CNBC encourages all churches to have sound policies, procedures and training in place for both staff and volunteers. Trying to prevent abuse is substantially better and easier than having to deal with the consequences after an incident has occurred. If proper precautions are not taken, predators will prey on the vulnerable in our churches, since churches are trusting environments where grace and forgiveness are offered freely. Creating awareness of abuse issues and vulnerabilities, as well as providing information and resources, will help to develop a sound abuse prevention policy and foster a safe environment for everyone in the church. 

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Vetting of workers prior to enlisting

Vetting of workers involves a combination of screening methods, starting with a Vulnerable Sector Check from local police services for both staff and volunteers. 

For paid staff, an additional staff vetting questionnaire is recommended after the initial interview along with the request for several personal and ministry references. Best practices for hiring include following up on references. It is recommended that employers ask the references questions about the candidate's previous work with vulnerable people in order to identify potential risks for abuse. References are also recommended for volunteers.

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Guidelines and best practices for all workers

To enhance the safety of all individuals in the church, implementing proper procedures and guidelines is strongly encouraged, along with regular training and awareness programs. 

 

It is recommended that all screened workers receive training on the topic of abuse. Training may include items such as the distinction between appropriate and inappropriate touch, best practices, as well as recognizing potential behaviours and warning signs that may be indicative of abuse. Annual refresher training for all staff and volunteers is encouraged.

 

Best Practices for Children's and Teen Ministries

 

Washroom & diapering

During the children’s class time, it is strongly encouraged that parents –not volunteers or staff– change diapers and take their child to the washroom. Parents will be contacted either by displaying a child’s security number on the screen in the service or by a volunteer locating them in the service if this is necessary. 

 

If a parent is unavailable:

Diaper changing must take place by the parent or a vetted volunteer. If a vetted volunteer, it must be done in clear view of a second vetted volunteer.

If a child needs to be taken to the washroom, the vetted volunteer must check to make sure there are no other adults in the washroom. When it is deemed clear, the child may use the washroom while the adult waits outside. If a child needs assistance and the parent is not available, two adults must be present and the stall door propped open. At no time is a volunteer to be alone with a child in a washroom. 

 

Appropriate and inappropriate touch

What defines appropriate vs. inappropriate touch depends on the age group. Below are some guidelines for the different groups. 

 

For ages 0-3, which in many churches is the age category for the nursery, it is appropriate to touch the child while holding, rocking, having it on your lap and hugging the child for comfort. Holding hands while praying, leading a toddler, sitting beside the child, or putting an arm around the shoulder are considered appropriate forms of contact.

 

Appropriate touches in ministry for the ages 4-7 are: Pats on the shoulder or back; Handshakes, “high fives,” and fist bumps; Verbal praise; Putting an arm around shoulder; Holding hands during prayer; Holding hands while walking with small children; Sitting beside small children; Kneeling or bending down for brief hugs with small children; Pats on the head.

Appropriate touches for ages 8-12 and teen ministries are: Pats on the shoulder or back; Handshakes, “high fives,” and fist bumps; Verbal praise; Putting arm around shoulder; Holding hands during prayer; Returning a quick hug that was initiated by the child or teen.

 

The following is always considered an inappropriate touch: 

• Inappropriate, lengthy, or adult-initiated embraces

• Kissing children

• Touching a child between the belly button and the shin

• Holding children over three (3) years of age in your lap

• Wrestling with children

• Tickling children

• Piggyback rides

• Hugs from behind

• Any type of unwanted affection

• Any type of massage given between an adult and a child

• Compliments or comments that relate to physique or body development

• Spending time alone with children or teens outside of church

• Touching a child or teen in anger or disgust 

• Contacting a child through telephone or electronic means.*

 

*In case a teenager needs to be contacted through texting or social media, this must be done in a three-way conversation with either another screened leader or a parent or guardian of the teenager. Conversations must be saved and not deleted.

 

Two adult policy 

• Two vetted adults must be present with the children and teens at all times. 

• If there are circumstances where one adult must remain in the room, the door should be left open so that others can clearly see into the room. 

• No adults other than vetted volunteers or parents are permitted in the kids' area. 

 

Use of physical redirect

When a child is a danger to themselves or others, it may be necessary to physically redirect them. Appropriate redirects:

• Leading a child by the hand away from a situation

• Redirecting to another activity

• Temporarily blocking a child from another child

• Temporarily holding a child away from another during a fight

 

If a child is getting out of control, call the parents immediately to prevent the situation from escalating. Disciplining of a child is never appropriate.

 

Guidelines for Summer Camps

Because Summer Camps are outdoors in public places and younger children's parents are present, the guidelines for Summer Camps are a little different than other church ministries.

• Two vetted adults must be present at all times to supervise the camp

• All other volunteers must attend a mini-training before camp starts

• Guidelines for appropriate and inappropriate touch according to this handbook must be followed by all volunteers

• Any washroom and diapering must be done by parents. If parents are not available, this must be done by vetted adults.

 

Abuse awareness

The following behaviours and potential warning signs may indicate someone is a victim of abuse. All workers should be aware of these. 

 

Neglect

A neglected child or youth may:

• Often be hungry and steal or hoard food

• Be underweight or dehydrated

• Have poor hygiene

• Wear clothes that are torn, dirty, do not fit or are not right for the season

• Try to take on adult responsibilities like caring for siblings, doing household tasks or looking after a parent

• Say that their parents are rarely home or the child does not want to go home

• Have medical or dental problems that will not go away such as infected sores, decayed teeth or difficulty seeing that is not being addressed

 

Sexual abuse

A sexually abused child or youth may:

• Know more about sex than others their age

• Behave in an improper or aggressively sexual way with peers, teachers or other adults

• Use sexual language or make drawings with sexual images

• Start wetting or soiling their pants, wetting the bed or thumb-sucking

• Be afraid to go to sleep, have nightmares or sleep long hours

• Become withdrawn, anxious, fearful or depressed

• Have physical trauma or irritations in the anal and genital areas

 

Sexual exploitation

A sexually exploited child may:

• Withdraw from regular friends and family

• Be secretive about who they see and where they have been

• Be unusually protective about a new relationship or friendship and unwilling to talk about it

• Hang around with older people

• Wear clothing or jewelry or have a phone or device they could not afford to buy

• Carry a lot of condoms or sexual aids

• Be very secretive or reactive about their browser history, websites they visit or contacts on their phone

 

Physical abuse

A physically abused child or youth may have visible injuries or illness that are unexplained or poorly explained, including:

• Bruises, cuts, scrapes, welts, fractures, sprains, dislocations or head injuries

• Injuries that could not have happened by accident like a bruised earlobe or cut behind the knee

• Visible handprints, finger prints or other marks

• Burns on various parts of their body

• Unusual behaviour or appearance

 

In addition, the child or youth may:

• Be defensive about their injuries

• Wear clothing that covers their body even when the weather is warm

• Not be able to tolerate physical contact or touch

• Fear their parents or guardians or other adults

• Run away

• Be reluctant to undress around others

• Say their parent or guardian has injured them

 

Emotional abuse

An emotionally abused child or youth may:

• Constantly apologize or try too hard to please others

• Show anxiety, fears or depression

• Have trouble concentrating, learning or sleeping

• Have episodes of aggressive, angry and demanding behaviour

• Cry for no apparent reason

• Have problems with bed-wetting or fecal incontinence

 

Intimate partner abuse (adults)

A relationship may be abusive if one partner:

• Has unexplained bruises or questionable explanations for injuries

• Acts differently when their partner is around (for example, doesn't speak up)

• Tries to change the subject if they are questioned about their partner's behaviour

• Seems to be controlled by their partner and seems reluctant to make decisions by themselves

• Withdraws from their friends and family

• Is pressured to have their online activity monitored by their partner

• Has an uncharacteristic change in risk-taking behaviours (for example, doing drugs, drinking alcohol)

• Experiences a drop in school or work performance

• Is humiliated or criticized by their partner in front of others

• Is frequently contacted by their partner wanting to know where they are and what they are doing

 

Best practices for meetings and support in a ministry context

 

Meetings within a ministry context

There are no separate guidelines for men and women. Guidelines apply to both opposite sex meetings and same sex meetings for staff and volunteers in a ministry context. 

 

• Two adults can meet alone if:

  • In a public place such as a coffee shop or park

  • In an office with the door closed but an unobstructed view

• Home Visits must have at least three people (age 15 or older) present

• You may hold hands during prayer if the other adult initiates

• You may return an other adult-initiated hug

• Following others on Social Media is acceptable

• Email and text communication is acceptable 

• Church members have the right to make communications public if they feel uncomfortable

• Leaders have the right to share communication with a spouse or other leader if they feel uncomfortable

 

Vulnerable Adult Ministry

This category includes ministry to seniors, the disabled or those in medical distress. Appropriate

contact include: 

 

• Holding a hand to comfort or pray together

• Hugs initiated by adult

• Assisting with mobility if asked by adult or family member

• Can be alone with adult in room if there are windows

 

Worker files

CNBC recommends that churches maintain a file for each staff member, which should contain references, VSCs, training attendance records, signed policies and procedures, and a signed acknowledgment of reporting responsibilities. 

For volunteers, keep at minimum records of VSCs and checklists of their training attendance form. Regular updates of VSCs are recommended every 3 years.