Safe Church, Safe Kids

Kids are streaming into the faith formation wing, laughing and talking. In an ideal world, each child will make friends, pray, explore a Bible story, sing songs, have some fun, and go home with things to think about. However, there are too many stories of children who are harmed or even abused at church. It’s easy to think something like that would never happen at your church. Surely you can trust people who offer to work with children, right? Unfortunately, a quick internet search demonstrates otherwise. Children’s health and well-being cannot be left to chance; the stakes are too high! What policies and practices has your church implemented to ensure children’s safety?

Here are 10 safety ideas to talk about with your church leaders in preparation for the faith formation year.

1. Child protection policy: Develop a comprehensive policy that outlines procedures to protect children and youth as well as provide clear guidance for volunteers and staff. Online screening, training, and classroom procedures lay out the steps that a teacher and pastor should take if there is suspected abuse, either happening at church or in another setting. See additional resources below.
2. Background checks and screening: Implement a screening procedure that involves an application, interview, and reference check for all volunteers and church staff. Conduct background checks to identify any potential risks or concerns.
3. Pick up/drop off procedures: Create an organized procedure for picking up and dropping off children that ensures children’s safety and minimizes children’s anxiety. Make sure that teachers know who is authorized to pick up each child or have designated adults that handle arrival and departure. For larger churches, consider having a special registration area for new families so they don’t have to wait in a long line.
4. Emergency preparedness: Create an emergency response plan that includes procedures for medical emergencies, evacuations, and natural disasters. Train staff and volunteers on these procedures.
5. Classroom procedures: Ensure all classroom doors have windows or have a policy that doors should be partially open. Require that two adults be present in every classroom and ministry setting. Be attentive to your adult to child ratio so there is adequate supervision, noting what is best for groups of different ages. Plan how you will handle bathroom breaks. Whenever possible, two adults should accompany a child or children to the restroom.
6. First aid and medical information: Have a first aid kit readily available in the Sunday school area. Record children’s medical information, such as allergies or medical conditions. Be sure that authorized staff or volunteers have access to this information in case of an emergency. Identify volunteers who are certified in CPR or have first aid training.
7. Parent/guardian communication: Establish open lines of communication with families. Update them on the policies and procedures that are set in place. Encourage them to share any relevant information that will help their child have a positive, safe, and meaningful experience.
8. Physical space: Check the classroom(s) to be sure that they are child-friendly and safe. Place potentially dangerous materials or equipment out of reach. Provide tables and chairs that are appropriately sized for the age of the children. Get down to the eye level of the children and look at the space. What might need to be added, changed, or removed so children can safely and easily navigate the space? If there is a child with a physical disability, make necessary modifications so the child can fully participate.
9. Behavior management: Identify and discuss appropriate methods of discipline to be used when more significant behavioral issues arise. When will parents be involved? When should a teacher consult with a church staff member or other leader?
10. Training: Provide training for all volunteers, including information about the church’s child protection policy, emergency procedures, and guidelines for appropriate interaction with children. Provide education for teachers and children about safe touch and personal boundaries.

Using these policies and practices communicates to everyone that safety is a priority for your children’s ministry. This boosts the confidence of families as well as teachers and volunteers. With these policies and practices in place, you can know that you are supported and prepared to handle any situation that might arise. As a teacher, you play an essential role in the spiritual life of the children. Creating a safe environment sets the stage for the sacred work of faith formation.

Additional Resources

• Reducing the Risk is a program to help churches train pastors, staff members, and volunteer leaders to identify and prevent child sexual abuse. Online streaming videos and downloadable training workbooks walk participants through common supervision scenarios, and tips for best practices. (reducingtherisk.com)
• Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is staffed 24/7 with professional crisis counselors who can talk to teens experiencing abuse, caregivers, and anyone who is concerned about the safety of a child or youth. This is not a line for reporting child abuse to authorities. Rather, they offer support, resources, and guidance. All calls are anonymous. Contact the hotline via call or text at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453). You can also Live Chat on their website: childhelphotline.org.
• The Child Safeguarding Policy Guide for Churches and Ministries by Basyle Tchividjian and Shira M. Berkovits
• On Guard: Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse at Church by Deepak Reju
• Let the Children Come: Preparing Faith Communities to End Child Abuse and Neglect by Jeanette Harder
• Discipline that Restores by Ron Claassen and Roxanne Claassen