also be required to be fingerprinted. Persons living in Delaware less than one year must also obtain a background check from their home state. Persons who have a background check less than five years old may provide a copy to the church.