Mail to info@muuf.org

Children’s and Youth Programs Safety Policy

Adopted 10/14/2023

Background Checks

  • Volunteers serving in positions involving children and youth, the elderly, vulnerable populations, or transportation should be screened prior to any volunteer placement.
  • For applicants under the age of 18, use reference checks.
  • Re-screen volunteers every two years.
  • Use Trusted Employees
    • Always conduct criminal background screenings at the state and national level as well as through the Nationwide Sex Offender Registry.

Supervision

  • At least two non-related or non-partnered adults in the room at all times
  • Windows on classroom doors or door open
  • Doors should be locked to outside visitors, but unlocked from inside for easy egress.
  • There should be regular checks by DRE or another supervisor

Diapering, Bathroom Use, and Toileting

  • Only Parent/Guardian or Staff should diaper – Not Volunteers
    • If there is a need for diaper changing, a parent should be contacted. 
  • Adults should remain outside of the bathroom
  • Encourage the children to do as much for themselves as they are capable
  • If there is a need for adult assistance in a bathroom, then Two Adults should be in bathroom as well

Mandated Reporting of Abuse –

  • ALL ADULTS ARE MANDATED REPORTERS IN NEW JERSEY
  • All reports should be also reported to the DRE or Pastor.
    • Ultimately it is the sole responsibility of the reporter to report. No one else from the Fellowship (employee, board member, volunteer, committees or boards acting as a whole, etc.) shall prevent a person from reporting
  • For more information, please see these state guidelines (www.nj.gov/dcf/reporting/how)

Check-in and Check-Out Procedures

  • All Children under 13 years of age should be checked in or out by a parent or guardian
  • Parents may request special pick up instructions (extra people that can and can’t pick up children) by contacting the DRE
  • DRE will advise volunteers of special pick-up instructions. 

Permission Slips

  • Shall be signed by all participants
  • Shall be for Recurring events in a program year (SMRE, SYG, OWL)
  • Shall be for each offsite event

Food Allergies

  • The only food allowed in classrooms is provided snacks
  • Children can bring a water bottle
  • Check Realm for children’s allergies
  • DRE will also flag children with food allergies

Reports

  • All incidents; behavior, physical, emotional, and spiritual; should be reported to DRE immediately
  • Disclosure to parents can be a delicate situation and should be done in consultation with DRE and the Minister
  • Reports should be made through the MUUF Incident Report Form.

Walkie-Talkies

  • Each class will have a Walkie Talkie
  • The DRE (or another volunteer) will also have a walkie-talkie with an earpiece
  • Walkie-Talkies will be used in the event of physical emergencies, security threats, help with supervision, bathroom trips, and any other needs teachers may have to keep the children safe

Photos

  • Photos of children may only be taken by
    • RE Volunteers who are background-checked
    • Staff
    • Parents of children, as long as their children are in the photo
  • Photos of children may only be shared as follows:
  • If you notice someone not part of the above groups taking pictures of children or or see them posted outside of the approved channels, please let DRE know immediately. 

Emergency Response Plan

  • A printed copy of the Emergency Response Plan shall be kept in a RED binders in each classroom.

Fire Drill

  • As found in the MUUF Emergency Response Plan. 

Registration

  • All Children or Youth attending programs for Youth and/or Children must be registered in REALM
  • A Parental Consent Form must be completed for each child
    • A yearly form for recurring events such as Sunday Morning Religious Education or Youth Group
    • A separate form for off-sight or overnight activities
      • Medication Form will also be signed for off-sight or overnight activities 
    • Forms can be uploaded and filled out by parents on JotForm

First Aid

  • First Aid Kits will be available in:
    • all classrooms
    • Kitchen
    • Outside RE Library on the 2nd Floor 
  • First Aid Kits shall accompany all trips including, but not limited to, offsite trips, outdoor excursions
  • When applying first aid, gloves are to be worn
  • First Aid Kits should be checked for contents twice a year
  • Medicine
    • Shall NOT be given by volunteers 
    • May be given by staff with the direct consent of parent/guardian for each dose
download pdf