Safe Harbor Policies

Churchland Baptist Church takes seriously its responsibility to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children who participate in our ministries. In an effort to provide a safe place, we require all church employees and volunteers to commit themselves to the Safe Harbor Policy for the Protection of Children. Commitment to this policy will require church workers to provide personal information, review the church’s Safe Harbor policy and understand that they will be under the direct supervision of their respective leaders.

We have joined with Passport, Inc., in developing our Safe Harbor policies. “Safe Harbor” builds on the journey metaphor that is central to Passport and suggests a shelter from danger. Detailed information about our Safe Harbor Policies is available through the church office and is also included in our Children’s Ministry Handbook. The policies include such guidelines as:

• Two Adult Rule – As a general guideline, a minimum of two adults shall be present during any children’s activity.
• Open Door Policy – All children’s classrooms will either have a viewing window that will remain free of covering or the door will remain open.
• Restroom Policies – In situations where an escort is needed for a trip to the restroom, an adult will stand outside the restroom and only assist the child if needed. Whenever an adult is in the restroom with a child the door will remain open.