Child Protection Policy

Adopted by [Church Name] | Effective Date: [Date] | Version: [1.0]

Our Commitment

[Church Name] is committed to providing a safe environment for every child in our care. The protection of children is not merely a legal obligation — it is a reflection of our faith and our responsibility to the vulnerable. This policy exists to protect children, support our volunteers and staff, and ensure that our ministries are places where families can trust their children are safe.

This policy applies to all paid staff, volunteers, interns, and any individual who works with or has access to children in any church program or activity.

Definitions

Child: Any person under the age of 18.

Worker: Any paid or unpaid individual serving in a role that involves contact with children.

Abuse: Physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, or neglect as defined by applicable state law.

Screening Requirements

Before working with children in any capacity, all workers must complete:

• A criminal background check, including a national sex offender registry search
• A minimum of two personal reference checks
• A personal interview with a ministry leader or designated staff member
• A minimum of six months of active involvement with the church before serving with children

Background checks must be renewed annually. Workers who decline screening will not be permitted to serve with children.

The Two-Adult Rule

No worker shall ever be alone with a child — not in a classroom, vehicle, office, or any other setting. At least two unrelated adults must be present whenever children are in the care of the church.

• Doors to rooms where children are present should remain open or have windows visible from the hallway
• Teen helpers are permitted to assist but may never serve as the second responsible adult
• If a situation arises where only one adult is present, another adult must be contacted immediately

This rule is non-negotiable and applies in all circumstances.

Check-In & Check-Out

• Children must be signed in by a parent or authorized guardian at the start of each program
• Children will only be released to the adult who checked them in, or another adult designated in advance by the parent
• In the event of a custody concern or unauthorized pickup attempt, a ministry leader must be notified immediately
• Workers must document attendance for all children’s programs

Appropriate Physical Contact

Appropriate expressions of care — a pat on the back, a side hug, a high five — are part of healthy ministry. The following are never appropriate:

• Lap sitting by older children or youth
• Kissing or prolonged physical contact
• Tickling or roughhousing
• Any contact that a child or parent would reasonably find uncomfortable

When in doubt, err on the side of restraint. The child’s comfort and dignity always take priority.

Digital Communication & Social Media

• Workers may not privately message minors on any platform — personal or church-related
• Any digital communication with minors must include a parent or second adult
• Youth group chats or communications must have a ministry leader present
• Workers may not photograph or video children without prior parental consent
• Images of children may not be posted to social media or church platforms without explicit parental permission

Reporting Suspected Abuse

Every worker is a mandatory reporter. If you suspect abuse or a child discloses abuse to you:

1. Listen — stay calm, do not promise confidentiality, do not ask leading questions
2. Report internally — notify your direct supervisor or senior pastor immediately
3. Report to authorities — comply with your state’s mandatory reporting requirements; do not wait for internal investigation before making a required report
4. Document — write down exactly what was said or observed, including date, time, and any witnesses
5. Preserve confidentiality — do not discuss the situation with others beyond those required to know

No worker will face retaliation for making a good-faith report of suspected abuse.

Response to Allegations

When an allegation is made against a worker:

• The worker will be immediately removed from all ministry involving children pending investigation
• Parents or guardians of affected children will be notified
• Civil authorities will be notified as required by law
• The church’s insurance carrier and legal counsel will be notified
• The church will cooperate fully with any civil or criminal investigation
• All information will be held in strict confidence except as required by law or necessary to protect children

The church will not conduct its own investigation in parallel with law enforcement.

Training

All workers must complete child protection training before serving with children. Training covers:

• Recognizing signs of abuse
• Appropriate boundaries and conduct
• Digital safety and communication guidelines
• Reporting procedures

Training must be renewed annually. Completion must be documented.

Violations

Violations of this policy — including failure to report suspected abuse — are grounds for immediate removal from ministry and may result in termination of employment or volunteer status. Violations will be reported to appropriate authorities where legally required.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed and updated annually by [designated leader/committee]. All workers will be required to re-acknowledge the updated policy each year.

Acknowledgment

By signing, I confirm that I have received, read, and understand [Church Name]’s Child Protection Policy. I agree to comply with all provisions and understand that violations may result in removal from ministry.

This policy applies to all paid staff, volunteers, and workers serving in any capacity with children. It will be reviewed annually.