1. Purpose

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1.1 The Bible Church, Singapore (“the Church”) recognises the importance of safeguarding the welfare of children (< 14 years) and young persons (< 18 years) committed to the Church’s care.

1.2 The objective of the Children and Young Persons Safety Policy is to ensure a safe environment for all children and young persons who come into contact with staff and volunteers involved in the Church’s activities catering to these groups i.e. mainly through Kids For Christ and Teenacity.

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2. Safety Practices

 

2.1 Screening of volunteers

Volunteers working with children and young persons must be known to church members for at least six months before serving. All volunteers will undergo an interview by staff to assess their suitability for service and complete a standardised form to:

(a) Declare any criminal record pertaining to children and young persons. If they are found to have such a criminal record, the pastors and ministry staff should convene a meeting to discuss the nature of the past offence, how it may affect his/her service, and reassess the volunteer’s suitability for service.
(b) Provide a character reference (who must be a church member).
(c) Commit to abide by the Children and Young Persons Safety Policy.

 

2.2 Presence of two or more volunteers

 

As a standard practice, a minimum of two staff/volunteers should typically be present with a child or group of children (6 years and under). The only exception is when the activity is taking place in a public or open space (e.g. coffee shop, fellowship hall).
 

In situations where a staff/volunteer is with a child/young person one-on-one, they should endeavour to leave the doors open or ensure the meeting or activity is taking place in a public or open space.

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2.3 Interactions with children and young persons
 

All children and young persons should be treated with respect and dignity appropriate for their age. Staff/volunteers should be aware of their language, tone of voice, and body language used in interacting with them.

Staff/volunteers should manage children and young persons without resorting to physical punishment or verbal abuse. Any serious disciplinary issues should be raised to the ministry staff for support and guidance.

 

2.4 Restroom use –

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(a) Infants and toddlers: diapers should be changed preferably by parents or caregivers. If they are unavailable, a female staff/volunteer should do so in the presence of another volunteer.
(b) Preschool children: Preschoolers who are toilet-trained should be accompanied by a female staff/volunteer to the toilet. The staff/volunteer should wait at the door, and only offer assistance to the child if necessary. Another volunteer should be kept informed of the toilet visit.
(c) Primary school children: Primary school children should find a buddy of the same gender to accompany him/her to the toilet. A staff/volunteer should be kept informed of the visit. If the children do not return after 10 minutes, the staff/volunteer should check in on them.

2.5 Staff/volunteers may engage in safe and appropriate physical contact with children and young persons. This includes brief hugs, pats on the shoulders/back, handshakes, and holding hands of children. Staff/volunteers should refrain from other kinds of physical contact.

2.6 Staff/volunteers should always ensure that parents of children/young persons are aware of their whereabouts, if there are activities that require them to be brought out of the church premises.

2.7 If any staff/volunteer is seen interacting with a child/young person in ways that might be misconstrued or inappropriate, the observer should inform the Child Safety Officer1 or to speak with the said person.

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3. Safeguarding Responses

 

3.1 If there is suspicion of abuse (or risk of abuse)
 

Staff/volunteers should be aware of the following signs of abuse:
(a) Physical abuse – injuries inconsistent with the explanation provided; injuries in areas not typically exposed to falls or rough games;
(b) Sexual abuse – sexually provocative or seductive behaviour is sometimes an indicator of possible sexual abuse;
(c) Emotional abuse – regression of mood or behaviour, particularly when a child becomes withdrawn or clingy. Depression, aggression, and severe anxiety are sometimes displayed.
 

Where there is any suspicion of abuse, staff/volunteers should raise the matter to the Child Safety
Officer immediately. Speak only to that one person and no one else, even in confidence.

3.2 If a child/young person alleges abuse

Staff/volunteers should:
(a) Listen and ask questions. Do not suggest any answers or try to investigate beyond gathering basic facts, as this may contaminate the testimony.
(b) Show acceptance of what the child/young person is saying – avoid making doubtful or judgmental comments.
(c) Inform the child/young person you will need to let someone else know – do not promise confidentiality).

(d) Inform the Child Safety Officer immediately following the report. Speak only to that one person and no one else, even in confidence.

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3.3 Where there is any reasonable suspicion or allegation of abuse, the Child Safety Officer must
raise the matter to the Whistle-blowing Committee immediately (see Whistle-blowing Policy).

 

Reportable Matters

 

Reportable matters under this Policy include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Financial matters e.g. fraudulent activities or transactions, embezzlement, corruption, misusing church funds or resources;

2. Abuse of power or authority e.g. any form of bullying, harassment, or discrimination;

3. Inappropriate conduct e.g. sexual misconduct; or

4. Any other illegal activities.

 

Feedback on doctrinal or theological concerns, the quality of the Church’s programmes or services, or private grievances are not reportable matters under this Policy and may be directed to the Church Council, pastors, or ministry staff as appropriate.
 

Written by Goh Yi Ling
29 October 2021
Discussed by Council Jan 2022
Accepted by Church Council Feb 2022

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1 The Child Safety Officer is a staff appointed by the Lead Pastor.