Our Abuse Prevention Policy

Westlock Gospel Chapel (WGC) has the privilege of having many opportunities to minister to children and youth through our various programs and services. This follows the concerns of Jesus Christ, who insisted that children should have opportunity to be brought to him and not hindered (Matthew 19:14 and 18:5). Jesus also had strong words to say against anyone who would interfere with children or cause them to sin (Matthew 18:6). Unfortunately, we live in a society where we see that love, respect and protection of children is neglected, and abuse occurs.

At WGC, we have made a commitment to provide a safe environment for children and youth.

Those involved in any of our ministries to children or youth, including staff and volunteers, will be brought to know that we have zero tolerance for abuse, harassment or neglect. The purpose of this Abuse Prevention Policy is to prevent problems from occurring, to protect the children in our programs and to protect staff and volunteers from false or wrongful allegations.

Policy Guidelines

1. All those who serve in a ministry involving children and youth at WGC must first meet the following requirements:

Be a regular attendee of WGC for at least 6 months.

Complete an application form which will include personal information and references, and also conduct Child Abuse Registry and Criminal Record checks. These will be required every three years.

View the video "Reducing the Risk" or receive similar information or training.

Be interviewed by the ministry leader together with a pastoral worker, as available.

Application forms and other documentation will be kept on file indefinitely, maintained by the pastoral workers.

2. In ministries where children are being cared for or supervised, ministry workers will use a team approach, which requires at least one approved leader and helper to be present at all times. Off-premise programs must be supervised by two or more approved leader adults.

3. All ministry workers will avoid potentially compromising situations in which an allegation of abuse or impropriety could be made. At no time should an individual worker be alone in an enclosed space with a child or youth. Meeting rooms will have windows in their doors and/or doors will be left open.

4. Children are never to be physically disciplined nor verbally abused. If there are problems with discipline which cannot be remedied with verbal correction given in a positive manner, the child should be removed from the program and/or the parents called. Program supervisors should also be consulted if there are difficulties.

5. In addition to the responsibilities that ministry workers have (as above), ministry leaders and/or their designate will randomly visit classrooms and check all areas of the building.

6. Parents will be made aware of the precautions we are taking to protect their children. Parents will also be reminded to be vigilant especially at times when children are in the building but not specifically being supervised by church ministry workers.

Children under the age of 4 must be brought to and picked up from the program they are participating in by a parent or designate. For children 5 and older, parents will choose whether their children will be brought and picked up or arrive and leave on their own.

7. At the discretion of ministry supervisors, parental permission may be requested for certain events, such as those which require travel and/or overnight trips. For this purpose consent forms will be provided giving details of the event.

8. Church ministry workers who become aware of the occurrence or allegation of any type of abuse must report it to their supervisor or coordinator immediately. Also, a church Elder must be informed immediately. A committee of 3 people (consisting of an Elder, the ministry leader, and an independent, uninvolved adult) will then convene to investigate the incident. An alleged perpetrator will be suspended immediately pending the outcome of the investigation. Necessary procedures will be followed which may include:

Filling out an incident investigation report form

Reporting the incident to the police and/or Child and Family Services

Contacting the Church's insurance agent

All allegations will be taken seriously. Respect will be given for people's privacy and confidentiality. Without admitting legal liability or making public sttements prior to obtaining legal counsel, we will assure that there is a compassionate response to the alleged victim and their family.

9. This policy will be included in the church handbook and will be referred to at each Annual Meeting of the church to remind all members of the importance of strict adherence to this policy. There will be a review of this policy for all workers each September, at the start-up of our programs.