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.

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

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

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)

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.

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.

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 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:
- with DRE
- closed Facebook groups (MUUF, Fellowship Families)
- Google Photo Album (email DRE for an invite)
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.

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

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 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