FBC RISK POLICY
Revised December 2014/January 2015
Two Adult Rule:
Two teachers or adults shall be present, whenever possible (recognizing unexpected illnesses, being shorthanded etc. occur), during any church activity, at or away from the church, involving youth or children. When teaching children in the classroom and only one adult can be present, the Sunday School Superintendent or their representative will provide periodic, unannounced visits. The same will apply to the AWANA Commander for AWANA meetings, Youth Group and any other department head or coordinator of any particular group where children are meeting. All classrooms will have windows in the doors.
Reporting Procedure:
Any observations or allegations of inappropriate conduct are to be immediately reported to a member of the Elder Board and / or the Pastor. After signing this policy, you are obligated to report any criminal activity or allegations charges to a member of the Elder Board and / or the Pastor.
Screening Procedure:
1. All persons, 18 years old or older, working with youth or children under 18 at First Baptist Church will be required to complete a background check (PLUS Package Search).
2. Members may serve as teachers if they have been active members for a period of two months.
3. Non-members may serve as a second or third person, as helpers only, in a classroom setting (Nursery, Sunday School, Youth Group and Children’s Church).
Others from outside our church membership “may be given special consideration” to work with our youth and children if:
They have been members, in good standing, of another Bible believing church for at least 2 months or a regular attendee for 6 months (this must be verified prior to beginning work with youth or children), they are willing to sign the RISK policy and adhere to the screening procedures and policies.
4. Any person called to a part-time or full time paid staff position will be required to complete a background check, but will be exempt from the 2 month rule of working with children.
5. Every 5 years First Baptist Church will rescreen each volunteer and redo a background check.
Persons with Criminal Abuse Violations:
Volunteers who have been convicted of, or pled guilty in a court of law, to sexual abuse or physical abuse of children shall not work with youth or children.
Confidential Reference Form:
A confidential Reference Form will be sent out to the two references of each applicant. The filled out Reference Forms will be filed with the application for in- church screening only.
All workers applications, references and screening forms shall be kept in a confidential file, up to 5 years after signing, and accessible to the Administrative Assistant, Elders Board and the Pastors.
For complete details and information about the RISK policy, see the RISK policy manual in the Sunday school office or the administrative Assistant’s office.
