First Congregational Church of Essex, MA

Policy

Safe Building and Safe Children Policy

First Congregational Church of Essex
39 Main Street
Essex, Massachusetts 01929

First Congregational Church of Essex ByLaws Download here.

First Congrgational Church of Essex Revised ByLaws as of November 2006 Download here.

We have a unique opportunity and responsibility to bring children into a loving and caring relationship with Jesus Christ. We do this through our care, love, instruction, and nurturing of them while they are with us. Caring for children has become an important part of our church's ministry, and as such it enables families to worship with us. Most importantly, the children among us now represent the future of the church of Jesus Christ. The experiences that children have at church will shape their views of God and the world. A warm, safe, friendly, and loving experience at church will bless them with the security of the knowledge of a loving and trustworthy God as they venture into a larger world. They will have the opportunity to relate to people of all ages, and they will learn the privileges and responsibilities of living in community.

This safety policy serves several purposes. It seeks to raise our awareness of potential problems in the care of our children, it establishes set procedures to safeguard children's well being, and it delineates resources that may be necessary in the event of an emergency. However, more than a policy of the church, safely nurturing our children must be an attitude of our hearts. Thus it requires the help of all members of the church family, young and old, to foster an atmosphere where children can safely grow in mind, body, and spirit.

Building Safety Guidelines

All of us in the congregation, and particularly those who take responsibility for groups of children, should know some basic facts about the physical aspects of our building. This will help us think quickly and clearly in the event of an emergency.

Please report any accidents or injuries to the pastor or church secretary and complete any necessary insurance documentation.

Telephones

Telephones are located in the kitchen, in each classroom, in the Pastor's office, and the Choir Room/Library. Press any "line" button to get an outside line.

Hallways

Children (and any adults so inclined) should not run in the hallways.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are handicapped accessible. There is one located across from the elevator on the second floor, and two by the back entrance on the ground floor. There is also a child-sized toilet in the bathroom off the nursery.

Kitchen

The kitchen is a wonderful resource, but it has potential dangers. No children should be in the kitchen without adult supervision.

The Elevator

No children should enter or use the elevator without adult supervision. We would ask that any adult remind children - as necessary - lovingly but firmly, that the kitchen and elevator are off-limits.

First Aid Kits

A first aid kit is located in each of the janitor's closets: one on the first floor adjacent to the stairs, and another on the second floor in the back entryway to the sanctuary.

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are located in the kitchen, in the large vestry, and in the sanctuary.

Fire alarm pulls are located throughout the building near exits.

Emergency Evacuation and Fire Drills

Each fall and spring the Sunday school will hold a fire drill.

Emergency exit plans are posted in each classroom. In general, follow the nearest exit sign to the outside of the building and proceed to the rear of the parsonage.

In the case of an emergency evacuation of the building, parents should go directly to the rear of the parsonage to meet their children.

Guidelines for Appropriate Conduct for Safeguarding Children and Youth

The church will obtain and have on file, prior to employment, a CORI (Criminal Official Records Investigation) report for any individual to be employed by the church. CORI reports will remain confidential, seen only by the church moderator, and the pastor when appropriate (see CORI form available from the link below).

In addition, any individual in an elected position, or anyone who volunteers to work with children, will be asked to sign a statement of disclosure and covenant (see link).

All programs involving children and youth observe an open door policy. Parents, clergy, and elected church leaders may visit and observe any program unannounced. Meetings involving children are coordinated through the Christian Education Committee and the youth minister.

Supervision

No adult, other than the parent of the child, should be alone with a child in the church or church related event where he or she cannot be observed by others.

During overnight activities, sleeping accommodations for children and chaperones are separated by gender.

Children who come to any church-related program are supervised until they are dismissed.

Chaperones and Parents' Responsibilities

Classes, groups, and outings of children and youth should be led by a minimum of two adults.

For children and/or youth activities away from church, the pastor and the youth minister, in conjunction with the Christian Education Committee, will approve chaperones as a part of the planning process. Chaperones must be 18 years old or older.

Except by prior arrangement at youth group outings, youth leaders and chaperones are not responsible for driving children or youths home from meetings or activities. By prior arrangement only, a child may be dismissed to a person other than the person with whom he/she arrived.

A parent or guardian must sign a permission form for activities held away from the church. Parents will be informed about location, departure, and arrival times.

Sunday school classes will be released at the end of the Sunday school hour or the end of the church service. It is parents' responsibility to collect their children at the end of Sunday school.

Expectations of Behavior

Physical contact, such as wrestling, sardines, or other high contact games, is inappropriate in church-sponsored activities or gatherings.

Participants in all groups are expected to remain together throughout the meeting time. Unsupervised separation from the group is not permitted, unless under direction of the leader.

Guidelines for Reporting Complaints Regarding Building Safety or Misconduct

Complaints regarding building safety or personal misconduct should be brought to the pastor, church moderator, or chairperson of the deacons immediately. The church council will initiate a prompt and appropriate response to remove and/or correct any threat to the safety and well being of the congregation or our children.

Link to CORI document here
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ to remove and/or correct any threat to the safety and well being of the congregation or our children.

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