SV4 - Child Safety

Providing a safe, secure, and happy environment for children takes diligent oversight and a heartfelt conviction that children deserve the best. 

  • Check-In & Accountability

    • All children are to be checked-in using our planning center system. If the system is not available, we will collect a roster of names and make name tags for participants.

    • We focus on unity, if there is anyone who is doing something that puts a child or adult at risk, we are dedicated to bringing up the issue and seeking loving resolution. We work to build eachother up in words and actions.

  • Emergency Procedures

    • The clipboard is the record of attendance, if any emergency arises, leader gathers kids & clipboard to verify attendance.

    • If exiting the building, keep kids together and meet at the basketball court in the back of the property.

    • If emergency is a lockdown, close & lock door, gather clipboard and kids and keep quiet and in the furthest point away from the door.

  • 2 Deep Rule

    • No leader should ever be alone in a private place with a single child ever.

    • No child should be alone in a private place with another child ever.

    • If a child needs special attention or prayer, you can move to an open area that can easily be observed. 

    • Students must also abide by the 2 Deep Rule.

  • Appropriate Touch

    • Healthy affirming touch includes: high fives, side hugs, and shoulder pats.

    • Physical interaction with a child should always be done in a public setting.

    • We do not permit lap sitting, piggy back rides, wrestling or tickling. 

    • It is also important to monitor peer interactions. Appropriate physical touch should also be enforced with our students.

  • Ask For Help

    • If a child is inconsolable, reach out for assistance.

    • If a child is badly injured, contact nearest staff member for help.

    • Reporting abuse.

      • If a child shares something with you that you are concerned about, you must immediately bring that to one of the pastoral staff.

      • Pastoral Staff will contact the district office and the Foursquare legal counsel to address the proper reporting process.

  • Bathroom Procedures

    • Follow the 2 Deep Rule (children must stay under supervision, even if you have to stand in the doorway to accomplish this).

    • WE DO NOT GO INTO THE BATHROOM WITH A CHILD, WE DO NOT SEND CHILDREN INTO BATHROOM WITH CHILD. CHILDREN NOT IN THE NURSERY NEED TO BE ABLE TO USE THE BATHROOM INDEPENDENTLY.

  • Minor First Aid & Medications

    • If a child is badly injured, contact nearest staff member for help.

    • We are able to use soap, water & bandaids for minor cuts & scrapes. We are not able to use ointments or medications without written consent from parents.

  • Group Management

    • Be ready for the kids to come with activities for them to do

    • Encourage adult participation! If they are in the room...give them a job!

    • Encourage kids to be responsible for their behavior! They are leaders, are they being good leaders?

    • Watch group “body language”. If they need to wiggle, it is easier to stop and do a quick wiggle session than to suffer from lack of attention and behavior problems

    • Kids stay together, no wandering.

INTERNATIONAL CHURCH OF THE FOURSQUARE GOSPEL CORPORATE RESOLUTION REGARDING THE SAFETY OF CHILDREN

WHEREAS the Holy Scripture declares children are a heritage from the Lord; and 

WHEREAS the Creator has made mankind in His image and sanctified human life with eternal destiny; and 

WHEREAS our Lord Jesus Christ received little children and clearly taught us that “of such are the Kingdom of Heaven”; and 

WHEREAS both a severe warning against offending little ones and solemn commandments to protect, nurture and teach our children are evident throughout the Word of God; 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED 

THAT the safety of the child be defended and sacred value of each individual be taught in the writings, the witness and the work of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel; 

THAT we subscribe to a gracious balance between the safety of each individual and the responsibility of parental, civil and Church authority; 

THAT we boldly declare our belief that each child has the right to life, liberty and fulfillment in the pursuit of happiness according to the precepts of the Bible; and 

THAT together we demonstrate a deep respect for human life, a firm commitment for future generations to have access to Christ’s calling and an entrance into his eternal Kingdom.