Acting in a lewd manner or exhibiting sexual behavior. Physical Contact Policy The Apostolic Faith organization has a physical contact policy which promotes positive, nurturing relationships with the young people in our care while offering protection as well. The following guidelines must be followed by anyone serving in church-sponsored activities for children and youth. Common expressions of affirmation (an arm around shoulder, light hugs, a pat on the back), support (carrying, or guiding a small child by the hand), and comfort in distress are generally suitable in the church setting. However, these must be offered with discretion, maintaining awareness that what is appropriate for a toddler or early school-aged child would be inappropriate for a or older youth. Any touch that could be viewed as inappropriate must be strictly avoided. Contact should be restricted to non-intimate, neutral, or “safe” zones, such as the upper arm or across the shoulders. Physical interaction with children and youth should never give an appearance of wrongdoing. Physical contact must occur only in observable locations and in full view of others. Physical contact should be for the benefit of the child, and never be based upon the emotional needs of a staff member or volunteer. A child’s expressed preference regarding physical contact must always be respected. Staff members and volunteers are responsible for protecting children under their supervision from inappropriate or unwanted touch by others, including peer-on-peer. Restroom Assistance Policy We recommend that children who participate in our early childhood programs be self-sufficient in toileting. However, there may be times when assistance is required. In such cases, the parent/guardian should be summoned to take care of their child’s needs if possible. If a parent/guardian is not available, the following procedures must be observed. Diapering: While we ask that children be toilet trained before participating in church programs, the following guidelines must be followed in any situation where diapering is a necessity.
Acting in a lewd manner or exhibiting sexual behavior. Physical Contact Policy The Apostolic Faith organization has a physical contact policy which promotes positive, nurturing relationships with the young people in our care while offering protection as well. The following guidelines must be followed by anyone serving in church-sponsored activities for children and youth. Common expressions of affirmation (an arm around shoulder, light hugs, a pat on the back), support (carrying, or guiding a small child by the hand), and comfort in distress are generally suitable in the church setting. However, these must be offered with discretion, maintaining awareness that what is appropriate for a toddler or early school-aged child would be inappropriate for a or older youth. Any touch that could be viewed as inappropriate must be strictly avoided. Contact should be restricted to non-intimate, neutral, or “safe” zones, such as the upper arm or across the shoulders. Physical interaction with children and youth should never give an appearance of wrongdoing. Physical contact must occur only in observable locations and in full view of others. Physical contact should be for the benefit of the child, and never be based upon the emotional needs of a staff member or volunteer. A child’s expressed preference regarding physical contact must always be respected. Staff members and volunteers are responsible for protecting children under their supervision from inappropriate or unwanted touch by others, including peer-on-peer. Restroom Assistance Policy We recommend that children who participate in our early childhood programs be self-sufficient in toileting. However, there may be times when assistance is required. In such cases, the parent/guardian should be summoned to take care of their child’s needs if possible. If a parent/guardian is not available, the following procedures must be observed. Diapering: While we ask that children be toilet trained before participating in church programs, the following guidelines must be followed in any situation where diapering is a necessity.
formatted-procedure-guidelines-for-vbs-personnel.docx