Revolution Church of Schertz Child Abuse Prevention Policy and Procedures Manual

To help protect children Revolution Church of Schertz has adopted the following Child Abuse Prevention Program. It is important that all Revolution Church of Schertz paid staff and volunteers understand and implement these guidelines to help prevent physical and sexual abuse against children. The following includes the Purpose and Definitions for these guidelines, the outlines of Protection and Prevention, and an Acknowledgement to be signed by all staff and volunteers working with children.

Revolution Church of Schertz seeks to express God’s love of children and provide for their personal wholeness. This caring community seeks to prevent child abuse of any form to our children and youth and to minister to victims of abuse and their families. The Bible is foundational to our understanding upon which all policies, procedures, and ministries must stand.

And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” 16 And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. Mark 10:13-16

Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, 6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 “Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes! Matthew 18:5-7

In addition to the biblical mandate to protect children, this policy is designed to:

1. Provide a safe and secure environment for children, youth, adults, members, volunteers, visitors, and paid staff.

2. Assist Revolution Church of Schertz in evaluating a person’s suitability to supervise, oversee, and/or exert control over the activities of children and youth.

3. Satisfy the concerns of parents and staff members with a screening process for paid staff and volunteers.

4. Provide a system to respond to alleged victims of sexual or physical abuse and their families, as well as the

alleged perpetrator.

5. Reduce the possibility of false accusations of abuse made against volunteers and paid staff.

Our goal in response to these Biblical mandates is to maintain a safe, secure, and loving place where children may grow: a place where caregivers, teachers, and leaders (both paid and volunteer) minister appropriately to their needs.

Revolution Church of Schertz desires to be a safe place for all children and adults who attend any activity. Incidents of child abuse or neglect cut across racial, social, economic and religious boundaries. Although no organization or individual can assure complete protection, this Child Abuse Prevention Policies and Procedures Manual reflects Revolution Church’s commitment to help protect children from harm. This manual applies to ALL volunteer and paid workers of Revolution Church of Schertz. Revolution Church of Schertz will not

tolerate child abuse or neglect. Your cooperation in this commitment not only reflects your concern about children’s safety in this society, but also your willingness to take steps toward halting child abuse and its detrimental effects.

For the safety and protection of our children and workers, all those who participate in church- sponsored activities with children and youth are required to comply with the guidelines provided in this manual. Additionally, prior to working with the children or youth at Revolution Church of Schertz, each person must sign the Child and Youth Abuse Prevention Worker Acknowledgment Form, which reflects your agreement to abide by the terms of this policy.

The following terms are used herein and are defined as follows:

• Adult—Any person age 18 or older.

• Child or Youth—Any person who has not reached his/her 18th birthday, or the age of majority as defined by state law.

• Paid Staff/Worker—Hourly, salaried, part-time or full-time employee who works with children at any church-sponsored activity.

• Volunteer Staff/Worker—Any non-compensated individual who works with children at any church-sponsored activity.

• Caregiver—Any compensated or volunteer worker, 12 years of age or older.

• Mandated Reporter—Any persons with the responsibility for the care of children is a mandated reporter. Texas law requires that if a caregiver has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been or may be subjected to abuse or neglect or observes a child being subjected to conditions or circumstances that would

reasonably result in abuse or neglect, that person shall immediately report or cause a report to be made to the Guadalupe Country Sheriffs Office or the Schertz, Cibolo, Selma or Universal City Police Department(s).

• Child Abuse—Child abuse refers to an act committed by a parent, caregiver or person in a position of trust (even though he/she may not care for the child on a daily basis) which is not accidental and which harms or threatens to harm a child’s physical or mental health or welfare. The law typically uses the following definitions and explanations in determining whether abuse of a child has occurred.

• Physical Abuse—A physical injury, threat of injury or creation of a real and significant danger of substantial risk of death, disfigurement or impairment of bodily functions. Such injury or threat of injury, regardless of intent, is intoxicated or allowed to be inflicted by non-accidental means. Examples: asphyxiation, bone fracture, brain damage, skull fracture, subdural hematoma, burns, scalding, cuts, bruises, welts, abrasions, internal injuries, poisoning, sprains, dislocations, gunshot, and stabbing wounds.

• Physical Neglect—The failure to provide food, clothing, shelter, or supervision for a child if the child’s health or safety is endangered. Physical neglect may include multiple occurrences or a one-time critical or severe event that results in a threat to health or safety, such as a toddler left alone. Other types of neglect include abandonment, inadequate supervision, inadequate clothing, inadequate shelter, inadequate personal hygiene, inadequate food, and malnutrition.

• Sexual Abuse—Abuse that consists of sexual contact or interactions with a child, including physical contact (fondling, sexual intercourse) and nonphysical contact (exhibitionism, child prostitution, pornography, voyeurism).

• Medical Neglect—Refusal or failure by caretaker to obtain and/or follow through with a complete regimen of medical, mental, or dental care for a condition, which if untreated, could result in illness or developmental delays.

• Failure to Thrive—A syndrome of infancy or early childhood that is characterized by growth failure, signs of severe malnutrition, and variable degrees of developmental retardation. Children are considered to be in this category only when the syndrome is diagnosed by a physician and is caused by non-organic factors.

• Mental Abuse/Neglect—A pattern of acts or omissions by the caretaker that results in harm to a child’s psychological or emotional health or development.

• Emotional Abuse—Verbal or nonverbal conduct including mental exploitation, degrading communication, or humiliating or threatening conduct that may or may not include bullying or as defined by state law.

• Educational Neglect—The child’s caretaker is directly responsible for the failure of the child to attend school or an approved alternative program of study.

• Corporal Punishment—Any punishment applied to the body but not limited to slapping, spanking, pinching, pulling, or squeezing.

In an effort to create the safest possible environment within Revolution Church of Schertz, several abuse prevention measures will be used. These measures include screening of paid and volunteer workers for past child abuse convictions or expungements, regular training on child abuse issues, use of the two-adult rule, standards for appropriate classroom discipline and open classrooms.

Volunteer workers must have been members or regular attendees of Revolution Church of Schertz for at least six months prior to the time they begin serving with children in church-sponsored activities. (Please Note: Most ministry-related positions of service require church membership, only a few do not.) Volunteer workers may serve sooner than six months but only under direct supervision of a staff member, director, or coordinator.

Any paid staff and volunteers who will work with a minor must complete the Staff/Volunteer Screening and Background Check Form. This is one form, applicable for both volunteers and those who are seeking a paid position within the ministry if that position involves working with youth or children. The release statement attached to the Form must be signed by the individual completing the Form to apply for and qualify for service, and all references will be checked.

Our Staff/Volunteer Screening Form includes questions regarding:

• Current and previous residence addresses;

• Current and previous employment, including addresses, dates, duties, titles, and reasons for leaving;

• Names and addresses of schools attended and degree(s) earned;

• Professional organizations and licenses;

• References from previous employers and organizations that serve children;

• Pending criminal charges (where not prohibited by state law);

• Criminal history information (background check);

• Volunteer experience

The Screening and Background Check Form includes a statement, which the applicant must acknowledge in writing, certifying that statements provided in the application are true and complete, and any misrepresentation or omission may be grounds for rejection of the applicant or for dismissal if he or she is employed. This statement authorizes Revolution Church of Schertz to contact any individual or organization listed in the application.

Further, it is required that each potential volunteer will complete an in-person interview with the staff member, or the staff member’s designee (a director, coordinator, or team leader), before the volunteer or employee will be allowed to begin working with children.

Revolution Church of Schertz will conduct a criminal and civil background check on all paid staff and volunteers who are entrusted with the care and supervision of minors or who directly oversee and/or exert control or oversight over minors. All criminal and civil background checks will be updated periodically. Applications and the results of any screening will be kept confidential by authorized church staff, unless otherwise required by law. All information obtained or discovered will be kept in a secure location and access to it will be restricted if possible. These materials will be archived.

No adult members of the congregation, whether volunteer or paid workers, who have been convicted of a crime against a child or a violent crime against another adult, will provide services in any church-sponsored activity or program for children or youth.

All volunteers and children’s ministry employees must attend orientation and training activities appropriate to the level of the volunteer or paid worker’s involvement.

• Salvation—Each worker must have personally accepted Jesus Christ as Savior.

• Submissive—Each worker must be submissive to biblical authority in all areas of their lives.

• Sanctified—Each worker must set themselves apart by continually implementing Biblical principles in their life in matters of:

  Honesty—in dealings with all people.
  Moral purity—refrain from fornication, adultery and homosexuality, as well as practices contributing to these such as pornography, vulgarity and profanity.

  With regard to dress, workers are asked to dress in a modest and appropriate fashion. Ladies should refrain from wearing short, low-cut, or tight fitting clothing.

  Men should also dress as to exemplify Christ.

• Self-Control—demonstrate Christ-like self-control in matters of conduct, attitude and actions. This includes refraining from possession or use of alcohol, vaping, tobacco and/or illegal drugs.

• Dependability—faithful to perform required tasks which may be assigned.

• Forgiveness—willing to forgive others who may have wronged you.

Physical contact with children should be kept to a minimum. Physical contact includes, holding children, holding hands, hugging and any one-on-one contact between any adults and children. Inappropriate behavior will be addressed immediately. This would include, but not be limited to:

• An adult placing themselves in a position where they are alone and isolated with a child/children;

• An adult touching a child/youth inappropriately or asking to be touched inappropriately by a child/youth. In the event a minor initiates physical contact and/or inappropriate touching, the worker must inform the minor that such touching is inappropriate;

• An adult saying, or allowing to be said, inappropriate comments or jokes;

• Other inappropriate behaviors might be exhibited by:

   Inappropriate or obscene phone calls or text messages, exhibitionism, displaying of pornographic material, and allowing children/youth to witness sexual activity.

  Physical discipline of a minor. Physical force shall only be used to stop a violent or physical

altercation, or a verbal assault that reasonably threatens to become physical, and only the minimum amount of physical force necessary shall be used.

If you suspect this may be occurring, maintain clear professional boundaries and refer the minor to another individual with supervisory authority. Depending on the circumstances, this could constitute child abuse and thus may require reporting to state officials.

If an accusation of improper behavior is made against you as a worker, in order to neutralize the situation, you will be placed on administrative leave until the matter is resolved. Upon the accusation being resolved favorably, you will be re-instated. If the behavior is such that there is any reasonable suspicion of child physical or sexual abuse, appropriate legal action and, if necessary, church discipline procedures will be followed. See section below for appropriate handling of alleged sexual or physical abuse.

Children and youth workers are not to go into a child’s home during visitation or when picking them up for church while their parents are not home.

ALL counseling is to be done according to the official counseling policies of the church. Failure to do so could result in personal liability and false accusations. Meeting in isolated environments with a child or youth for counseling should never be done alone.

See also age-specific guidelines below for further information about physical contact when working with children.

All church outings and activities as well as transportation to and from those activities must be approved by a member of the pastoral staff. These activities must be documented on the official church calendar.

Do everything you can to keep the parents informed about and involved in their child’s activities. Parents or legal guardians must sign authorization and consent forms for all activities that take minors off the church campus.

Transportation for church-related activities will be done by authorized church personnel only. If and when multiple vehicles are used, they are to stay together as a group, following the directions of the church’s authorized coordinator. If you ask another adult to drive other than authorized church personnel, you make yourself personally liable as well as the church.

No person may be entrusted with the care and supervision of minors or may directly oversee and/or exert control or oversight over minors who has been convicted of the offenses outlined below, been on a probated sentence or received deterred adjudication for any offense outlined below, or is presently pending any criminal charges for any offense outlined below until a determination of guilt or innocence has been made, including any person who is presently on deferred adjudication. The following offenses disqualify a person from care,

supervision, control, or oversight of minors:

• Any offense against minors as defined by state law.

• A misdemeanor or felony offense as defined by state law that is classified as sexual assault, indecency with a minor or adult, assault of a minor or adult, injury to a minor, or adult, abandoning or endangering a minor, sexual performance with a minor or adult, possession or promoting child pornography, enticing a minor, bigamy, incest, drug- related offenses, or family violence.

• A prior criminal history of an offense against minors.

At least two adults, preferably unrelated, must be present at all Sunday school classrooms, nurseries and church activities, including transportation to and from an activity. This includes activities on-site as well as off the church property. Under some circumstances, a mature, responsible older teenager may take the place of the second adult.

When a church-sponsored children's or youth group has both male and female participants, both male and female adult sponsors must also be present.

All volunteers for events and classes must be approved in advance by the leader of the organization sponsoring the activity. If a scheduled volunteer is unable to attend an event at the last minute, pre-approved volunteers may provide supervision.

Parental permission must be obtained in written form before any adult is allowed to be alone with a child, including transportation to or from an activity.

If a child initiates a private conversation with an adult, without parental approval, a second adult, preferably of the same gender as the child, should be present. If this is not possible, the door to the room must be left open, with another adult nearby. If adequate supervision is not available, activities will be cancelled.

All teachers and workers will use the following discipline measures. If a child is behaving inappropriately, the teacher or worker will tell the child specifically what he/she is doing that is not acceptable and state what the expected behavior is, e.g., (for young children) “We do not throw the blocks. We use blocks for building.” If this measure is not effective, the child will be guided to another activity. If inappropriate behavior continues, the child may be placed at a table to work alone away from the other students. If the child’s disruptive behavior

continues after these steps have been taken, the child may be taken to the appropriate Director or Coordinator and left under the supervision of the Director or Coordinator and another adult.

No corporal discipline or verbal abuse, e.g., ridicule, are to be used at any time. If isolating the child within the classroom or removal of the child from the room becomes necessary, the situation will be recorded on a disciplinary incident form and discussed with the child’s parents or guardian as soon as possible.

The church does not tolerate assault, threats, harassment, or abuse against church or school personnel or students. Verbal or written threats, racial/ethnocultural harassment, physical and/ or sexual harassment, or abuse perpetrated by anyone ministry is unacceptable. The church supports efforts designed to protect the welfare of staff and students.

In dealing with matters of alleged assault, threats, harassment or abuse, the dignity and rights of all are preserved and respected. The church is characterized by a safe and harmonious working environment in which the needs and well-being of every individual is paramount.

Violent behavior shall not be tolerated and will be dealt with accordingly:

Students under the age of twelve:

• Where children in the primary and junior division are behaving in a violent manner and are non-responsive to instruction telling the children to stop their behavior, staff members shall use the minimum amount of force necessary to prevent injury to persons or property within the vicinity of the violent person(s). The parents of the child must be involved in any action plan for remediation. The decision to report to the police will be made by the Executive Team. Police may take reports of incidents of violent behavior committed by persons

of this age group. The staff member is to immediately report to the pastoral staff and police incidents involving sexual assault, serious injury and serious damage.

Students twelve or older:

• For young people ages 12-17 years, any violent incident that may be considered criminal shall be reported to the police at the discretion of the Executive Team or as required by law. Students who are 18 years or over are considered adults, and the procedures of the state criminal code will be followed if these persons are charged and/or tried for criminal activities.

Any violent behavior whether or not it is reported to the police, is to be reported to the pastor and recorded by the staff member on an Incident Report Form containing a description of the violent incident, a reference to the call to the police and, if applicable, reference to any disciplinary response. This information together with any letters to the student and/or parent/guardian will be filed in the church office.

Classroom doors will be left fully open if one adult needs to leave the room temporarily and during arrival to the class or event before both adults are present. Speaking to a minor or minors one-on-one should be done where paid staff or volunteers are in sight of other adults. Under no circumstances should any adult worker, paid or volunteer, ever be alone with a child not his own in any closed classroom, restroom, vehicle, closet or other area.

The designated leader of a church event must know each person designated to provide automobile or van transportation to or from church. The driver must:

• Be at least 25 years old;

• Have a valid state driver's license, qualified for the vehicle being operated; Have no record of convictions for the past five years for drunken driving, driving under the influence, driving with a suspended or revoked license or reckless endangerment; Have proof of insurance; and Never be alone in a vehicle with a child not his own.

No staff, either paid or volunteer, are to give personal gifts to individual children or young people without the prior knowledge of the parent(s) or responsible leadership. Because gift giving can be a form of buying loyalty or silence, gift giving should be done on a group basis, or for special occasions only. Gifts may not be elaborate but should be modest and appropriate to the occasion.

Situations where staff members are taking children or young people out of the area for long periods of time or for overnight outings are to be carefully planned. Only known, proven staff and team members will be permitted to sponsor/chaperone the trips. New staff or volunteers may be used as additional sponsors but shall not be left

alone with the children or young people in a situation where there is no other staff to observe. Under no circumstances will one adult be allowed to take children or youth on an overnight outing.

The church has implemented universal precautions in an effort to minimize potential infectious diseases including blood borne pathogens. We have developed an exposure control plan for all employees to ensure their protection as well as the children and youth to whom they minister who may need minor medical attention for cuts, scrapes, etc.

Texas Law: A child 14 or 15 years of age may not work more than eight hours in one day or more than 48 hours in one week. A child who is 14 or 15 years of age and is enrolled in a term of a public or private school may not work between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. on a day that is followed by a school day or between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. on a day that is not followed by a school day. A child who is 14 or 15 years of age and is not enrolled in summer school may not work between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. on any day that school is recessed for the summer.

Federal Law: Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) a child 14 or 15 years of age may not work during school hours, may not work more than three hours on a school day or 18 hours during a school week, and may not work more than eight hours on a non-school day or 40 hours during a non-school week. Furthermore, a child 14 or 15 years of age may work only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. during the school year. Between June 1 and Labor Day, a child may work between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. A child 16 or 17 years of age has no restrictions on the number of hours or times of day they may work.

BUILDING AFTER ANY PLANNED CHURCH ACTIVITIES.

A minimum of two adult female caregivers must be present in each nursery regardless of how few children are in attendance. Workers may not leave until all infants have been released to parents or other authorized persons. The windows of the nursery will remain uncovered to allow a clear view of all activities. In nurseries or classrooms with no windows, the top half of Dutch doors must remain open at all times when children are present in the room. Church nursery workers who change diapers must be ladies and must adhere to the following procedures.

• Always use rubber gloves when changing diapers or when applying lotion or powder

• Always keep a cloth or wipe between her hand and the child.

• Only lady workers may take children to the restroom. The restroom door should be left open, if possible, so the nursery worker can stand in the doorway enabling her to supervise the child using the restroom as well as maintaining a posture that would safeguard against any accusations.

• If possible, avoid directly assisting an older-aged child who has wet or soiled his/her clothes. Endeavor to instruct him/her on how to clean himself/herself without your direct assistance (as frustrating as that may be). You may hand him/her what he/she needs but do not directly clean or wash the older-aged child whenever possible.

• Avoid helping young boys or girls with zippers or a young girl with her skirt whenever possible.

• Only assigned workers are allowed to stay in the nursery or to be in the nursery area during sessions.

• Children will be released to parents at the nursery counter. Any persons other than the child's parents or guardians, including other family members, must have written authorization to pick up the child. Such permission should be kept on file with the nursery coordinator.

• A positive approach to discipline will be practiced. Clear, consistent, age- appropriate limits will be established to help the children function appropriately. Corporal discipline is never allowed.

A minimum of two adult workers must be present with each group of children regardless of how few children are in attendance. The windows of classroom doors and between classrooms will remain uncovered to allow a clear view of classroom activities.

When possible, children will be encouraged to take care of their own bathroom needs. Should assistance be required, the outer bathroom door must remain ajar while two teachers are present to assist the child. The child/Children will be released to parents at the door of the nursery. Persons other than the children's parents or guardians must have written authorization to pick up the children.

When children are taken out of the classroom (playground, etc.), the teachers are to take a count of the children to ensure all are present. Only assigned workers are allowed to stay in preschool rooms or to be in the preschool area during sessions.

A positive approach to discipline will be practiced. Clear, consistent, age-appropriate limits will be established to help the children function appropriately. Corporal discipline is never allowed.

The Executive Leadership Team, or a director delegated to do so, must approve any children's activities that are held off-site. Parental permission will be secured for off-site activities and there will be a minimum of two adults present. All activities of children, on or off the church campus, must be scheduled on the official church calendar.

A minimum of two adult workers must be present with each group of children regardless of how few children are in attendance. The windows of classroom doors and between classrooms will remain uncovered to allow a clear view of classroom activities.

When possible, children will be encouraged to take care of their own bathroom needs. Should assistance be required, the outer bathroom door must remain ajar while two teachers are present to assist the child.

A positive approach to discipline will be practiced. Clear, consistent, age-appropriate limits will be established to help the children function appropriately. Corporal discipline is never allowed.

The Kids Director or one delegated to do so by him/her must approve any children's activities that are held off-site. Parental permission will be secured for off-site activities and there will be a minimum of two adults present. All activities for children, on or off the ministry campus, must be scheduled on the official ministry calendar.

A minimum of two adult workers must be present regardless of how few students are in attendance. Organized events on or off the church campus will be staffed with a minimum of 1:10 adult to students. The Next Gen Director or one delegated to do so by him must be informed in advance of all activities held on or off the church campus. Parental permission will be secured for off-site activities and there will be a minimum of two adults present. All activities for students, on or off the church campus, must be scheduled on the official church

calendar.

Overnight events that are attended by students of both genders must also be chaperoned by adults of both genders. At least one adult will be present in each sleeping area. A positive approach to discipline will be practiced. Clear, consistent, age-appropriate limits will be established to help the students function appropriately. Corporal discipline is never allowed. It is recognized that certain counseling and ministerial situations may preclude the presence of two adults and that the general guidelines for supervision of workers should not restrict situations where individual counsel and guidance is necessary. However, such counseling

should only take place in a room where interior windows allow a clear view of the activities in the room.

The Church considers any person under the age of eighteen (18) to be a minor. Private channels and private communication create an environment that puts both children and adults at risk. To help ensure that all communication on social media channels remains positive and safe, channels used by Church personnel to communicate with children regarding ministry activities must be public and all communication on or through them must be public. This enables the Church to monitor all communication and helps ensure there is no

inappropriate communication between adults and children or between children themselves. Therefore, no private channels (e.g., private Facebook groups or invite-only YouTube channels) are acceptable as channels for communication between Church personnel and children who are connected in any way to Church-related activities. Official Church-related social media accounts should not be used to contact children privately (e.g.,

Facebook® Messenger, Twitter® Direct Message). Online “chatting” with children is not permitted (Google® Hangouts, etc.). If contacting child directly is somehow deemed unavoidable for health and safety reasons due to some emergency, then the “two-adult rule” should be followed and another Church personnel should be added to the communication or the child’s parent(s) should be added. There are no exceptions to this “two-adult

rule.”

Great care should always be exercised when you are communicating with minors for any reason, and you should avoid any communication which:

1. Would potentially allow the minor’s personal information, address, phone number, picture or similar information to be available over the Internet or to third-parties not having a proper Church-related purpose;

2. Violates the Church’s children/youth policies;

3. Requests the minor to agree to an activity or undertaking which requires parental consent or at least would customarily be understood to require parental consent;

4. Suggests the minor meet with you for any kind of activity not part of regular Church events or a Church- related purpose; and

5. Would be considered as child abuse or neglect as described by the Church’s policies and applicable law.

Any action that would violate the Church’s policies regarding children/youth will also violate the Church’s policies if undertaken in a virtual or electronic forum rather than in person.

If Revolution Church of Schertz receives an allegation of child abuse, it will respond with the utmost concern to the victim, parent, or other party making such an allegation. The accused will be treated with dignity and support. Without clear and convincing evidence to the contrary, Revolution Church of Schertz personnel will assume that such complaints are made in good faith. Persons making such complaints should have no doubt that Revolution Church of Schertz takes them seriously and will take appropriate action.

When it becomes necessary to report suspected child abuse of neglect, the protection of children must be the most important concern. It is the legal responsibility of any person with responsibility for the care of children to report all cases of child abuse of which they become aware, and further, to report visible signs of alleged abuse. Failure to report could lead to further harm for the child, liability on the part of the church, the observer, or both.

Revolution Church of Schertz has determined that it is the responsibility of the program staff to report all cases of suspected child abuse to the proper legal authorities. While the confidentiality of the pastor/parishioner relationship is very important, reporting reasonable suspicion of child abuse has the potential for helping individuals receive help for a previous problem and may prevent further harm to a child, that person or others.

What is reasonable suspicion? Reasonable suspicion means that there is credible evidence or a discrepant or inconsistent history in explaining a child’s suspected abuse.

A report based on reasonable suspicion does not require proof that abuse or neglect has actually occurred or that the reporter witnessed the incident in question. Reporting is not a determination that child abuse or neglect has actually occurred; rather, it is a request for an assessment of the condition of a child.

Because we believe children are our most important concern, Revolution Church of Schertz has adopted the following guidelines for reporting:

• Treat each allegation of child abuse seriously and attempt to assure the safety and protection of persons who have been harmed.

• Immediately begin documenting all procedures observed in handling the allegation.

• Immediately notify the Executive Leadership Team or Next Gen Director. The Executive Leadership Team or Next Gen Director will initiate an internal investigation of the allegations immediately or as soon as is reasonably possible.

• The pastoral staff will immediately notify the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and/or a local law enforcement agency of the allegation. Texas requires mandatory reporters to report suspected child abuse immediately or within 48 hours.

• The Executive Leadership Team will immediately notify the parents if it is not known that they have previous knowledge of the allegations.

• As appropriate, Executive Leadership Team or Finance Director shall immediately notify the church’s insurance carrier of the possibility of a claim. If the abuse allegation does not implicate a church staff member or church volunteer, this step may be omitted.

• If the accused has assigned duties within the life of the church, that person must be temporarily relieved of his duties until the investigation is concluded.

The Executive Leadership Team should extend whatever care and resources necessary. In providing care to the principals (alleged victim and the alleged accused) and their families, the pastor or church leader, should under no circumstances be drawn into a discussion of the truth or falsity of the allegation which could contaminate an official investigation. Do not assign blame or take any steps that involve establishing or negating the allegation.

Remember that the care and safety of the alleged victim is the first priority. In some situations, churches have responded in a negative or non-supportive manner to the alleged victim. Further reconciliation can then bemore difficult and the possibility of damaging litigation increases.

This form is to be completed by ALL volunteer candidates for ANY position with Revolution Church of Schertz (“Revolution” or “Church”) involving the custody or supervision of minors or as otherwise determined by Revolution. This form MUST be completed by the candidate, and evaluated by Revolution BEFORE the candidate will be permitted to work with children or youth in any capacity. This form is being used to help

Revolution provide a safe and secure environment for those children and youth who participate in our programs and use our facilities. This form is not an employment application.

I hereby authorize you to contact any references or organizations listed in this Screening Form and authorize such references or organizations to release any information contained in their files or records concerning me. In consideration of the receipt and evaluation of this Form by Revolution, I release Revolution Church of Schertz (“Revolution” or “Church”), all of its agents, and all such references and organizations from any and all liability for any damage that may result from furnishing such information to you. I waive any right that I may have to inspect any information provided about me by any person or organization identified by me in this form.

I agree to undergo the analysis for the detection of the use of illegal drugs or controlled substances. I understand that testing positive for drugs or controlled substances could prevent my placement as a volunteer with Revolution.

I understand and agree that in the performance of my duties as a volunteer of the Church, or after I leave the Church, that I must hold in confidence any and all information that I come in contact with regarding Revolution or its business.

I understand and agree that it is critical to the mission and ministry of Revolution that all volunteers conform to the highest standards of safety, interpersonal conduct, and sexual morality. I affirm that I will strictly comply with Revolution’s Child Care Policies And Procedures For The Prevention Of Child Abuse and all additional policies and

procedures, including those concerning child safety and protection, sexual abuse and misconduct, and interpersonal relationships.  I understand and agree that failure by me to abide by such policies and procedures may result in immediate dismissal from my volunteer position AND that I may be dismissed at any time for any reason.

My responses above are true and correct. I understand and agree that any false answers or statements made by me on this form or any supplement thereto, or any false statements made to the representative(s) of Revolution during the interview process will be sufficient grounds for not hiring me or immediately discharging me, no matter when discovered.

In connection with employment or volunteer services (including contract for services) with Revolution Church of Schertz, I understand that investigative background inquiries are to be made on me, including criminal, driving, child abuse, sex-offender registrant and other reports. These reports will include information as to my

character, work habits, performance and experience along with reasons for termination of past employment from previous employers. Further, I understand that Revolution Church of Schertz or its authorized agent will be requesting information from various Federal, State and other agencies which maintain records concerning my past activities relating to my driving, criminal, civil and other experiences as well as claims involving me in the files of insurance companies.

READ CAREFULLY: I hereby acknowledge and agree that Revolution Church of Schertz SHALL NOT BE LIABLE for the use of inaccurate or incomplete information provided to them by any investigative firm or authorized agent with which Revolution Church of Schertz contracts or subcontracts in connection with this

release. Additionally, any investigative firm or authorized agent SHALL NOT BE LIABLE for gathering or use of inaccurate or incomplete information in connection with this release. 

I authorize without reservation, the Custodians of Records and other sources of information pertaining to me to release any and all records and information upon presentation of this signed release. 

I hereby waive any privilege which may exist with regard to such records and express my desire that the investigator be given full and complete access to any records, without the custodian obtaining further consent from me.

I understand that the information obtained by Revolution Church of Schertz pursuant to this release is confidential and will be protected as much as reasonably possible. I understand that my employment or volunteer position with Revolution Church of Schertz is conditioned upon acceptable results of the background inquiry as determined by Revolution Church of Schertz. I also understand that matters appearing on the

background inquiry will not necessarily disqualify me from employment or a volunteer position with Revolution Church of Schertz.

I further agree that a reproduced copy of this Release shall have the same force and effect as the original. This authorization is valid for the entire period of my employment or contract with Revolution Church of Schertz.