Yorkminster Park Baptist Church has a spiritual, moral and legal obligation to provide a safe and secure environment for children and youth participating in church programs. It is intended that these policies and procedures will further the reality of the church as a sanctuary and a place of Christian ministry, by providing for the safety and well-being of children and youth (under 18 years of age) under its care and by protecting the integrity of all ministry personnel.
All ministry personnel must complete a Children’s Ministry Personnel Form, providing two personal references which will be checked by phone.
All volunteers must be interviewed by the Minister of Christian Education.
All ministry personnel must participate in the Toronto Police Service Reference Check Program.
A committee has been established which will ensure that safety policies and procedures are fulfilled.
This committee will be responsible to process application information.
This committee is the body to which all Occurrence Reports and cases of abuse or suspected abuse are reported.
Teachers and volunteers are encouraged to participate in ongoing training, First Aid, and child abuse awareness workshops.
Children’s ministry personnel are expected to display the highest Christian values and morals at all times.
Physical contact with children and youth should be appropriate and observable. (see policy for details)
No corporal punishment is permitted. Discipline is to be carried out in cooperation with parents and according to policy guidelines.
Classroom ratios shall be in accordance with the suggested minimum and ideally, there will be a minimum of two adults in any room with children.
It is the parents’ responsibility to meet their child within a reasonable time after the conclusion of the child’s program. Children must remain in the room until they are met by the parent or other designated person.
Parents are responsible to inform teacher of designated adults to pick up child. Adult leaders should never be alone with a child in a building or in a room without an observation window.
Approval by the Board of Christian Education is required for any off-site or overnite event.
Parents must receive and sign an information and permission slip for each off-site or overnight event.
Leaders should not transport children on a one-on-one basis.
Names and addresses of parents, children and youth should be carefully kept.
Sign-in procedures and accurate attendance records should be maintained, along with the name of each adult leader for any group session.
Any allergies, medical or special needs are to be recorded and noted by adult leaders.
Diaper changing will be done in view of another worker.
One adult should not be in a restroom alone with a child.
Preschool children will not be sent to the restroom by himself/herself.
In consideration of children with allergies, an effort will be made to maintain a nut-free building.
CE ministry personnel are not to give or apply any medication other than as provided in the policy.
Fire emergency procedures are to be reviewed annually.
First Aid boxes will be kept on hand and updated.
Definitions and forms required to report serious occurrences or reportable incidents are found in the complete Child Safety Policy.
Refer to the complete Child Safety Policy to become familiar with policies and procedures on reporting abuse situations or suspected cases of abuse.
