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CHILD SAFETY POLICY
Quimper Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Adopted into the Operations Manual on February 3, 2005

Quimper Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, as a spiritual community, takes seriously its responsibility to provide a safe and nurturing environment for all who participate. Adults working with children and youth in the context of our Unitarian Universalist faith have a crucial and privileged role--one that may carry with it a great deal of power and influence. Whether in the role of youth advisor, chaperone, childcare worker, teacher, mentor, choir, or any other capacity, the adult has a special opportunity to interact with our young people in ways that are affirming and inspiring to the young people and the adult.

While it is important that adults maintain meaningful relationships with the young people they work with, adults must exercise good judgment and mature wisdom in using their influence with children and youth. Every child and youth must experience physical, emotional, spiritual, and sexual safety while participating in QUUF activities. In addition, any child disclosing abuse will be met with support and appropriate advocacy.

To provide a safe and nurturing environment, we shall:

  1. promote self esteem throughout our curriculum and interactions.

  2. offer Our Whole Lives (OWL) sexuality program, which includes sessions on sexual abuse prevention.

  3. provide training for religious education teachers, youth advisors and mentors in the area of abuse prevention and intervention.

  4. plan for two adults to be present in most situations.

  5. participate in WATCH (Washington Access to Criminal History).

    All RE teachers, youth advisors and mentors, and staff will be enrolled in this background check program.

  6. The Director of Religious Education and the minister will be trained in appropriate responses to disclosure of abuse by any individual within the church community.

Consent for Enrollment in WATCH (Washington Access To Criminal History)

I have been informed and understand the information about the QUUF policy on background checks for those working/volunteering with children. As a volunteer or staff member working with children at QUUF, I agree to have a background check through WATCH. I understand the disclosure sheet shall specify all crimes against children or other persons, all crimes relating to drugs, and all crimes relating to financial exploitation in which the victim was a vulnerable adult.

Only two people will know the results of this check: Kathy Walker, Director of Religious Education, and Ginny Harvey, Children and Youth RE Committee Safety Officer. If a criminal record is discovered, these two people will meet with the Minister to determine how to proceed.

Legal Name ________________________________________________

Legal Address ______________________________________________

Phone Number _____________________________________________

Date of Birth _______________________________________________

I give QUUF Safety Officer permission to enter my name in the WATCH Program.

Signature____________________________________________________

Date________________________________________________________

Note: Anyone wishing more information on this program may speak to Kathy Walker at 385-4565.
Conversations will be kept confidential unless required by law to be reported.