CA/AZ/HI/NV Workers Code of Conduct and ChildSafe Policies
Jun 12, 2023 13:42:19 GMT -5
snow likes this
Post by hopespringseternal on Jun 12, 2023 13:42:19 GMT -5
This was sent out to meeting elders in CA/HI/AZ/NV from Rob Newman on May 26, 2023.
From: Rob Newman <email redacted>
Date: May 26, 2023 at 6:24:15 PM PDT
To: Rob Newman <email redacted>
Subject: Documents
Dear Workers, Elders and Friends,
Good evening. The attachments are the CSA Information, Child Safe Policy, and Workers' Code of Conduct documents (The CSA Information document was first sent out almost a month ago).
These three documents are the three that we have been developing with the help of professionals, friends and workers over the last seven weeks. As the names indicate, these three documents are dependent upon each other, with the first being educational, the second outlining policies for CSA matters, and the third presenting outlines for proper conduct (actually for both workers and friends). Please encourage everyone to make time to understand each document-- there is a lot of material presented, and it is important for the safety of our children. We appreciate everyone's effort and time to be advised and aware, to do your part in protecting the children and vulnerable among us.
Elders, please forward this email with attached documents to all responsible people in your meeting. Also, anyone may feel free to forward this email with attachments to any other responsible person that would like to have it.
For any that would like them, here are three links to these documents online, with the latest versions if/when there are updates:
CSA Information: tinyurl.com/CSAinformation
Child Safe Policy: tinyurl.com/ChildSafePolicy
Workers Code of Conduct: tinyurl.com/WorkersCodeOfConduct
Thank you to the many that have helped with this process. And thanks for all your prayers.
With gratitude and care, Rob
Workers’ Code of Conduct CA/AZ/HI/NV ver 2023-05-26a
Children (under the age of 18) are a vital part of our fellowship. All Workers are responsible for promoting the safety, protection and
well-being of children while conducting themselves appropriately in every situation. We believe in a Spirit-led ministry, but the
purpose of this document is to provide some practical guidelines and expectations for workers specifically with regard to child sexual
abuse (CSA). These guidelines are intended as safe norms for interacting with children, but families may decide to have either more
restrictive policies, or to give express permission for some variance from the standards given here. This document is also a guide for
everyone, for healthy interactions among all of our friends and elders as well. If in doubt, ask. Please be thoroughly familiar with the
CSA Information document (https://tinyurl.com/CSAinformation) that provides an essential educational foundation for this document,
as well as the Child Safe Policy (https://tinyurl.com/ChildSafePolicy) that outlines how CSA related matters will be addressed.
I WILL:
● Reporting, I will:
○ Complete Mandated Reporter training and update my training as required.
○ Report suspected child abuse immediately, as a mandated reporter.
○ Report and address any inappropriate behavior towards children that I witness.
○ Withdraw, report and address inappropriate behavior of children towards me, to parents and co-workers.
● Boundaries, I will:
○ Communicate openly with families and co-workers about appropriate boundaries.
○ Discourage parents from directing or coercing children to show affection towards me that is not voluntary.
○ Respect rules and boundaries set by families for their children.
○ Respect a child's boundaries and personal space.
○ Set clear boundaries about appropriate behavior between myself and children.
○ Encourage children to respect personal spaces, i.e. knocking on the door before entering.
● Behavior, I will:
○ Be a positive role model for children.
○ Be transparent in my actions and whereabouts in relation to contact with children.
○ The "rule of two" – avoid spending time alone with children, ensuring parents know and support this boundary, and
have educated their children about it.
○ Follow accepted legal and moral guidelines relating to physical contact with children.
○ Wear publicly appropriate clothes in common areas during visits with families.
● Communications, I will:
○ Communicate openly with parents about phone calls, letters, postcards or emails with their children (secretive
communications are inappropriate).
○ Listen and respond appropriately to the views and concerns of children.
○ Respond with compassion and care if a child discloses abuse. I will not make promises to the child I cannot keep
(i.e. a child asking to keep matters confidential). Instead, I will advise the child, "I will do everything I can to keep
you safe,” and report to the appropriate authorities. I will do all I can to make the child feel heard and supported.
○ Ask for help if I am uncertain about child safety or this Code of Conduct, need help with thoughts or inclinations
that I’m concerned about, or believe that I have in any way breached this Code of Conduct.
I will NOT:
● Reporting, I will not:
○ Allow allegations or suspicion of abuse to go unreported to authorities.
○ Dismiss a child's concerns or discourage disclosure.
○ Minimize, cover-up, or falsely report a suspicion or allegation of abuse.
○ Investigate a suspicion or allegation of abuse by questioning a child or individuals involved but rather refer the
matter to authorities.
○ Rely on my position, reputation or the fellowship to protect me from allegations of inappropriate behavior.
● Boundaries, I will not:
○ Engage in the sexual grooming of children and/or families.
○ Display favoritism, singling out a child for special treatment, relationship or photography.
○ Photograph children without parental approval.
○ Spend time with children in bedrooms, except with parental approval and with the door left open.
○ Share a private space with a child, such as a bedroom.
○ Spend time in a position/location that appears untoward, such as sharing a bed with a child or vulnerable person.
○ Allow any child to enter a bedroom where I am staying in the company of myself and/or a co-worker, except by
arrangement with parents, with the door left open.
● Behavior, I will not:
○ Develop inappropriate or sexual relationships or indulge in any form of sexual contact with minors.
○ Expose private parts or any other person’s private parts.
○ Engage in behavior or communication that causes children to feel uncomfortable, afraid or disempowered.
○ Engage in sexual humor, sharing/receiving sexual writing, jokes, or images.
○ Engage in controlling, belittling, threatening, patronizing or derogatory language and behaviors.
○ Do things for a child of a personal nature, such as assisting with toileting, dressing or undressing.
○ Hit or physically assault children. This includes refraining from physical punishment or engaging in discipline.
● Communications, I will not:
○ Choose to "Follow” or “Friend" on social media, or share GPS location with anyone under the age of 18.
○ Advise children to keep communications or interactions secret.
○ Share photographs or videos of children without parental permission on social media, email, text, Whatsapp, etc.
○ Attempt to give minors counseling or therapy for which I am not qualified.
○ Compliment, insult, or make commentary related to physical attributes, sexual attractiveness or body development.
○ Use language that is inappropriate, offensive, harassing, abusive, or sexually suggestive or provocative when
speaking around children.
○ Write letters, emails, social media or otherwise communicate with children, without their parent’s consent.
○ Use any computer, mobile phone, video or camera to exploit or harass children.
○ Use any computer, mobile phone or digital device to view any type of sexually explicit material.
○ Use any type of digital device to send, receive, store or view pornography depicting children (a serious crime).
Touch and Contact
Professionals advise us to use the words “safe” and “unsafe” when describing types of touching. For survivors of sexual abuse,
describing touching as “good” or “bad” may contribute to feelings of guilt and shame.
Safe Touch and Contact
Before making contact, it is always safe to ask permission. For example, “May I give you a hug?” Or, “May I sit next to you?”
For parents, “Would you like to give X a hug?” Respect individual comfort levels of children and their families. Seek trusted
accompaniment when spending time with children or vulnerable persons. Examples of safe touch/contact include:
● Handshakes, high fives, fist bumps, or elbow touches to get someone’s attention
● Pats on the shoulder or back
● Brief shoulder-to-shoulder hugs
● Sitting beside children
● Verbal praise (avoid commentary on physical attributes or development)
● Having discussions one on one with older children in publicly accessible areas
● Holding hands with small children for reasons of safety
● Holding infants appropriately
Unsafe Touch and Contact
While some touch/contact may seem harmless, any touch that makes a person feel uncomfortable is unsafe. Sexual and
inappropriately af ectionate behavior displayed by a child, or any other person, should be brought to the attention of other
responsible adults. Examples of touch/contact that are unsafe and present a risk to healthy relationships include:
● Inappropriate, unwelcome or long embraces
● Unwelcome kisses, affection, attention or photography
● Touch anywhere that is private (areas that would be covered by a swimsuit), as well as thighs and stomach
● Touch that is unwanted on any part of the body, including the head, face, shoulders, legs and arms
● Wrestling, tickling, massaging, and piggyback rides
● Holding a small child on the lap except in the presence of an adult member of the family
● Placing children on your lap when they are able to sit upright by themselves
● Showing physical displays of affection in isolated areas of the premises such as bedrooms, bathrooms, or private areas
of the home or cars
Examples of environments where additional caution should be used:
● Camping
● Convention grounds
● Physical sporting events
● Social media use and other electronic communication
● Swimming areas
● Workers staying with families without a co-worker
In Summary, I Understand:
● That children have the right to feel safe at all times, and parents have the right to set boundaries in their home.
● The intent of this document is that I have clarity on how to behave around children, both for the protection of children and for
my own protection.
● That this document is directional in nature, and cannot provide guidelines for every situation I may encounter across cultures
and time, and that I will need to continue to learn and adapt how to best behave in a safe way around children.
● This document is not meant to discourage caring interaction with children, which is a much-needed role of the ministry.
● That child abuse has ongoing longterm impacts and that the first step in healing for survivors begins with being heard,
believed and able to safely tell of their experiences.
● This document endeavors to give clarity for safe behavior to those with the best of intentions, and a means of rapid
identification of those with ill intent towards children.
● The ministry has a zero-tolerance policy for any worker with a substantiated CSA risk (as evaluated by a qualified
professional).
Child Safe Policy CA/AZ/HI/NV version 2023-05-26a
Policy Statement
As the ministry, elders and friends, together with the Lord’s guidance, we are fully committed to the welfare of all under our care.
This policy statement outlines the care of our children specifically (those under 18 years of age). All children have the right to be
protected from harm, abuse and exploitation, and child protection is everyone’s moral, legal and spiritual responsibility. Child abuse
includes physical, sexual, emotional or neglect, all of which are unacceptable. This policy statement addresses Child Sexual Abuse
(CSA) related matters, and is developed with the help of CSA professionals among our friends, to establish a safe and healthy
environment that minimizes risk of abuse. Please be responsible by being thoroughly familiar with the separate “CSA Information”
document (https://tinyurl.com/CSAinformation) that provides essential education as a foundation for the policies stated here. The safest
protection for our children is universal awareness and understanding of CSA issues. This policy will evolve as necessary.
Safe Reporting of Abuse
All workers are mandated reporters, and we will immediately report any form of child abuse to the authorities as required by law.
Liability and responsibility of investigation then rests on child protection service professionals. Anyone with reasonable suspicion of
child abuse should immediately report to the authorities, for the safety of vulnerable children. To report, call 911 (in CA), or
888-767-2445 (AZ), 833-803-1183 (NV), or 808-832-5300 (HI). Reporting need only be based on “reasonable suspicion,” and there
is legal protection for reports made in good faith. Failure to report or intentionally false reporting are punishable by law.
Safe Response to Alleged Incidents
We will respond effectively, in accordance with the law, and with compassion to situations of abuse, caring for victims and their
families first of all. We will make appropriate meeting or worker arrangements in order to protect children from any further harm. If
you file a report, please notify trusted workers (brothers or sisters) so these appropriate arrangements can be made and we will strive
to keep your identity confidential, if desired. If you do not receive a satisfactory response, please report to other workers you trust.
Since false accusations of CSA rarely do occur, we will seek professional assistance to substantiate allegations sufficiently. If law
enforcement decides not to investigate a CSA report, we will consult with our friends who are CSA professionals for best advice.
Safe Communications
We want to make it clear that we welcome communication: Abuse thrives in silence and secrecy. Please communicate regarding
abuse, threats, questions, suggestions, or any questionable or worrisome behavior by a friend, elder or worker (men or women): We
want to know about troublesome behavior patterns before they become incidents of abuse that leave a child deeply scarred. To
communicate, please notify your local workers, and if you do not receive a satisfactory response please notify the overseer and/or
other trusted workers (either brother or sister workers, as you prefer). We will listen and respond to your communication and we value
wise observations, the search for clarity and constructive suggestions.
Safe Policies for Workers, Elders and Friends
The primary policy focus for workers, elders and friends is safety for all. God and His people have placed their trust in God’s servants
and elders, and we will do our best to be true to this trust and address behavior issues before they become abuse incidents.
● We acknowledge the responsibility to ensure that all workers and elders (within our regional fellowship) are made aware of
and are required to adhere to all aspects of safety for children.
● We have a zero-tolerance policy for substantiated CSA risk (as evaluated by a qualified professional) among workers or
elders, and will abide by the law to protect children and their families.
● All workers are required, and elders are strongly urged, to complete Mandatory Reporter training, updated as required.
● All workers (including visiting workers) will be provided with this Child Safe Policy and the Workers’ Code of Conduct and
are required to adhere to the Workers’ Code of Conduct at all times.
● Workers are not trained investigators or counselors: CSA investigations, victim counseling and therapy must be done by
professionals, but we will assist victims and families in every way possible to find needed help.
● Elders and friends are also expected to abide by the behavioral norms outlined in the Workers’ Code of Conduct.
Safe Meetings and Conventions
The primary policy focus for meetings and conventions is robust safety for all so the spiritual benefit can be peacefully received. All
meetings are a privilege and are open to those who are safe for children to be around. Elders and convention hosts have the right to
consider and make safety decisions regarding their own meetings and premises. We strongly urge all elders (and anyone else who is
interested) to take one of the free Mandated Reporter training courses, as outlined in the CSA Information document.
Any person under police investigation or convicted of an offense against a child will not be permitted to participate in
gatherings that provide access to children unless restrictions have been lifted by professionals involved in the investigation and
therapy. If thus allowed, and if a previous offender desires to attend meetings, then with the help of our professional friends who are
trained in CSA matters, as well as involved elders and friends, we will make workable meeting arrangements if it is safe and
appropriate to do so in order to minister to their spiritual needs. Any of ender who shows disregard for arrangements made, or begins
to show misbehavior will have their attendance privileges revoked:
● Fellowship meetings: Sunday morning and Bible study meetings are by invitation only. Due to the more personal format
and closer interaction in fellowship meeting settings, greater consideration needs to be given to the risk of unsafe connections
developing with any person of concern. If it is advisable and safe to make arrangements for a previous offender, we will:
○ Discuss the details with our professional friends who are trained in CSA matters (and/or other professional entities
involved in the case) to get their advice.
○ Make an effort to seek out a victim (or victim’s family) impact statement, to be aware of any information they may
have about the offender that may be important in relation to any possible fellowship meeting arrangements.
○ Involve elders who know the offender best in the decisions that are made.
○ Restrict any offender judged by professionals to be a continued risk from attending any fellowship meeting where
children are present.
○ Verify that all people in any host meeting have freely and willingly agreed to host any offender desiring fellowship.
○ If a meeting that includes children desires to host a previous offender of low risk, we will require the offender to
actively avoid contact with children.
● Public meetings: Gospel meetings are open to all who want to hear the gospel and who behave appropriately and safely.
Special meetings are by invitation only. If it is advisable and safe to make arrangements for an offender, we will:
○ Discuss the details with our professional friends who are trained in CSA matters (and/or other professional entities
involved in the case) to get their advice.
○ Make an effort to seek out a victim (or victim’s family) impact statement, to be aware of any information they may
have about the offender that may be important in relation to any possible public meeting arrangements.
○ Involve elders who know the offender best in the decisions that are made.
○ Require the offender to actively avoid contact with children (the responsibility is on the offender).
○ If necessary for additional safety, arrangements will be made for a chaperone or monitor(s).
● Conventions: Conventions are held on private property and are only open to invited, safe guests. Please be sure to report to
the owners or to a trusted worker (brother or sister) if you notice someone who seems out of place or of questionable
behavior. While we will concentrate on verifying the safe behavior of all known offenders who are privileged to attend, there
is also the need to be aware and wise towards unexpected unknown persons who may not be safe. If you have children,
please be aware of safe parenting to add another layer of safety to their welfare. If it is advisable and safe to make
arrangements for an offender to attend, we will:
○ Verify with our professional friends who are trained in CSA matters (and/or other professional entities involved in
the case) to get their safe advice, considering all details and history.
○ Make an effort to seek out a victim (or victim’s family) impact statement, to be aware of any information they may
have about the offender that may be important in relation to any possible convention arrangements.
○ Involve elders who know the offender best in the decisions that are made.
○ Require the offender to actively avoid contact with children (the responsibility is on the offender).
○ If necessary for additional safety, arrange for chaperone(s) or monitor(s).
○ Require off-site accommodation when this is advised by professionals.
○ Require the offender to avoid any convention that any previous victim may attend, unless the victim freely and
voluntarily voices no objection.
Safe Extracurricular Activities
We do not have policies regarding extracurricular activities that are outside of normal meeting fellowship and our responsibility, since
these are undertaken on a voluntary personal level. It is important to remember that about 93% of child sexual abuse victims know
and trust their abuser. Most reported cases of abuse among us have not taken place in meeting environments, but rather during
extracurricular activities: sleep-overs, overnight camping, late night activities, sports, swimming, online/text communications etc.
Please be wise and vigilant about such activities with people assumed to be trustworthy: Offenders seek to isolate and abuse. This
does not mean we need constant suspicion, but let’s be wise about situations and use every advantage we have: follow professionally
recommended prevention strategies, and listen to common sense and God-given parental instincts. Have honest and age-appropriate
conversations with children, and make sure they are appropriately accompanied by more than one trusted person in all situations. As
stated in the CSA Information document, let us all be aware of grooming behaviors that should be an early warning of concern.
Safe Notifications
We have put in place a mechanism to keep aware of the histories and behavior of persons of concern, whether convicted offenders or
those who have had substantiated allegations made against them. This is to help make sure new workers in a field are aware of
offenders and issues. If offenders move to other areas, whether in our region or not, we will do our best to notify the workers in the
area that they move to and make appropriate arrangements for the safety and awareness of friends and workers in their new location.
Policy Goal
It is impossible to guarantee in any context that abuse won’t happen again. But we believe that by having policies in place, together
with general education and awareness of CSA facts, we can certainly be much better prepared to provide safe environments going
forward to both minimize the likelihood of abuse, and discover and stop it earlier if it does occur. Thank you for being educated and
aware, thereby being a part of the solution for the safety of our children: Let us work together to be wise, trained on professionally
recommended prevention strategies, and develop ef ective ways to implement these strategies to protect the children among us.
From: Rob Newman <email redacted>
Date: May 26, 2023 at 6:24:15 PM PDT
To: Rob Newman <email redacted>
Subject: Documents
Dear Workers, Elders and Friends,
Good evening. The attachments are the CSA Information, Child Safe Policy, and Workers' Code of Conduct documents (The CSA Information document was first sent out almost a month ago).
These three documents are the three that we have been developing with the help of professionals, friends and workers over the last seven weeks. As the names indicate, these three documents are dependent upon each other, with the first being educational, the second outlining policies for CSA matters, and the third presenting outlines for proper conduct (actually for both workers and friends). Please encourage everyone to make time to understand each document-- there is a lot of material presented, and it is important for the safety of our children. We appreciate everyone's effort and time to be advised and aware, to do your part in protecting the children and vulnerable among us.
Elders, please forward this email with attached documents to all responsible people in your meeting. Also, anyone may feel free to forward this email with attachments to any other responsible person that would like to have it.
For any that would like them, here are three links to these documents online, with the latest versions if/when there are updates:
CSA Information: tinyurl.com/CSAinformation
Child Safe Policy: tinyurl.com/ChildSafePolicy
Workers Code of Conduct: tinyurl.com/WorkersCodeOfConduct
Thank you to the many that have helped with this process. And thanks for all your prayers.
With gratitude and care, Rob
Workers’ Code of Conduct CA/AZ/HI/NV ver 2023-05-26a
Children (under the age of 18) are a vital part of our fellowship. All Workers are responsible for promoting the safety, protection and
well-being of children while conducting themselves appropriately in every situation. We believe in a Spirit-led ministry, but the
purpose of this document is to provide some practical guidelines and expectations for workers specifically with regard to child sexual
abuse (CSA). These guidelines are intended as safe norms for interacting with children, but families may decide to have either more
restrictive policies, or to give express permission for some variance from the standards given here. This document is also a guide for
everyone, for healthy interactions among all of our friends and elders as well. If in doubt, ask. Please be thoroughly familiar with the
CSA Information document (https://tinyurl.com/CSAinformation) that provides an essential educational foundation for this document,
as well as the Child Safe Policy (https://tinyurl.com/ChildSafePolicy) that outlines how CSA related matters will be addressed.
I WILL:
● Reporting, I will:
○ Complete Mandated Reporter training and update my training as required.
○ Report suspected child abuse immediately, as a mandated reporter.
○ Report and address any inappropriate behavior towards children that I witness.
○ Withdraw, report and address inappropriate behavior of children towards me, to parents and co-workers.
● Boundaries, I will:
○ Communicate openly with families and co-workers about appropriate boundaries.
○ Discourage parents from directing or coercing children to show affection towards me that is not voluntary.
○ Respect rules and boundaries set by families for their children.
○ Respect a child's boundaries and personal space.
○ Set clear boundaries about appropriate behavior between myself and children.
○ Encourage children to respect personal spaces, i.e. knocking on the door before entering.
● Behavior, I will:
○ Be a positive role model for children.
○ Be transparent in my actions and whereabouts in relation to contact with children.
○ The "rule of two" – avoid spending time alone with children, ensuring parents know and support this boundary, and
have educated their children about it.
○ Follow accepted legal and moral guidelines relating to physical contact with children.
○ Wear publicly appropriate clothes in common areas during visits with families.
● Communications, I will:
○ Communicate openly with parents about phone calls, letters, postcards or emails with their children (secretive
communications are inappropriate).
○ Listen and respond appropriately to the views and concerns of children.
○ Respond with compassion and care if a child discloses abuse. I will not make promises to the child I cannot keep
(i.e. a child asking to keep matters confidential). Instead, I will advise the child, "I will do everything I can to keep
you safe,” and report to the appropriate authorities. I will do all I can to make the child feel heard and supported.
○ Ask for help if I am uncertain about child safety or this Code of Conduct, need help with thoughts or inclinations
that I’m concerned about, or believe that I have in any way breached this Code of Conduct.
I will NOT:
● Reporting, I will not:
○ Allow allegations or suspicion of abuse to go unreported to authorities.
○ Dismiss a child's concerns or discourage disclosure.
○ Minimize, cover-up, or falsely report a suspicion or allegation of abuse.
○ Investigate a suspicion or allegation of abuse by questioning a child or individuals involved but rather refer the
matter to authorities.
○ Rely on my position, reputation or the fellowship to protect me from allegations of inappropriate behavior.
● Boundaries, I will not:
○ Engage in the sexual grooming of children and/or families.
○ Display favoritism, singling out a child for special treatment, relationship or photography.
○ Photograph children without parental approval.
○ Spend time with children in bedrooms, except with parental approval and with the door left open.
○ Share a private space with a child, such as a bedroom.
○ Spend time in a position/location that appears untoward, such as sharing a bed with a child or vulnerable person.
○ Allow any child to enter a bedroom where I am staying in the company of myself and/or a co-worker, except by
arrangement with parents, with the door left open.
● Behavior, I will not:
○ Develop inappropriate or sexual relationships or indulge in any form of sexual contact with minors.
○ Expose private parts or any other person’s private parts.
○ Engage in behavior or communication that causes children to feel uncomfortable, afraid or disempowered.
○ Engage in sexual humor, sharing/receiving sexual writing, jokes, or images.
○ Engage in controlling, belittling, threatening, patronizing or derogatory language and behaviors.
○ Do things for a child of a personal nature, such as assisting with toileting, dressing or undressing.
○ Hit or physically assault children. This includes refraining from physical punishment or engaging in discipline.
● Communications, I will not:
○ Choose to "Follow” or “Friend" on social media, or share GPS location with anyone under the age of 18.
○ Advise children to keep communications or interactions secret.
○ Share photographs or videos of children without parental permission on social media, email, text, Whatsapp, etc.
○ Attempt to give minors counseling or therapy for which I am not qualified.
○ Compliment, insult, or make commentary related to physical attributes, sexual attractiveness or body development.
○ Use language that is inappropriate, offensive, harassing, abusive, or sexually suggestive or provocative when
speaking around children.
○ Write letters, emails, social media or otherwise communicate with children, without their parent’s consent.
○ Use any computer, mobile phone, video or camera to exploit or harass children.
○ Use any computer, mobile phone or digital device to view any type of sexually explicit material.
○ Use any type of digital device to send, receive, store or view pornography depicting children (a serious crime).
Touch and Contact
Professionals advise us to use the words “safe” and “unsafe” when describing types of touching. For survivors of sexual abuse,
describing touching as “good” or “bad” may contribute to feelings of guilt and shame.
Safe Touch and Contact
Before making contact, it is always safe to ask permission. For example, “May I give you a hug?” Or, “May I sit next to you?”
For parents, “Would you like to give X a hug?” Respect individual comfort levels of children and their families. Seek trusted
accompaniment when spending time with children or vulnerable persons. Examples of safe touch/contact include:
● Handshakes, high fives, fist bumps, or elbow touches to get someone’s attention
● Pats on the shoulder or back
● Brief shoulder-to-shoulder hugs
● Sitting beside children
● Verbal praise (avoid commentary on physical attributes or development)
● Having discussions one on one with older children in publicly accessible areas
● Holding hands with small children for reasons of safety
● Holding infants appropriately
Unsafe Touch and Contact
While some touch/contact may seem harmless, any touch that makes a person feel uncomfortable is unsafe. Sexual and
inappropriately af ectionate behavior displayed by a child, or any other person, should be brought to the attention of other
responsible adults. Examples of touch/contact that are unsafe and present a risk to healthy relationships include:
● Inappropriate, unwelcome or long embraces
● Unwelcome kisses, affection, attention or photography
● Touch anywhere that is private (areas that would be covered by a swimsuit), as well as thighs and stomach
● Touch that is unwanted on any part of the body, including the head, face, shoulders, legs and arms
● Wrestling, tickling, massaging, and piggyback rides
● Holding a small child on the lap except in the presence of an adult member of the family
● Placing children on your lap when they are able to sit upright by themselves
● Showing physical displays of affection in isolated areas of the premises such as bedrooms, bathrooms, or private areas
of the home or cars
Examples of environments where additional caution should be used:
● Camping
● Convention grounds
● Physical sporting events
● Social media use and other electronic communication
● Swimming areas
● Workers staying with families without a co-worker
In Summary, I Understand:
● That children have the right to feel safe at all times, and parents have the right to set boundaries in their home.
● The intent of this document is that I have clarity on how to behave around children, both for the protection of children and for
my own protection.
● That this document is directional in nature, and cannot provide guidelines for every situation I may encounter across cultures
and time, and that I will need to continue to learn and adapt how to best behave in a safe way around children.
● This document is not meant to discourage caring interaction with children, which is a much-needed role of the ministry.
● That child abuse has ongoing longterm impacts and that the first step in healing for survivors begins with being heard,
believed and able to safely tell of their experiences.
● This document endeavors to give clarity for safe behavior to those with the best of intentions, and a means of rapid
identification of those with ill intent towards children.
● The ministry has a zero-tolerance policy for any worker with a substantiated CSA risk (as evaluated by a qualified
professional).
Child Safe Policy CA/AZ/HI/NV version 2023-05-26a
Policy Statement
As the ministry, elders and friends, together with the Lord’s guidance, we are fully committed to the welfare of all under our care.
This policy statement outlines the care of our children specifically (those under 18 years of age). All children have the right to be
protected from harm, abuse and exploitation, and child protection is everyone’s moral, legal and spiritual responsibility. Child abuse
includes physical, sexual, emotional or neglect, all of which are unacceptable. This policy statement addresses Child Sexual Abuse
(CSA) related matters, and is developed with the help of CSA professionals among our friends, to establish a safe and healthy
environment that minimizes risk of abuse. Please be responsible by being thoroughly familiar with the separate “CSA Information”
document (https://tinyurl.com/CSAinformation) that provides essential education as a foundation for the policies stated here. The safest
protection for our children is universal awareness and understanding of CSA issues. This policy will evolve as necessary.
Safe Reporting of Abuse
All workers are mandated reporters, and we will immediately report any form of child abuse to the authorities as required by law.
Liability and responsibility of investigation then rests on child protection service professionals. Anyone with reasonable suspicion of
child abuse should immediately report to the authorities, for the safety of vulnerable children. To report, call 911 (in CA), or
888-767-2445 (AZ), 833-803-1183 (NV), or 808-832-5300 (HI). Reporting need only be based on “reasonable suspicion,” and there
is legal protection for reports made in good faith. Failure to report or intentionally false reporting are punishable by law.
Safe Response to Alleged Incidents
We will respond effectively, in accordance with the law, and with compassion to situations of abuse, caring for victims and their
families first of all. We will make appropriate meeting or worker arrangements in order to protect children from any further harm. If
you file a report, please notify trusted workers (brothers or sisters) so these appropriate arrangements can be made and we will strive
to keep your identity confidential, if desired. If you do not receive a satisfactory response, please report to other workers you trust.
Since false accusations of CSA rarely do occur, we will seek professional assistance to substantiate allegations sufficiently. If law
enforcement decides not to investigate a CSA report, we will consult with our friends who are CSA professionals for best advice.
Safe Communications
We want to make it clear that we welcome communication: Abuse thrives in silence and secrecy. Please communicate regarding
abuse, threats, questions, suggestions, or any questionable or worrisome behavior by a friend, elder or worker (men or women): We
want to know about troublesome behavior patterns before they become incidents of abuse that leave a child deeply scarred. To
communicate, please notify your local workers, and if you do not receive a satisfactory response please notify the overseer and/or
other trusted workers (either brother or sister workers, as you prefer). We will listen and respond to your communication and we value
wise observations, the search for clarity and constructive suggestions.
Safe Policies for Workers, Elders and Friends
The primary policy focus for workers, elders and friends is safety for all. God and His people have placed their trust in God’s servants
and elders, and we will do our best to be true to this trust and address behavior issues before they become abuse incidents.
● We acknowledge the responsibility to ensure that all workers and elders (within our regional fellowship) are made aware of
and are required to adhere to all aspects of safety for children.
● We have a zero-tolerance policy for substantiated CSA risk (as evaluated by a qualified professional) among workers or
elders, and will abide by the law to protect children and their families.
● All workers are required, and elders are strongly urged, to complete Mandatory Reporter training, updated as required.
● All workers (including visiting workers) will be provided with this Child Safe Policy and the Workers’ Code of Conduct and
are required to adhere to the Workers’ Code of Conduct at all times.
● Workers are not trained investigators or counselors: CSA investigations, victim counseling and therapy must be done by
professionals, but we will assist victims and families in every way possible to find needed help.
● Elders and friends are also expected to abide by the behavioral norms outlined in the Workers’ Code of Conduct.
Safe Meetings and Conventions
The primary policy focus for meetings and conventions is robust safety for all so the spiritual benefit can be peacefully received. All
meetings are a privilege and are open to those who are safe for children to be around. Elders and convention hosts have the right to
consider and make safety decisions regarding their own meetings and premises. We strongly urge all elders (and anyone else who is
interested) to take one of the free Mandated Reporter training courses, as outlined in the CSA Information document.
Any person under police investigation or convicted of an offense against a child will not be permitted to participate in
gatherings that provide access to children unless restrictions have been lifted by professionals involved in the investigation and
therapy. If thus allowed, and if a previous offender desires to attend meetings, then with the help of our professional friends who are
trained in CSA matters, as well as involved elders and friends, we will make workable meeting arrangements if it is safe and
appropriate to do so in order to minister to their spiritual needs. Any of ender who shows disregard for arrangements made, or begins
to show misbehavior will have their attendance privileges revoked:
● Fellowship meetings: Sunday morning and Bible study meetings are by invitation only. Due to the more personal format
and closer interaction in fellowship meeting settings, greater consideration needs to be given to the risk of unsafe connections
developing with any person of concern. If it is advisable and safe to make arrangements for a previous offender, we will:
○ Discuss the details with our professional friends who are trained in CSA matters (and/or other professional entities
involved in the case) to get their advice.
○ Make an effort to seek out a victim (or victim’s family) impact statement, to be aware of any information they may
have about the offender that may be important in relation to any possible fellowship meeting arrangements.
○ Involve elders who know the offender best in the decisions that are made.
○ Restrict any offender judged by professionals to be a continued risk from attending any fellowship meeting where
children are present.
○ Verify that all people in any host meeting have freely and willingly agreed to host any offender desiring fellowship.
○ If a meeting that includes children desires to host a previous offender of low risk, we will require the offender to
actively avoid contact with children.
● Public meetings: Gospel meetings are open to all who want to hear the gospel and who behave appropriately and safely.
Special meetings are by invitation only. If it is advisable and safe to make arrangements for an offender, we will:
○ Discuss the details with our professional friends who are trained in CSA matters (and/or other professional entities
involved in the case) to get their advice.
○ Make an effort to seek out a victim (or victim’s family) impact statement, to be aware of any information they may
have about the offender that may be important in relation to any possible public meeting arrangements.
○ Involve elders who know the offender best in the decisions that are made.
○ Require the offender to actively avoid contact with children (the responsibility is on the offender).
○ If necessary for additional safety, arrangements will be made for a chaperone or monitor(s).
● Conventions: Conventions are held on private property and are only open to invited, safe guests. Please be sure to report to
the owners or to a trusted worker (brother or sister) if you notice someone who seems out of place or of questionable
behavior. While we will concentrate on verifying the safe behavior of all known offenders who are privileged to attend, there
is also the need to be aware and wise towards unexpected unknown persons who may not be safe. If you have children,
please be aware of safe parenting to add another layer of safety to their welfare. If it is advisable and safe to make
arrangements for an offender to attend, we will:
○ Verify with our professional friends who are trained in CSA matters (and/or other professional entities involved in
the case) to get their safe advice, considering all details and history.
○ Make an effort to seek out a victim (or victim’s family) impact statement, to be aware of any information they may
have about the offender that may be important in relation to any possible convention arrangements.
○ Involve elders who know the offender best in the decisions that are made.
○ Require the offender to actively avoid contact with children (the responsibility is on the offender).
○ If necessary for additional safety, arrange for chaperone(s) or monitor(s).
○ Require off-site accommodation when this is advised by professionals.
○ Require the offender to avoid any convention that any previous victim may attend, unless the victim freely and
voluntarily voices no objection.
Safe Extracurricular Activities
We do not have policies regarding extracurricular activities that are outside of normal meeting fellowship and our responsibility, since
these are undertaken on a voluntary personal level. It is important to remember that about 93% of child sexual abuse victims know
and trust their abuser. Most reported cases of abuse among us have not taken place in meeting environments, but rather during
extracurricular activities: sleep-overs, overnight camping, late night activities, sports, swimming, online/text communications etc.
Please be wise and vigilant about such activities with people assumed to be trustworthy: Offenders seek to isolate and abuse. This
does not mean we need constant suspicion, but let’s be wise about situations and use every advantage we have: follow professionally
recommended prevention strategies, and listen to common sense and God-given parental instincts. Have honest and age-appropriate
conversations with children, and make sure they are appropriately accompanied by more than one trusted person in all situations. As
stated in the CSA Information document, let us all be aware of grooming behaviors that should be an early warning of concern.
Safe Notifications
We have put in place a mechanism to keep aware of the histories and behavior of persons of concern, whether convicted offenders or
those who have had substantiated allegations made against them. This is to help make sure new workers in a field are aware of
offenders and issues. If offenders move to other areas, whether in our region or not, we will do our best to notify the workers in the
area that they move to and make appropriate arrangements for the safety and awareness of friends and workers in their new location.
Policy Goal
It is impossible to guarantee in any context that abuse won’t happen again. But we believe that by having policies in place, together
with general education and awareness of CSA facts, we can certainly be much better prepared to provide safe environments going
forward to both minimize the likelihood of abuse, and discover and stop it earlier if it does occur. Thank you for being educated and
aware, thereby being a part of the solution for the safety of our children: Let us work together to be wise, trained on professionally
recommended prevention strategies, and develop ef ective ways to implement these strategies to protect the children among us.