Policy for Individuals Working with Children State College Friends Meeting

(Temporarily adopted by Upper Susquehanna Quarter)

The following policy will apply to all employees of the Meeting and to those individuals who will be caring for the children of the Meeting whether as teachers and assistant teachers in the Religious Education Program, those providing child care, and those acting as chaperones (Friendly Adult Presences) for various activities. The purpose of this policy is to prevent any incident of sexual abuse from occurring to our children while under the care of Meeting members/attenders.

1. Employees of the Meeting must have made a written application with references, been interviewed, and have criminal background and sexual abuse history checks. Employment will be contingent on clear background checks.

2. Friendly Adult Presence Volunteers (FAPS) and volunteers with prolonged access will follow the same procedures as for employees of the Meeting.

3. Volunteer workers, including First Day School teachers and assistant teachers must have attended Meeting for at least six months, will have made a written application with references, been interviewed, and have signed a statement that the applicant has never been convicted of sexual abuse.

4. All individuals working with children, regardless of length of time as members/attenders must complete an application form.

5. All application materials will be considered as confidential information and kept in a locked filing cabinet in the Meeting office; access will be limited to the Clerk of the Personnel Committee or those having authority to make personnel decisions.

6. Outings which involve overnight activities or other events with prolonged access will only be chaperoned by those individuals who have completed the application process and who have clear background checks.

7. It is desirable that there be two adults present at all activities involving children. In our Religious Education Program, if only one adult is present in the classroom, the door must remain open.

8. The Religious Education Committee or the Personnel Committee will give a packet of information about Preventing Sexual Abuse of Children to each applicant for employment or as a volunteer.

9. Instruction about Preventing Sexual Abuse will be conducted for the Meeting as a whole on an annual basis.

10. All allegations of abuse will be taken seriously. Situations will be handled forthrightly with due respect for privacy and confidentiality. The Meeting will notify the insurance company and the Meeting's attorney. Full cooperation will be given to civil authorities under the guidance of the Meeting attorney. Adequate care will be shown for the well-being of victims and their families.