A responsible individual states that a child is being abused. There is basis for concern based upon physical, emotional, or other indicators of possible abuse. Steps in Reporting If a child or young person discloses that he/she is being abused, or his/her actions suggest that abuse is occurring, staff and volunteers are instructed to take the following steps: If the alleged incident occurred on site, make sure that the child is not in immediate danger. If the suspected abuser is present, separate the child and other children from that individual. Listen carefully. Reassure the child that he/she took the right step in telling. Tell the child that people who can help will be notified. Write down exactly what was said, noting the time, place, and context in which the disclosure was made. Immediately report the alleged abuse to the department or activity supervisor, who will report the allegation in writing to the pastor. Do not: Make it apparent to the child that you are shocked. Ask specific questions, as these could influence the clarity of the child’s memory. Promise that the abuse will stop. Conduct any personal investigation. Share information with those outside the proper reporting channels. Organizational Response to Allegations of Abuse When the pastor receives credible information suggesting that abuse has occurred, he will immediately contact Children’s Services Division or the appropriate law enforcement agency in the state. He will also inform the Superintendent General of the allegation. The church will coordinate its internal investigation with the governmental entity involved. A designated church representative will interact with legal counsel and insurance representatives, and will respond as directed to questions from the media concerning allegations of abuse or neglect. Other staff members should refrain from comment. During the investigation the alleged abuser will not participate in any church activities involving minors. If the internal or external investigation results in credible evidence supporting the allegations, the pastor will impose appropriate disciplinary restrictions, which may range from dismissal from duty to barring from church attendance.
A responsible individual states that a child is being abused. There is basis for concern based upon physical, emotional, or other indicators of possible abuse. Steps in Reporting If a child or young person discloses that he/she is being abused, or his/her actions suggest that abuse is occurring, staff and volunteers are instructed to take the following steps: If the alleged incident occurred on site, make sure that the child is not in immediate danger. If the suspected abuser is present, separate the child and other children from that individual. Listen carefully. Reassure the child that he/she took the right step in telling. Tell the child that people who can help will be notified. Write down exactly what was said, noting the time, place, and context in which the disclosure was made. Immediately report the alleged abuse to the department or activity supervisor, who will report the allegation in writing to the pastor. Do not: Make it apparent to the child that you are shocked. Ask specific questions, as these could influence the clarity of the child’s memory. Promise that the abuse will stop. Conduct any personal investigation. Share information with those outside the proper reporting channels. Organizational Response to Allegations of Abuse When the pastor receives credible information suggesting that abuse has occurred, he will immediately contact Children’s Services Division or the appropriate law enforcement agency in the state. He will also inform the Superintendent General of the allegation. The church will coordinate its internal investigation with the governmental entity involved. A designated church representative will interact with legal counsel and insurance representatives, and will respond as directed to questions from the media concerning allegations of abuse or neglect. Other staff members should refrain from comment. During the investigation the alleged abuser will not participate in any church activities involving minors. If the internal or external investigation results in credible evidence supporting the allegations, the pastor will impose appropriate disciplinary restrictions, which may range from dismissal from duty to barring from church attendance.
formatted-procedure-guidelines-for-church-ushers.docx