DRAFT

Minneapolis Friends Meeting Child Welfare Protection Policy

General Purpose Statement

As Friends we recognize God’s presence in every human being. Our community is built on love and trust. Ideally, these qualities govern our relationships with each other. We are also aware that children are especially vulnerable to abuse and that places of worship too often have become the scene of abusive or unsafe behavior. In moving toward an ideal community of honesty, openness and fairness, sharing our process and concerns with and about each other can only facilitate that process. Minneapolis Friends Meeting seeks to provide a safe and secure environment for the children who participate in our programs and activities. By implementing the below practices, our goal is to protect the children of Minneapolis Friends Meeting from incidents of misconduct or inappropriate behavior while also protecting our staff and volunteer workers from false accusations.

The Children’s Welfare Committee shall be a standing committee of the Meeting responsible to:

1. Oversee implementation of the policy below and, when needed, recommend changes to Monthly Meeting.

2. Suggest ways to incorporate children more fully into the life of the Meeting in cooperation with the Religious Education Committee and Ministry & Counsel Committee.

3. Provide educational forums on an ongoing basis to engage the Meeting community in understanding Child Welfare Protection Policies and to integrate this policy and its practices in our activities.

4. Provide seminars on these policies for parents and child care teachers and helpers, in conjunction with the Religious Education Committee. All adults responsible for supervising children will receive a copy of our Child Welfare Protection Policy.

5. Disseminate Information on workshops/conferences in the larger community to the Meeting community. Written and audiovisual resources will be acquired and placed in the Meeting library.

Policy and Procedures

Definitions

1. For purposes of this policy, the terms “child” or “children” include all persons under the age of eighteen years. The team “worker” includes both paid and unpaid persons who work with children. The term “volunteer” means anyone involved in a day care or school, in overnight activities involving minors, or in counseling of minors, or in one-on-one mentoring of minors

2. A Meeting sponsored activity is any project, program or event that is planned and implemented by Minneapolis Friends Meeting or one of its committees. The activity may be on or off the premises.

3. A Meeting collaborative activity is any program, project or event that is planned and implemented under joint authorization of both Minneapolis Friends Meeting and one or more other co-sponsors. If the event is to be held at our Meetinghouse staffing guidelines below shall apply. If the event is at another location, planners from Minneapolis Friends Meeting will attempt to ensure reasonable conformance to these guidelines.

4. A Meeting participation activity is any program or event that is initiated and sponsored by others but in which Minneapolis Friends Meeting encourages members to participate. In this case, MFM will attempt to ascertain the standards for child care. Parents are to be responsible for their children and cannot assume that MFM standards will apply.

Selection of Workers

All persons who desire to work with the children participating inner programs and activities will be screened. The screening includes the following:

a) Six Month Rule
No person will be considered for any volunteer position involving contact with minors until she/he has been involved with Minneapolis Friends Meeting for a minimum of six (6) months. This time of interaction between leadership and the applicant allows for better evaluation and suitability of the applicant for working with children.

b) Written Application
All persons seeking to work with children must complete a Request for Clearness to Work with Children application. The form will request basic information from the applicant. It will be maintained in confidence on file at the Minneapolis Friends Meeting.

c) Personal Interview
Upon completion of the application, a face-to-face interview using the Clearness Interview Questions for Child Care Workers will be scheduled with the applicant to discuss his/her suitability for the position. At least two members will conduct the interviews, of which one must be a member of the Child Welfare Committee and the other a previously cleared member.

d) Criminal Background Checks
– A state criminal background check is required for all employees (regardless of position) and “volunteers” as defined above.
– Before a background check is run, prospective workers will be asked to sign a notarized authorization form allowing Minneapolis Friends meeting to run a check. If an individual declines to sign the authorization form, s/he will be unable to work with children.
– A disqualifying offense that will keep an individual from working with children will be determined
by Minneapolis Friends Meeting’s Child Welfare Committee on a case-by-case basis in light of all surrounding circumstances. Generally convictions for an offense involving children and/or offenses involving violence dishonesty, illegal substances, indecency, and conduct contrary to our mission will preclude someone from being permitted to work with children. Failure to disclose a criminal conviction on the application form will also be a disqualifying event.
– The background check authorization form and results will be maintained in confidence on file at
Minneapolis Friends Meeting.

Two Adult Rule

It is our goal that a minimum of two unrelated adult workers will be in attendance at all times when children are being supervised during our programs and activities. Some youth classes may have only one adult teacher in attendance during the class sessions. In these instances, doors to the classroom should remain open. We do not allow minors to be alone with one adult on our premise or in any sponsors activity unless in a counseling situation. However, parents can sign a written consent form giving permission to have one child in the nursery with one adult.

Responding to Allegations of Child Abuse

For purposes of this policy “child abuse” is an action (or lack of action) that endangers or hurts a child’s physical, psychological, or emotional health and development. Child abuse occurs in different ways and includes the following:
– Physical abuse – a physical injury to a child that is not accidental, such as beating, shaking, burns, and biting.
– Emotional abuse – emotional injury when the child is not nurtured or provided with love and security such as an environment of constant criticism, belittling, and persistent teasing.
– Sexual abuse – any sexual activity between child and adult or between a child and another child at least four years older than the victim including such activities such a fondling, exhibitionism, intercourse, incest, and pornography.
– Neglect – depriving a child of his or her essential needs such a adequate food, water, shelter, and medical care.

Childcare workers may have the opportunity to become aware of abuse or neglect of the children under our care. In event that an individual involved in the care of children at this Meeting becomes aware of suspicious abuse or neglect of a child under his/her care, this should immediately be reported to the clerk of Child Welfare (In case he/she is unavailable, call Barbara M, ***-***-****). All adults in the care of children are considered mandatory reporters. Anyone observing behavior which puts a child in immediate danger of bodily harm shall contact Hennepin County Child Protection, 612-348-3600.

In the event that an incident of abuse or neglect is alleged to have occurred at Minneapolis Friend Meeting or during a sponsored program or activities the following procedure shall be followed:

1. The parent or guardian of the child will be notified by the clerk of Child Welfare Committee and or the Clerk of the Meeting.

2. The worker or church member alleged to be the perpetrator of the abuse or misconduct will immediately be placed on leave pending an investigation and instructed to remain away from the premises during the investigation. He or she should be instructed to have no contact with the victim or the witnesses.

3. All allegations or abuse will be reported to the civil authorities and the organization will comply with the state’s requirements regarding mandatory reporting of abuse as the law exists. Minneapolis Friends Meeting will fully cooperated with the investigation of the incident by civil authorities.

4. The insurance company, Brotherhood Mutual, will be notified, and the organization will complete an incident report. Any documents received relating to the incident and/or allegations will immediately be forwarded to the insurance company.

5. Minneapolis Friends Meeting Clerk will designate a spokesperson to the media concerning incidents of abuse or neglect. The advice of legal counsel will be sought before responding to media inquiries or releasing information about the situation to the meeting members. All other representatives of the Minneapolis Friends should refrain from speaking to the media.

6. A visit from someone designated by the Ministry and Counsel Committee will be arranged for those who desire it. This should be for the purpose of providing spiritual support during the time of crisis and not for the purpose of investigation the incident or influencing the investigation.

7. Any person who is not found innocent of the alleged abuse or misconduct will be removed from their position working with children or youth.

Teen Age Workers
We recognize that there may be times when it is necessary or desirable for babysitters (paid or volunteers) who are themselves under age 18 to assist in caring for children during programs or activities. The following guidelines apply to teenage workers.
– Must be at least age 12
– Obtain approval from their parent/s custodians for this position
– Be screened through an interview process and present a letter of recommendation from a non family
member attesting to their character and/ or work with children
– Be under the supervision of an adult and never be left alone with the children.

Nursery Check -in/ Check-out Procedure
For children attending the nursery, a security check-in/ check-out procedure will be followed.
– Parents must sign in their child and check them out.
– The child may only released to adults approved by the parent/s.

Sick Child Policy
It is our desire to provide a healthy and safe environment for all of the children at Minneapolis Friends Meeting. Parents/ guardians are encouraged to be considerate of other children when deciding whether to place a child under our care. In general, children with the following symptoms should NOT be dropped off:
– Fever, diarrhea, or vomiting in the last 48 hours
– Runny nose and/ or coughing
– Eye or skin infections and/or
– Other symptoms or communicable or infectious disease.

Children who are observed by our workers to be ill will be separated from the other children and the parent or guardian will be contacted to request that the child be picked up.

Medication Policy
It is the policy of Minneapolis Friends Meeting not to administer either prescription or nonprescription medications to the children under our care. Medications should be administered by the parent or guardian at home.

Exceptions to the medication policy may be granted to parents/ guardians of children with potentially lifethreatening conditions (such as asthma or severe allergic reactions). Parents/ guardians of such children should address their situation with their child’s teacher/s. to develop a plan of action.

Discipline Policy
It is the policy of Minneapolis Friends Meeting not to administer corporal punishment even if parents/ guardians have suggested or given permission for it. There will be no spanking, grabbing, hitting, or other physical discipline of children. Workers should consult with the Religious Education Committee or Child Welfare Committee clerk if assistance is needed with disciplinary issues.

Restroom Guidelines
Children five years of age and younger should use a classroom bathroom if one is available. If a classroom bathroom is not available, workers should escort a group of children to the hallway bathroom. They should always go in group, never taking a child to the bathroom alone. The workers should check the bathroom first to make sure it is empty, and then allow the children inside. The worker should then remain outside the bathroom door and escort the children back to the classroom. If a child is taking longer than seems necessary, the worker should open the bathroom door and call the child’s name. If a child requires assistance, the worker should prop open the bathroom door and leave the stall door open as they assist the child.

For children over the age of five, at least one adult male should take the boys to the restroom and at least one adult female should take the girls. The worker should check the bathroom first to make sure that the bathroom is empty and then allow the children inside. The worker should then remain outside the bathroom door and escort the children back to the classroom. Workers should never be alone with a child in a bathroom with the door closed and near be in a closed bathroom stall with a child. Parents/ guardians are strongly encouraged to have the children visit the bathroom prior to class.

Accidental Injuries to Children
All spaces in which 1st Day School or Nursery take place will have a first aid kit in easy access. In the event that a child or youth is injured while under our care, the following steps should be followed:
1. For minor injuries, scrapes and bruises, workers will provide First aid (Band-Aids, etc.) as appropriate and notify the child’s parents/ guardians of the injury at the time the child is picked up from our care.
2. For injuries requiring medical treatment beyond simple First Aid, the parent/ guardian will immediately be summoned. The worker’s supervisor, Religious Education or Child Welfare Clerk will also be notified as soon as possible.
3. If warranted by circumstances, an ambulance will be called.
4. In all three cases, an injury report will be filled out by the adult witnessing the injury.

Promoting Safety With the Use of Technology/ Media Messaging
Minneapolis Friends Meeting (MFM) desires to promote safety and to create a healthy environment for texting and electronic communication between its youth workers and students who participate in youth ministry activities. As a result MFM has developed the following guidelines:

1. Parents/ guardians must sign a consent form allowing their minor to receive text messaging, e-mail, social networking websites, or other forms of electronic media from MFM youth workers.

2. MFM youth workers may not transmit through electronic media any content that is illicit, unsavory, abusive, pornographic, discriminatory, harassing, or disrespectful when communicating with each other or with minors.

3. All information, images, or videos shared electronically through youth workers’ communications channels are not considered confidential.

4. Any texts or emails sent by ministry youth workers must go to a group rather than an individual.

5. Except in an emergency, MFM youth workers may not transmit through electronic media any personal information pertaining to a minor. Personal information may include such things as a minor’s name, phone number, email address, or photograph.

6. Youth workers will discourage students from using cell phones during ministry programs except in an emergency.

7. Youth workers will instruct youth occasionally about the dangers of such conduct as “sexting.”

8. Youth workers who become aware of possible child abuse through electronic media must immediately report the abuse as required by law.

Child Advocates
The clerks of Minneapolis Friends Meeting, Religious Education, and Child Welfare Committees are considered Child Advocates for Minneapolis Friends Meeting.

1. Anyone observing behavior which is perceived as abuse shall report the incident as soon as possible to a Child Advocate. The witness shall as soon as possible fill out the incident report form found in the Child Welfare file.

2. As soon as possible, as Advocate will speak with the alleged abuser, with the child’s parent/s/ guardian and of appropriate, the child, as well as any other witnesses available, recording the information as fully as seems appropriate.

Upon review of the information, consulting with appropriate other Advocates, one of the following steps will be implemented.
1. Dismiss the charges as not substantial or relevant.
2. Assist the witness in filing a child abuse form with Hennepin County, in accordance with
mandatory reporting requirements.
3. Call for a Meeting for Clarification.

Meeting for Clarification
1. Ministry and Counsel Committee shall appoint a Facilitator to arrange and conduct a Meeting for Clarification. The Meeting for Clarification will be held not more than three weeks after reporting the incident.

2. All those concerned – reporter, child, alleged abuser, Advocate, parent of child, witnesses and others deemed necessary by the Facilitator will be invited to attend. No one may be represent ed by legal counsel.

3. The Meeting for Clarification is to be conducted in the spirit of a Meeting for Worship for
Business, searching for truth in a spirit of love. The Facilitator will determine the order of
business and will control speaking through calling on or recognizing speakers. The alleged
abuser will be given full opportunity to respond to allegations of abusive behavior. When
sufficient progress has been made, the Facilitator will attempt to lead the group in finding a
sense of the meting, which can be recorded in one or more minutes, to be read back and
approved.

4. The approved minute will constitute the decision of the Meeting for Clarification and be reported to the Child Welfare Committee. If a decision cannot be reached, the Facilitator will report this to the Child Welfare Committee, who will decide what is to e done, in consultation with the Advocate and Facilitator.

5. The Child Welfare Committee will report to the Monthly Meeting for Business, and be
responsible for seeing the decision is implemented.

6. The record of each case will be kept in a locked file in Minneapolis Friends’ Meeting office.