Safety/Secuity policy
Should you suspect that a child/student under your care is being neglected or physically or sexually abused, it is important that you contact the Pastor or Director over your ministry age group at the earliest opportune time. A pastor or Director is a Mandatory Reporter and will take any necessary action. As a volunteer, you should not conduct an "interview" with the child or make contact with the parents. This is the responsibility of the Pastor or Director. Any information told to you should be kept confidential.
Your service requires that you agree with the following guidelines to prevent child abuse or false accusations of abuse. Following these guidelines will help protect both Rolling Hills Community Church and you, our valued volunteer, from liability.
Restrooms/Diapering
- Volunteers may never be alone with a child/student in the restroom or diapering area. Another child or adult must be present at all times.
- Elementary children may enter the restroom without the supervision of an adult, but an adult must escort them to and from the restroom.
- To maintain privacy, a bath room stall should be entered by an adult only when absolutely necessary to assist the child. The stall door and exterior door to the hallway must remain open and another adult needs to be present.
- Diapers are to be changed in designated areas only and in the presence of other volunteers.
- When assisting children who are potty training, be sure all doors are open and other volunteers are present.
RHCC classrooms/off campus activities
- A child/student must never be alone with an adult. Classroom doors should be propped open when children/students are arriving, especially when only one child/student is in the room.
- Physical contact is permissible, but should be kept to a minimum and in the presence of other adults and children. Appropriate touching includes handshakes, "high fives," brief side hugs, or a brief touch on the shoulder.
- Infants/Toddlers may, of course, be comforted appropriately.