CSPS Overviewupdated: Wednesday July 11, 2007
CHILD SAFETY POLICY STATEMENT (CSPS)
Given the reality that we live in a fallen world, that the purity and reputation of the church are at stake, and that statistics reflect a national problem crossing social, racial, and age lines, it is necessary and prudent for West End Presbyterian Church to adopt and enforce a Child Protection Policy Statement and Procedures.
Our congregation’s purpose for establishing this Child Protection Policy Statement and the accompanying procedures is to demonstrate our absolute and unwavering commitment to the physical safety and spiritual growth of all of our children.
GOALS:
• To safeguard the children of the church from abuse or molestation while involved in church activities
• To protect the honor and reputation of Jesus Christ and his church
• To protect volunteers from false accusations
• To protect the church from trauma, scandal, and legal liability
• To offer pastoral care and support to volunteers who have been the victim of past abuse or molestation
Therefore, as a Christian community of faith and a Presbyterian Church in America congregation, we pledge to conduct the ministry of the gospel in ways that assure the safety and spiritual growth of all of our children as well as all of the volunteers. We will follow reasonable safety measures in the selection and recruitment of volunteers; we will implement prudent operational procedures in all programs and events; we will provide educational opportunities for all our workers with regard to the appropriate policies and procedures; and we will have a clearly defined procedure for reporting a suspected incident of abuse that conforms to the requirements of state law.
Psalm 78:1-4 says, “O my people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from of old-what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.” This is what Children’s Ministry is all about at West End Presbyterian Church. We want our children to know the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, and we are committed to providing opportunities for them to learn and grow in a safe and secure environment.
Please click here for the latest edition of the Child Safety Policy Statement (CSPS). If you have any questions, please email Joe, the Director of Children’s Ministries.
Please click here for the CM Volunteer Application. It is a Microsoft Word file. Please complete it and return it to the church office.