A Safe and Civil Congregation
A synopsis of the full policy revised 12/03
The full policy is available, including attachments, upon request.
This policy is currently being reviewed and
updated.
A newer version should be available in May following our Annual
Meeting.
PREAMBLE
It is the intention of this religious community to create an environment
that encourages spiritual growth through the promotion of a safe
environment in which its members can explore, experience and express
that in life that they find meaningful.
As Unitarian Universalists, we strive to value the "inherent
worth and dignity of every person." One way to assure that
we are always reaching for that goal is through efforts to make
our Congregation premises always "Safe and Civil." A Safe
and Civil Congregation would be a place free from all actions, verbal
or otherwise, which degrade, threaten, scare or harm other persons.
Our children and youth are especially entitled to be safeguarded
from perceived, threatened or actual harm.
With these goals in mind, this congregation hereby establishes
this "A Safe and Civil Congregation" policy relevant to
all activities occurring as part of our Congregation life.
OBJECTIVES
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair will promote
a "Safe and Civil Congregation" for every person associated
with this congregation, as a member, guest, employee or minister.
We will promote an environment that will be free of all injurious
actions, verbal or otherwise, which degrade, threaten, scare, or
harm another person. Additionally, the Congregation will endeavor
to assure that the physical condition of the Congregation building
will allow for the safety of all persons, and the Congregation will
institute safety procedures throughout the building. The policy
is provided for and is applicable to all persons associated with
the Congregation.
Nothing in this policy shall alter, abrogate or amend the right
of the Board of Trustees to remove as member any person whose actions
are "inimical to the interests of the Congregation", as
is allowed by the Bylaws. Furthermore, any termination of a "called"
minister which might occur pursuant to this policy must be undertaken
in compliance with the appropriate by-laws of this congregation.
DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of this policy and procedure:
Abuse means: The non-accidental commission of any act by a caretaker-upon
a child or any other person under their leadership-which takes advantage
of, or causes, or creates a substantial risk of serious physical
or emotional injury, or constitutes a sexual offense under the laws
of the State.
Sexual misconduct means any:
a. Sexual abuse or sexual molestation of any person, including but
not limited to any sexual involvement or sexual contact by a caretaker
with a person who is a minor or who is legally incompetent; or
b. Sexual harassment in a situation where there is an employment,
mentor, teacher or colleague relationship between the persons involved,
including but not limited to, undesired or inappropriate sexually
oriented humor or language; inappropriate questions or comments
about sexual behavior or preference; unwelcome physical contact;
inappropriate comments about clothing or physical appearance; inappropriate
conduct or communication which has the purpose or effect of creating
an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment; or
c. Sexual exploitation including but not limited to, the development
of or the attempt to develop a sexual relationship between ministers,
counselors, youth leaders, Congregation school teachers, etc. and
a person with whom they have a care taking role, whether or not
there is apparent consent.
DOCUMENTS TO IMPLEMENT AND FACILITATE COMPLIANCE
It is the policy of this Congregation to create certain documents
that are intended to implement and facilitate execution of and compliance
with this policy. Please refer to these attached documents created
in order to implement this policy. Use of these documents is mandatory.
These documents have been approved by the Board of Trustees and
any additional or amended documents must also be approved by the
Board of Trustees.
Attachments:
1. Youth Covenant Statement on Behavior
2. Code of Ethics for Adults and Older Youth
3. RE Program Testament of Good Adult Behavior
4. RE Accident Report
5. RE Medical Release form
6. RE Education Permission Slip
7. Interim agreement regarding restrictions with Children
PROCEDURES REGARDING ADULT VICTIMS
Any minister, Congregation employee, or member who receives a report
of abuse or sexual abuse toward an adult or who believes they have
been the subject of abuse, sexual abuse or misconduct is encouraged
to immediately report the matter to a member of the Board of Trustees,
a minister, the Committee on Ministry or the Caring Team. The person
reporting the abuse or sexual abuse ought not report same to anyone
who is being cited for the inappropriate behavior.
The Board of Trustees shall serve as the hearing board for such
accusations regarding adult victims. It is authorized to take any
necessary remedial or disciplinary action, including termination
of employment or membership of the Congregation.
While the Board will, to any extend possible, preserve the confidentiality
of the information it gathers and release same only on a need-to-know
basis, the investigation of such an accusation will generally include
confronting the accused party with the accusation and speaking to
any witnesses.
These practices govern adult victims only. When the victim is a
child, procedures below will govern.
PROCEDURES FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH PREVENTION
Selection and Screening of Teachers, Advisors and others caring
for children during Congregation activities
-an application shall be signed and a copy provided to the applicant,
which also constitutes a code of ethics and statement of mutual
responsibility. The application shall also contain a statement by
the adult that he or she has never been convicted of a crime or
offense involving unlawful sexual conduct, assault, or endangering
the welfare of a child, nor has he or she been determined by a court
or child welfare agency to have abused a child. The application
shall also inform the applicant of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation
at Montclair's two adult minimum rule for classrooms of children
and youth. The application shall also specify that the applicant
shall have no recourse against the any of the ministers or the Congregation
arising from a discontinuance of services.
-the adult must have been a member or friend of the congregation
for a minimum of 6
-the adult must attend an orientation or training as specified by
the Minister of Religious Education
Supervision of Teachers, Advisors and others caring for children
during Congregation activities
There shall be a minimum ratio of adults to children or youth:
Nursery 1:3, Toddler and Pre-School 1:5,
K-7th 1:8, Jr. & Sr. High 1:10. All rooms where classes or events
for children are held shall have a clear glass window in the door
or the door shall remain open. The Minister of Religious Education
or her designee shall ordinarily monitor the hallways and classrooms
on a roving basis.
Written parental permission must be obtained in advance for any
private meeting concerning Congregation business or lessons between
a child or youth such as meetings between Coming of Age youth and
their mentors. For any child or youth participating in any Congregation
sponsored trip parental permission forms must be signed in advance.
For the further protection of children and youth who attend the
Congregation, congregants with a history of confirmed abuse or misconduct
shall be subject to permanent restrictions as determined by the
Board in conjunction with the Ministers. Such restrictions may include,
but are not limited to, being accompanied by an approved chaperone
at ALL times while on the grounds. On a case by case basis, the
Board, in conjunction with the Ministers, may bar individuals with
a history of confirmed abuse or misconduct from the grounds and
attendance at Congregation sponsored functions.
RESPONSE
Reporting requirements and process for allegations of abuse and
sexual abuse of children and youth.
When to report and who must report?
Any Congregation member, any teacher, youth advisor, chaperones
or staff member of the Congregation having reasonable cause to believe
that a child or youth has been subjected to child abuse shall report
same immediately.
All such reports will be treated with sensitivity and, insofar as
possible, confidentially.
To whom should concerns be reported?
A "Caring Team" will be available to all who have concern
about sexual abuse or other abuse or violence or neglect. This team
will be knowledgeable about available resources and reporting procedures
for children. These individuals will proceed at all times in a sensitive
and, insofar as possible, confidential manner.
The Caring Team shall be made up of one of the Ministers and two
other Congregation members who shall be designated by the Board
and a third Congregation member designated by the Ministers for
a 5 year term.
In addition to receiving reports, the team may be used as a resource
for children or adult survivors of sexual abuse, victims of violence,
and perpetrators in treatment as they look to their religious community
for nourishment and support.
Plan for Response to allegations
Upon receiving report
There are formal directions for handling a report
1. Child/person tells their story to a teacher, minister, religious
educator, board member, friend
2. Hearer must contact a member of the Caring Team.
3. The original hearer and any "Caring Team" members talking
to child or adult reporters must NOT ask investigative questions;
but must write notes on what is said with names, dates, times, etc.
as soon as possible. Report the story to the Caring Team or the
Minister.
4. A report must be made to the Division of Youth and Family Services
("DYFS") immediately if there is a reasonable belief that
child abuse has occurred
5. --except for these reporting requirements, keep the entire matter
confidential until the investigation is complete
--remember, you are not asked to determine whether or not a crime
has been committed, or whether child abuse/ neglect has occurred.
--staff in the Division of Youth and Family Services are trained
to investigate whether abuse/neglect has occurred and to make a
determination as to whether the law has been violated.
6. The congregation can offer counseling and referrals for the complaining
child and alleged offender; safe haven for the child; follow up
services for the victim and his or her family; assistance with family
reunification or restructuring; healing and support services for
the congregation.
--the hearer of a report of abuse may ask for support him/herself;
talk with the minister(s) or personal therapist about his own feelings
--you are not alone!
Steps taken while investigation of the report is undertaken
During the pendency of an investigation, or if abusive behavior
is substantiated following an investigation, the alleged offender
must not continue to have responsibilities for children and youth
in Congregation related activities. The alleged offender must agree
to forego unsupervised contact with children and youth. The "Interim
Agreement Regarding Restrictions with Children and Youth" must
be signed and adhered to during the pendency of any investigation
regarding abusive or neglectful behavior.
If a matter is referred to DYFS, the alleged offender MUST report
the results of their investigation to the Caring Team in order to
become eligible for lifting of restrictions on contact with children.
If abuse is substantiated by DYFS, or if the alleged offender fails
to report the results of a DYFS investigation and the Board agrees
to permit continued membership in the Congregation, the perpetrator
must sign and adhere to the "Agreement for Members of the Congregation
Needing Restrictions with Children and Youth".
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