All adults desiring to minister to children(1) and youth(2) in Children and Teens’ Ministries must meet all of the following qualifications to become a certified adult worker(3).

a. Be an attendee in good standing(4) at Merrimack Valley Baptist Church for at least 6 months.

b. Be 18 years of age or older.

c. Complete a Children and Youth Worker Application(5) provided by Merrimack Valley Baptist Church(6).

d. Submit to an interview by a Pastor(s).

e. Submit to an annual background check by authorities or background check service(6). A person who has been previously convicted of abuse or mistreatment of children or youth will be disqualified from working with children and youth in Children’s Ministries at Merrimack Valley Baptist Church.

f. Participate in annual training on child protection policies and procedures.

All teens (ages 13–17) desiring to minister to children(1) in Children’s Ministries must meet the qualifications in a, c, d, and f above to become a certified teen worker(3). Teen workers involved in working with children are to be supervised by a certified adult worker.

• A Child Information Form(7) providing information on each child(1) and a Teen Information Form(7) providing information on each youth(2) who will be participating in the ministry, is to be completed annually by a parent or caregiver. Parents or caregivers should notify the Ministry Leader or worker if there are any changes. A check in/out process will be followed for children and youth.

• A child or youth should not be left in an individual’s care behind closed doors or in an isolated or private location. The Ministry Leader and/or a Pastor(s) will attempt to evaluate every activity in order to determine the level of risk(8) for sexual misconduct situations to occur. When the risk level is high (i.e., overnight activities, bringing children to the bathroom, etc.), every effort should be made to increase supervision and accountability for the activity and/or program. When appropriate, the Ministry Leader and/ or a Pastor(s) may insist that two certified adult workers be present at all times during the activity.

• Children and youth should not be left alone to wander the halls or go into areas of the church and school unsupervised. Parents assume responsibility when children and youth are released from the ministry or event.

• Leaders(9), teachers, or workers(10) may not date or be romantically involved with child(1) or youth(2) participants.

• In the event an allegation of abuse of a child or youth is made, it must be reported immediately to the Ministry Leader or a Pastor(s)(11).

• Parents or caregivers of children and youth who are participating in a particular MVBC event who are chaperoning should adhere to the Children and Youth Protection Policy.

• Permission slips will be utilized for all off-site activities.

If an individual makes an allegation, please follow these guidelines:

1. React calmly. You need to be a source of stability for the individual, his or her family, and others involved in the situation.

2. Reassure the child or youth. The individual needs to know that he or she was right to inform you about the situation. Take all allegations seriously. The Ministry Leader or a Pastor(s) must follow up on all allegations.

3. Treat the accused with dignity and support. The accused worker will be temporarily relieved of his or her duties by the Ministry Leader or a Pastor(s) until the investigation is complete and further appropriate action is taken pending the outcome of the investigation.

4. Report the suspected abuse to the Ministry Leader or a Pastor(s).

5. Document all your efforts in handling the incident. Complete an Incident Reporting Form(12) immediately. Collect in writing all relevant information concerning the allegation. This form should be returned to the Ministry Leader or a Pastor(s).

6. Avoid interrogation. Leave the in-depth investigation and questioning to the proper secular authorities.

7. Upon receipt of an allegation of abuse, a Pastor(s) will contact the parent or caregiver of the child or youth unless otherwise instructed by the secular authorities.

8. Confidentiality is very important. Information regarding the accusation should be shared only with the Ministry Leader and/or a Pastor(s). Be careful to safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of all persons involved.

9. To fulfill any New Hampshire state reporting obligations(13) concerning the alleged child abuse, a Pastor(s) will notify the Department of Health and Human Services.

10. Upon learning of the allegations of abuse, a Pastor(s) will promptly contact legal counsel and the insurance carrier.

11. Do not contact the media. Only the church’s designated spokesperson will speak on behalf of Merrimack Valley Baptist Church to the media (print, TV, radio, or internet) using the text of a prepared public statement approved by a Pastor(s). All members, workers, etc. are asked to refer all questions to the designated spokesperson. Do not reveal any names or any information of those involved in the incident.