FRAMEWORK OF SAFETY

Calvary: A Safe Environment

Calvary Baptist Church has developed a Framework of Safety that seeks to prevent any form of abuse and neglect with respect to vulnerable people. Calvary is especially concerned about the emotional, physical and sexual well-being of children, youth and other vulnerable people. To provide a safe environment—free from abuse for children, youth and other vulnerable people—Calvary has adopted screening and training policies for its staff and volunteers.

Thorough background checks are performed when employing staff. The results determine employment at Calvary. Screening checks are used with volunteers working with children, youth, and vulnerable adults. In-depth screening involves criminal background checks. All volunteers are required to agree to Calvary's Volunteer Policies presented below.

Volunteer Acknowledgment of Policies

The disturbing and traumatic rise of physical and sexual abuse of vulnerable persons has claimed the attention of our nation and society. The following policies reflect Calvary Baptist Church's commitment to provide protective care for all children, youth and other vulnerable people who participate in Calvary- sponsored activities.

1. Adults who have been convicted of sexual or physical abuse or neglect will not be hired or selected for volunteer service in any sponsored activity or program for children, youth or other vulnerable people.
2. Adult survivors of sexual, emotional, physical abuse or neglect need the love and acceptance of this church family. Individuals who have such a history should discuss their desire to work with children, youth or other vulnerable people with one of the pastoral staff prior to engaging in any volunteer service.
3. All volunteers working with children, youth or other vulnerable people are required to be members or identified regular attenders of Calvary Baptist Church for a minimum of six months.
4. All volunteers should strive consistently to observe the "two volunteer" rule. This means that volunteers should not be alone with children, youth or other vulnerable people without another volunteer or staff member present.
5. It is acknowledged that some ministry programs such as the Stephen Ministry require one-on-one meetings. In such cases the "two volunteer rule"cannot be applied. However, it is important that such ministry programs follow "officially recognized criteria" in recruiting, screening, and extensively training their volunteers.
6. All volunteers working with children, youth or other vulnerable people will participate in training to safeguard these people. Supervision is considered a part of training.
7. All volunteers who observe persons with signs of suspected neglect or abuse by others will report immediately to a member of the pastoral staff or the church administrator, who will report immediately to the senior pastor.
8. All volunteers who observe behavior by any leader or participant that seems abusive or inappropriate will report immediately to a member of the pastoral staff or the church administrator, who will report immediately to the senior pastor.
9. In order to avoid miscommunication and conflicting stories, all volunteers are to let the "official spokesperson" speak for the congregation about any "alleged incident"to the media. They agree to refer all media inquiries to this person.