A Policy and Procedures

for the

Prevention of Child Abuse

United Church in Walpole
30 Common Street
Walpole , Massachusetts

Introduction

Jesus said:" Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs." (Matthew 19:14) "Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me." (Matthew 18:5)

Jesus calls us to offer hospitality to our children and youth, to nurture and to walk with them in their journey of faith. We, at United Church in Walpole, know our children to be gifts from God, a vital part of our present and our future. We welcome them as full participants in the life of the church and in the realm of God.

United Church in Walpole is committed to providing a program of religious education for children from infancy through young adulthood. In their work together, adults and children learn about and experience God’s love through worship, mission, and Christian fellowship. Many members and associates of United Church in Walpole are engaged in the ministry to children and youth. We are grateful for and celebrate the dedication and love of God and people that the teachers and leaders bring to this ministry.

Purpose

The purpose of United Church in Walpole, in establishing a Policy and Procedures for the Prevention of Child Abuse, is to demonstrate our absolute and unwavering commitment to the physical safety and spiritual growth of all of our children and youth, their teachers, caregivers, and leaders.

We are moved to do so because we know that, tragically, not all churches have proven to be safe places for children. Sexual abuse, harassment, and exploitation of children have occurred in churches, large and small, urban and rural. The problem has cut across all economic, cultural, and racial lines.

Such incidents, when they have occurred, have been devastating to all involved: children, families, local churches, and their leaders. Churches have been torn apart by the legal, emotional, and monetary consequences of litigation following allegations of abuse.

By implementing this policy and these procedures, we intend to provide insurance as well as significant assurance that United Church in Walpole will remain a safe church. The policy establishes reasonable safety measures in the selection and recruitment of workers as well as prudent operational procedures for all programs and events. United Church in Walpole will educate those who work with children and youth regarding the use of all related policies and methods (including first aid and fire safety as well as guidelines for care). Parents/guardians will be assured that all church events involving children and youth, to include child care, church school, youth programs, and special events, will be open for visitation. We will have a clearly defined procedure for responding to and reporting a suspected incident of abuse or exploitation that conforms to the requirements of state law. And we will be prepared to respond to media inquiries if an incident occurs.

Recruitment
of
Teachers, Leaders, and Child Care Providers

United Church encourages all who have been active associates or members of our church community for at least six months to become involved with the Church School and Youth programs. However, those desiring to work with our children and youth will be asked to submit to a screening procedure.

Screening Procedures

All employees of United Church in Walpole, church officers and those who will have contact with children and/or youth, including church school teachers, youth leaders and childcare providers, will be asked, yearly, to review this policy and to sign a participation covenant (See Form A). In addition, paid employees and church officers of United Church in Walpole and youth leaders of the Journey to Adulthood and Pursuit programs will undergo a screening procedure including completion of the attached questionnaire (See Form B) and authorization of a Criminal Records Background Check (CORI). CORI checks will be renewed every three years

The Director of Christian Education will oversee the review of policy and signing of the Participation Covenant by childcare and church school personnel. The Church Moderator or other designated person(s) will conduct the more extensive screening of paid employees and youth leaders. He/she will review all submitted applications, personal references, and CORIs. Certified authorization for the designated person to conduct CORI screening must be obtained by submitting an Individual Agreement of Non-Disclosure and Statement of CORI Certification Compliance to the Criminal History Systems Board of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

If any candidate is found to have a history of conviction for child abuse, or admits to having committed child abuse, that person will not be considered for a position involving direct contact with children or youth.

General Guidelines for Teachers and Leaders
Working With Children and Youth

Two Adult Rule

• A person must be 18 years of age or older to be a legal adult.
• Two adults shall be present with children in all classroom, childcare or youth group settings.
• At no time should an adult be in the church alone with a child or youth which is not their own.
• When one-on-one interactions are appropriate and/or necessary, care shall be taken that they are conducted in an environment that provides visibility to others. Another adult should have knowledge of the adult person’s whereabouts and with whom he/she is meeting
• Teams of husband-wife or other same interest couples will not satisfy the two adult rule. Same interest couples will include those living together, in a dating relationship, or of close family relationship. In instances when such a team exists, a third adult will be needed to meet the two adult requirement.

Discipline

The approach to classroom management and discipline at United Church in Walpole is guided by an objective of showing the children how to work together in Christian community, supporting and respecting each other in their quest for God and for meaning.

• Teachers should expect the children or youth in their classes to:
  • Be respectful of others in class, both peers and leaders;
  • Speak in turn so that only one person talks at a time, and listen when others speak;
  • Participate fully in class;
  • Keep members of group physically and emotionally safe;
  • Be respectful of classroom and materials.
    
• Teachers will seek to assist their classes in meeting these expectations by:
  • Preparing the lesson carefully.
  • Making use of class covenants, gathering rituals or activities, other devices which help the children to be ready for class.
  • Modeling for the children an ability to focus on the lesson and resolve conflicts peacefully.
  • Being clear and consistent about expected behavior.
    
• If a child or youth has difficulty achieving appropriate behavior in class or any church group activity, the responsible adult will be empathetic, but firm about the need to resolve the problem. A graded response should be employed by the teacher or leader, moving as necessary from:
• Interrupting the lesson to remind the class of expected behavior.
• Giving a quiet reminder, specific to the offender, noting the unfairness of disruption to the group and requesting an apology and/or resolution of the problem.
• Separating the child from the circle of the class.
• In Godly Play classes: teachers will, if necessary, ask the child to leave the circle to sit with the greeter ( where he/she will be better able to hear the story).
• In Journey to Adulthood classes and youth group meetings: leaders will request of the young person a written description of his/her actions and a plan for possible alternate behavior.
• Contacting the parents after class to notify them of the problem.
• Removing the child or youth from class.
• In Godly Play classes: the child should be removed from class only if he/she is out of control or is threatening the safety of others.
• In Journey to Adulthood classes: the young person may be asked to rejoin the parents in worship during class time.
• If removal of the child or youth is necessary, the assistance of the Christian Education Person of the Month or the Director of Christian Education should be obtained in locating the parents.
• The teacher/leader should arrange for a family meeting following class.

• Under no circumstances should the use of spanking, hitting, slapping, or any form of physical punishment be used to discipline a child or youth. Verbal reprimands should not include name-calling, insulting remarks, shouting, or threatening.

• Teaching or leadership teams should discuss persistent problems in the dynamics of their class or group. The Director of Christian Education is available for consultation and assistance in addressing these concerns.

• The Director of Christian Education and/or a representative of the Christian Education Committee will be available in the halls during regular class time to monitor church school activity and to provide assistance as needed by children or staff. In addition, the Director may be contacted at the church office on weekdays.

Activities Away from Church Premises

• A consent form, signed by parent or guardian, is required for all children and youth attending church events off of the church property.
• The consent form should request information regarding medications required during the event, insurance coverage, allergies and/or other pertinent medical information, and phone number for emergency contact, as well as a signature authorizing medical treatment if needed. This information should be held by the chaperones during the event. A duplicate copy of the permission slips should remain in the church office during the event.
• Parents should be informed of the destination of the trip, the names of chaperones accompanying the children/ youth and mode of transportation.
• Drivers will be asked to give proof of insurance and complete a driver survey (Form C)
• If traveling by car, use of seatbelts is required.
• Participants and drivers should meet for departure at a designated area.
• Two adults: a driver and chaperone must be provided for each vehicle carrying children in Grade Five and younger.
• In the event that it is not possible to provide two adults for each vehicle, the minimum required will be one adult and two or more youth members (Grades Six and older).

Additional Guidelines for Teachers and Caregivers of Young Children

 Open Classrooms

• Parents have a right to full information about all church school programs and are welcome to visit at any time.

Bathroom Supervision

• Adults who accompany a child to the bathroom should remain outside the bathroom stall while the child is inside. The outer bathroom door should remain open.
• In some instances a child may need assistance with undressing, cleanup or dressing associated with toileting, with cleanup from a craft project, or care of illness or injury. In these cases, the care provider will help as needed. The door to the bathroom stall and/or bathroom should be kept open.
• If extraordinary assistance is required, the CE Person of the Month should be notified and the parent should be located to provide it.
• Children in Nursery through Grade 2 should be accompanied to the bathroom. Those in Grade 3 and up can use the bathrooms unescorted by an adult but should be accompanied by another child.
• A logbook noting bathroom trips or other short term absences from the Nursery through Grade 2 classes should be maintained in those classrooms. The name of the child and the time of departure and return should be included in the notation.
• Diapering of infants and toddlers in the Crib or Toddler Rooms may be done on a disposable mat in the classroom. Two adults should be present during the changing. Gloves should be used. The disposable mat, gloves, and wipes should be placed in a bag and disposed of in the dumpster after class. Cloth diapers should be bagged and put in the child’s bag to go home. Staff must wash their hands with soap and water before and after changing a diaper.  

Arrival/ Dismissal

• In the Crib and Toddler rooms, parents should sign their children in/out on arrival and departure. Nametags should be available for the children.
• Children in Nursery, Kindergarten and Grades 1and 2 will be dismissed to a parent or guardian at the classroom door.
• Children in the Crib and Toddler Rooms, as well as those in Nursery through Grade 2, may be dismissed to someone other than the parent or guardian only if alternate instructions have been given to the teachers or caregivers. These instructions may be submitted at the time of church school registration or via a signed note. The parent or guardian is responsible for insuring that the teacher/caregiver knows the identity of the designated alternates to whom the child is being released.
• Children in Grade 3 and above will be dismissed from their classrooms to meet their families, independently, in Bradford Lewis Hall.
  

Additional Guidelines for Leaders
of
Pursuit, Journey to Adulthood, and Journeys Programs
And all Activities Involving Youth

Adult Leaders

• Leaders, chaperones, drivers of Pursuit, Journey to Adulthood, and Journeys programs must be at least 18 years of age and at least three years older than the oldest eligible youth participant.
• There should be two or more adult leaders, at least one adult for every ten youth.

Youth members of church committees

• No youth member of a church committee shall be in attendance at a meeting with less than two adult members unless the youth’s parent is also present.

Discipline

• The purpose of discipline with youth is to maintain order in a manner consistent with the teaching of Christian responsibility, respect, and cooperation.
• No youth shall be disciplined by physical punishment.
• Verbal reprimands shall not include name calling, insult, or shouting.
• Adults are encouraged to listen to youth, communicate expectations of appropriate behavior, use time-outs or give alternative choices.

Youth Activities

• No adult leader should initiate or encourage inappropriate physical or intimate contact with or between youth.
• All participants in youth group are expected to remain with the group throughout the event. No pairing or otherwise separating from the group to other parts of the building or grounds is permitted, except with permission of group leaders. Participants must remain in groups of at least three people at all times.
• Adult leaders should have knowledge at all times of the whereabouts of all young people in attendance at church sponsored events.  

Drugs, Tobacco, Alcohol

• The use or possession of any drugs, drug paraphernalia, tobacco, or alcoholic products is not permitted by adults or youth at any youth activity sponsored by United Church in Walpole.
• Members of the youth group will take the responsibility to inform their leaders if they are aware of any such use or possession.
• If an individual is found to be in possession of illegal substances at a church sponsored event, the police will be notified.
• Attendance at a youth activity sponsored by United Church in Walpole while “under the influence” of drugs or alcohol is not permitted.
• If a young person is found to be “under the influence” at a church sponsored event, the procedure established in the United Church Senior Pursuit Drug Policy will be followed:
• Leaders will contact a parent or guardian of the offending young person and ask him/her to take the youth home immediately.
• Prior to resuming attendance at youth group meetings, the young person and parent(s) or guardian will meet with leaders to develop a plan for counseling and/or changed behavior.
• Attendance at overnight events will be forfeited, by the offending young person, for six months following the offence.
• A follow up meeting of parent(s) or guardian and adult leadership will be held at the end of the six months.
• A second offence will result in termination of the offending individual’s membership in the youth group.
• Youth group members are responsible for their guests. If a guest arrives “under the influence”, the member’s parents will be called to remove the youth group member and guest.
• Adult leaders should be made aware, before any church sponsored event, of prescription drugs required by a participating youth.

Violence

• No one is to strike or otherwise threaten anyone at any time.
• No weapons of any kind are to be brought to Pursuit or church sponsored events.

Transportation

• Adult leaders must have written, signed consent to transport youth to church sponsored events or between church and home.
• Drivers will carry a copy of the signed permission slips and emergency information with them in their cars.
• Young people will not be allowed to drive their peers to Pursuit sponsored events held away from church property.
• Adult drivers will be asked to give proof of insurance and complete a driver check form (Form C) to drive for events sponsored by United Church.
• If traveling by car to United Church sponsored events, use of seatbelts is required.
• Drivers and youth should meet, as a group, at a designated place before departure.
• If it is not possible to provide two adults for each vehicle, the minimum required is one adult and two or more youth members. Adult leaders should never travel with a youth in a one-on-one situation.

Overnight Activities

• All adults chaperoning an overnight trip should be cleared through the screening process.
• A signed parental consent form is required which states the site and lists the names of chaperones to be present.
• The consent form should also request information regarding medication needed during the event, insurance coverage, allergies and/or other pertinent medical information, and phone number for emergency contact as well as a signature authorizing medical treatment if needed. This information should be held by the chaperones during the event with a copy remaining in the church office.
• All overnight programs will provide safe, supervised sleeping arrangements with gender-specific sleeping areas.
• Two adult males will dorm with boys, two female adults with girls during overnight trips.
• If circumstance makes it impossible to have two adults per room, adults will sleep in a separate room or in a room with two or more youth members.
• Separate bathroom/ shower facilities by gender (or specific times to use a single facility) will be provided.
• Curfew times, as announced by group leaders, will be strictly observed.
• Group members will not be permitted in rooms of members of the opposite sex without the doors open or after curfew.

Dating

• No adult youth leader is to date a youth or become romantically or sexually involved with a youth who is a member of United Church Pursuit, Journey to Adulthood, or Journeys.
• Public displays of affection amongst members of Pursuit, Journey to Adulthood, or Journeys, while attending church related meetings or events, will be discouraged.

Gifts

• All adult leaders are to refrain from giving or receiving personal gifts or money, to or from youth, without first consulting with the parents, Youth Coordinator, or Director of Christian Education.  

Open Meetings

• All Pursuit or Journeys meetings will be open. Clergy, parents, and youth have a right to full information about all programs and to observe any youth program at any time.
• One-on-one conversation or pastoral care, when necessary, should be conducted within a place open to the view of others. Another adult should be aware of the place of consultation.

Leaving and Locking

• One adult and one youth should not be left at the church door waiting for a parent to come. Parents will be urged to respect concluding time.

Reports of Child Abuse or Exploitation

Steps to Take in Reporting Child Abuse  

• The Pastors, the Director of Christian Education and the Youth Coordinator will make themselves known to the children and youth of United Church as people to whom young people can come if they need help.

• If a parent, teacher or leader believes abuse or neglect has been or is being visited upon a child, they will observe these guidelines.
  • Exercise sensitivity towards the child who has disclosed abuse.
  • Refrain from denying or explaining away the abuse.
  • Assure the child that the abuse is not his/her fault.
  • Refrain from being judgmental of the abuser since it is often someone for whom the child cares deeply.
  • Do not make promises that you are not certain you can keep.
  • Do not agree to keep a secret for the child. Assure the child that you will instead treat with care the information shared. Remind the child that some secrets must be told if they involve someone being hurt. Respect the privacy of the child by informing only the proper authorities.

• When abuse or neglect is disclosed or suspected in good faith, volunteers or staff should make this known directly to the Massachusetts Department of Social Services (800/543-7508 or 800/792-5200) or to the Walpole Police department (911).
• Clergy, church staff, and all those mandated by profession to report cases of suspected child abuse, harassment or exploitation to the civil authorities are required by law to do so within 48 hours of becoming aware of this abuse.
• All other staff and volunteers working with children and youth are morally obligated and permitted by law to assume a voluntary policy of reporting cases of suspected child abuse, harassment or exploitation to the Department of Social Services and to the police.

Steps to Take in Responding to Allegations of Abuse by Church Staff or Volunteers

• Allegations against church staff, volunteers, or persons of authority within the church, once reported to civil authorities, should then be made known to the Senior Pastor, Director of Christian Education, or Church Moderator.
• The Moderator will notify the United Church of Christ Insurance Advisory Board (800/437-8830) and the church's attorney. Said attorney will be appointed by the Cabinet of United Church in Walpole.
• If the accused employee or volunteer is an authorized minister (i.e. holds ordained ministerial standing or has been commissioned or licensed by an association of the United Church of Christ), the Moderator shall also bring the allegation to the attention of the Associate Conference Minister for the Metropolitan Boston Association of the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ. (Title change pending.)
• The Moderator will also bring the accusation to the attention of the Cabinet.
• The Cabinet should be prepared to issue: a) a statement to the congregation confirming that a complaint has been made and is being investigated, and b) a public statement responding to press inquiries, unless law enforcement or investigative authorities require otherwise. This statement should communicate that the church regards the allegations seriously and intends responsible action. No details of the accusation should be released nor blame assigned. Any such statement should receive prior approval of the church’s attorney.
• The accused will be suspended, with pay if applicable, and without prejudice, during the investigation process.
• The complainant and the accused will be treated with dignity and respect.
• The Moderator will maintain contact with the DSS and the police to update the Cabinet's awareness of the actions or findings of these bodies regarding the complaint.
• If the Dept of Social Services finds that sexual abuse of children or youth has occurred, it will be grounds for dismissal of the offending person from employment or volunteer position at United Church in Walpole.
• If the offending person is an authorized minister, the Cabinet should forward these findings to the UCC Associate Conference Minister for the Metropolitan Boston Association. (Title Change pending.)
• The Cabinet will draft a letter, to be sent to the congregation, with information regarding the nature of the complaint, the findings and the actions taken by Civil Authorities and by the United Church of Christ.

Statement of Cabinet  

None of the above policies or procedures are a guarantee that someone has not been employed or recruited who will be abusive to children, young people or adults. It also does not mean that we will never have a staff member or volunteer act improperly. However, following this policy and procedure, involving as many parish members as possible in the training about child sexual abuse and adult sexual misconduct, following up complaints, incidents or disclosures with integrity, pursuing our intuitive hunches, and acting upon the facts when they are before us is the best insurance we can have for protecting the children, youth and adults of our congregation.  

This policy shall be reviewed by the United Church staff and the Christian Education Committee in April of each year and is subject to amendment of the Cabinet at any time.  

Adopted by the Cabinet of the United Church in Walpole on _____________. 2006

Church Moderator_______________________

United Church in Walpole
Form A

Participation Covenant Statement

The congregation of United Church in Walpole is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all children, youth, and volunteers who participate in ministries and activities sponsored by the church. To that end, United Church has established a Policy and Procedures for the Prevention of Child Abuse. The core of this policy includes the following:

• No adult who has been convicted of child abuse (either sexual, physical , or emotional abuse) will be involved in work with children or youth at any church sponsored activity.
• All adult volunteers involved with children or youth must have been associated with the congregation for at least six months before beginning a volunteer assignment.
• Adults working with children and youth will observe the "Two Adult Rule", such that a single adult will not be alone with children or youth.

Please read the "Policy and Procedures for the Prevention of Child Abuse" and sign the following statement.  

As a volunteer or staff person serving in the ministry to children and youth at United Church in Walpole, I have reviewed and agree to observe and abide by the church policy as set forth in the "Policy and Procedures for the Prevention of Child Abuse".

In particular,

I agree to observe the "two adult rule" at all times;
I have been associated with United Church in Walpole for at least six months;
And I have never been convicted of or committed an act of child abuse.

_____________________________________
Signature and Date

____________________________________
Print Full Name

United Church in Walpole
Form B

Staff and Volunteer Application

This application is to be completed by all applicants for paid positions at United Church in Walpole as well as any volunteers serving in positions of leadership for youth groups including Junior and Senior Pursuit and Journey to Adulthood classes (Grades 6-12). This is not an employment application form. This application will be used to help United Church in Walpole provide a safe and secure environment for children and youth who participate in our programs and use our facilities.

Have you ever been found guilty, or pled guilty or no contest, to any criminal charge other than a traffic violation? (Yes or No)?______.

If you have answered yes, please give a short explanation, here or on the back of this form, of the charge noting the date, nature and place of the incident leading to the charge, where it was filed, and its disposition.

Have you ever had a lawsuit alleging actual or attempted sexual discrimination harassment, exploitation, or misconduct, physical abuse or child abuse filed against you which resulted in a judgment entered against you, which was settled out of court, or which was dismissed because the statute of limitations had expired?(Yes or No) _____

If you answered yes, please give a short explanation, here or on the back of this form, noting the date, nature and place of the incident leading to the lawsuit, where it was filed and its disposition.

Have you ever terminated your employment or service in a volunteer position, or had your employment or authorization to hold a volunteer position terminated for reasons relating to allegations of actual or attempted sexual discrimination, harassment, exploitation, or misconduct, physical abuse, or child abuse? (Yes or No) _____

If you have answered yes, please give a short explanation of the situation, here or on the back of this form, noting the date of termination, the name address and telephone number of the employer or volunteer supervisor and the nature and place of the incidents in question.

Is there any fact or circumstance involving you or your background that would call into question your being entrusted with the responsibilities of the position for which you are applying? (Yes/No) _____

If yes, please provide a brief explanation.

Please read and sign the following statement:

The covenants between persons seeking employment or sanctioned volunteer positions in the church require honesty, integrity, and truthfulness for the health of the church. To that end, I attest that the information contained in this application is true to the best of my knowledge. I recognize my duty to update this application if I become aware that any answer I have given at this time becomes inaccurate in the future.

I authorize any references listed in this application to respond to any inquiries from United Church in Walpole regarding my fitness to work with children and youth. To encourage them to speak freely and in consideration of the receipt and evaluation of this application, I hereby release any individual or reference from any and all liability and responsibility arising from their statements and actions made in good faith and without malice.

To allow United Church in Walpole to attain its goal of providing a safe environment for all who frequent our church, I authorize the pastors, staff members, or Advocacy Panel to share information from this application, my references, and former churches on a must know basis.

__________________________ ___________________
Signature and Date

United Church in Walpole  

Reference Form
Staff/Volunteers in Child and Youth Ministry

United Church in Walpole is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all children, youth, and volunteers who participate in ministries and activities sponsored by our church. To that end, all staff members and volunteers working with youth are asked to submit personal references. The applicant indicated below has submitted your name as a reference.

Note: your response will be held in confidence. In requesting your reference, the applicant has released you from liability for statements made in good faith and without malice. Thank you for your assistance in completing this reference.

_______________________________________
Applicant’s Name

Reference Name_________________________________________________

Reference Address_______________________________________________

Reference Phone Number__________________________________________

What is your relationship to the applicant?

How long, and in what capacity, have you known the applicant?

Do you know of any reason why the applicant should not be placed in a position of authority or responsibility having contact with children or youth? If so, please explain.

Other comments:

Reference inquiry completed by:__________________________ ______________

Signature Date____________

United Church in Walpole
Form C

Motor Vehicle Transportation
of Children and Youth

All people who transport children/ youth within the scope of a United Church in Walpole program are asked to complete this form. It will be kept on file in a secure place and should be updated as needed.

Name:__________________________________

Address:_________________________________

Phone:__________________________________

Your vehicles:

Make and Model:__________________ Make and Model:_________________

Year:_________________ Year:________________

Liability Insurance:

Policy Limits:_______________________

Carrier:____________________________

Is your vehicle in good repair and equipped with safety restraints? (Yes/No)_________
Have you ever had your driver’s license revoked or suspended? (Yes/No)________
If so, give details.

Have you ever been arrested for DWI (driving while intoxicated)? (Yes/No)_______
If yes, give details as to where and when each such charge was made and describe the outcome.

In transporting children/youth, I agree to:

• Obey all traffic regulations including speed limits and safety restraint requirements.
• Transport only the number of persons for whom my vehicle is equipped with seat belts.
• Drive only when I am not under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating drugs.

_____________________________________________________
Signature Date

United Church
Senior Pursuit
Drug Policy
(Revised 1/19/03)

Issue : While at a Pursuit function discussing illegal substances used elsewhere.
Response : On a one on one basis, discourage the use and discussion of illegal substances.

Issue : Someone comes to Pursuit “under the influence”.
Response: Pursuit is a privilege and if someone comes “under the influence” they are abusing that privilege.
It is the responsibility of each Pursuit Member to inform leaders if someone comes to Pursuit “under the influence”.
If someone is deemed to be “under the influence”, leaders will contact parents to immediately pick up individual.
Individual will not be allowed to return to Pursuit until a meeting with the individual and his/her parents meets with a satisfactory outcome, including counseling and professional help, as needed.
Individual will be allowed to return to Pursuit Sunday evening meetings immediately following satisfactory discussion with parents and representatives of the adult leadership team. Attendance at overnight events will be forfeited for six months.
A follow-up meeting will be held with the parents and adult leadership at the end of the six months.
A second offense will result in termination from the group.
Each Pursuit member is responsible for his or her guests.
If a guest arrives under the influence, the Pursuit member’s parents will be called to remove the Pursuit member and guest.

Issue : Someone brings illegal substances to Pursuit.
Respons e: It is each individual’s responsibility to inform leaders if an individual brings illegal substances to Pursuit.
If an individual is in possession of illegal substances, the police will be notified.

This document was drafted by the following Pursuit representatives:
12 th grade- Anthony Bresnahan
11 th grade- Ryan Bringhurst, Alina Sulkala, Dan Spigarolo
10 th grade- Chris Lupfer, Hannah Perham, Margaret Czachorowski
9 th grade- Tiffany Spigarolo
The meeting was facilitated by: Brenda Stewart, Dick Anderson, Cilla Weatherbee and Rick Murphy.

I have reviewed this policy and agree to abide by it.

Signed________________________________________________________