Guidelines for working with children and youth

Many churches have developed child, youth, volunteer and staff Protection Policies. The policy of Nassau Presbyterian Church, Princeton, New Jersey, articulates the rationale for such policies:

"Our congregation’s purpose for establishing this policy and accompanying procedures is to demonstrate our absolute and unwavering commitment to the physical safety and spiritual growth of all of our children and youth."

These days a church policy is critical to protect the well‑being and safety of our treasured children and the staff and volunteers who work with them. As an advocate for children, be sure your church has one. Here are some suggestions from Nassau Presbyterian Church in Princeton, New Jersey, and St. Mark Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach, California.

• Screen all persons who desire to work with children and youth in the church.
• Provide training at an orientation/policy session annually.
• Develop Policies (The Two Adult Rule, Open Door Policy, Counseling Policy, Release of Children, Transportation, Age of Workers, Reporting Procedures when there is an incidence of abuse)

For more suggestions and helpful resources, visit the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Creating Safe Churches Web site.