Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Guidelines

A Note from the Deacons

We care deeply about our children and youth at The Lighthouse Church. We also care about those who minister to the young.  Our prayer and desire is for TLHC to be a safe place for all of them.

Unfortunately, immorality in the world does not stop at the church entrance doors. For many years we have had guidelines for sexual abuse prevention, but we as deacons have felt that there is a need for a more comprehensive system that can be clearly communicated to the whole congregation and to visitors.

We also believe it to be in the best interest of the Church to take a proactive stance, reducing the likelihood that this would happen at The Lighthouse, and hopefully increasing the comfort of the parents and safety of the children who attend TLHC. We also want to provide protections for our teachers and youth workers.

We acknowledge that no guidelines can completely eliminate this risk. Ultimately, our protection comes from the Lord and we ask that you join us in prayer and action for the safeguarding of our children. 

Overview of General Guidelines

The Lighthouse Church (TLHC) is serious about making child and youth safety a top priority. To that end, child & youth workers will:

Prerequisites

·         Attend TLHC for at least 6 months.

·         Be a member in good standing at TLHC (to be an ongoing child or youth worker).

Screening      

·         Sign a release for criminal and abuse background checks.

·         Submit references from past churches (if applicable).

·         Participate in an interview process.

Worker Training

• Attend a Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Awareness training (mandatory for Ongoing Workers).
• Agree to adhere to the Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Guidelines whenever possible.

Supervision

 ·         At least two approved child or youth workers will be supervising each other and the children.

·         All rooms in which children will be supervised will have windows in the doors, allowing for supervision by church staff and parents.

What Should I do as a Parent?

You as a parent or guardian will be a great help to this process by following these parent guidelines:

·         Fill out a Parental Consent and Release Form the first day your child attends a class event.

·         Tell the children’s worker who, if anyone other than yourself, is approved (or not approved) to pick up your child at the end of Sunday school or youth event.  This includes siblings, other relatives, and friends all over the age of 18

·         Take your young children to the bathroom and encouraging the older ones to go before they enter the Children’s Ministry event.

·         Tell the children’s worker any reasons your child might need to leave the room (discipline problems, physical problems) and any special instructions for bathroom procedures.  Tell the child or youth worker under what circumstances you would like to be alerted to come and get your child.

·         Please pick up your child promptly after the service.

General Guidelines for Working with Teenagers  

Those working with teenagers at The Lighthouse will also undergo the same screening and training process as the workers with younger children.  Special guidelines for workers with this age group are:

 ·         Youth workers should avoid one-on-one meetings with youth in private places.

·         Youth leaders should not leave students alone at church waiting for transportation.

·         A youth leader must not interact with a student in any sexual manner, and must not engage in any type of romantic relationship.

Response Procedures

 Volunteers and staff are to immediately report any behavior that seems abusive or inappropriate, or any incident reported by a child or adolescent.   Please see the Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Guidelines packet for detailed response and reporting procedures.

To view the entire Child Protection policy, click here.   Acrobat Reader is required (free download).