A
A person under the age of 12.
Child
Includes: pastor, lay leader, staff, volunteers. Not including; youth leaders.
Church personnel
Violent non-accidental contact which results in injury. ie. bruises, fractures, cuts and burns
Physical Abuse
Two non-related adults must be present at all activities involving children/youth and at least one must be screened.
Two Adult Rule
Bruises, cuts, and broken bones
Signs of physical abuse
A person at least 12 but not yet 18.
Youth
Anyone employed by the church and on payroll including appointed clergy.
Paid Staff
Any form of sexual activity with minor in any setting.
Sexual Abuse
All supervising adults must be at least 3 years older than the age they are supervising.
Three Year Rule
A person responsible for having access to keys to a building or property.
Key holders
18 years or older who has finished high school.
Adult
Adults not paid by the church but serves in any position involving minors.
Adult Volunteer
Intentional conduct which crushes a child’s spirit and attacks their self worth. ie. rejection, threats, isolation, belittling
Emotional Abuse
Adult volunteers must be a member or regular attendee at church for at least 6 months prior to working with children/youth.
Six month rule
Written report detailing facts and steps taken about a suspected case of abuse.
Incident report
Anyone that is considered an adult but is at risk due to being disabled or elderly.
Vulnerable Adult
Volunteer or paid staff who has undergone church’s screening process.
Screened Adult
Failure to provide for a minors basic needs or protecting them from harm.
Neglect
All areas for children and youth must have a window, half door or open door.
Open windows and Open doors
A way to communicate online by sharing of photos, videos and information.
Social media
A commitment to safeguarding children and includes procedures for reporting abuse.
Child Protection Policy
May assist under supervision and not included in church personnel.
Youth helpers or youth staff
Establishing an emotional connection with a vulnerable person and sometimes their family for the intent of lowering inhibitions.
Grooming
Practices and measures used to protect from potential risks and harm when using technology.
On-line safety
When someone seeks to intimidate, coerce or harm another repeatedly in person or online.
Bullying