Youth Protection Policy

Our Youth Protection Policy sets out how we screen, train, and supervise every volunteer and employee who serves. Below is an overview. For full details, read the complete policy (PDF).

Vision and Values

Mission

To lead all people to be fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

Vision

Inviting all people to know Christ in a way that transforms their daily lives and the lives of those around them.

Values

Truth-based. We believe that God’s Word is foundational truth, and it is our heart to train every participant to use it as their sole guide, authority, and conscience.

Relational. We believe that life change happens best in the context of relationships. Gifted, godly, and passionate volunteers who exhibit Christ to all people, their families, and each other show others how to do the same. This modeling will impact God’s kingdom for generations to come.

Nurturing. We believe that spiritual growth happens best in an atmosphere of emotional safety, physical security, and sanitary conditions. We are committed to exceptional standards in these areas.

Who May Serve

Because we love the people in our care and want to protect them, Quidnessett Church requires every ministry volunteer and employee to:

1. Apply. Complete the Ministry Application.
2. Pass a background check. Consent to a criminal background check, renewed every two years. Anyone who has been arrested for, charged with, is on deferred adjudication or probation for, or has been convicted of a sex-related crime, misdemeanor or felony, cannot serve in any area of ministry.
3. Provide references. All references are contacted and asked about the applicant’s suitability for ministry.
4. Sign the Code of Conduct. Read, agree to, and sign the Ministry Code of Conduct each year.
5. Interview. Be interviewed and approved by the Ministry Leadership Team or an elder.

Those serving with children and teens must also:

• Be a member in good standing of Quidnessett Church for at least six months
• Be at least 14 years old (with parent or guardian consent)
• Complete approved Youth Protection Training every two years
• Read and agree to the protection policy each year

How We Protect Children and Teens

• Two adults. We make every reasonable effort to have two approved adults present with children and teens, and we avoid one-on-one settings.
• Open and visible. When an adult is with a child or a small group, doors stay open and the activity stays in view of others.
• Safe communication. Private texts, calls, and social media messages with a minor must include another volunteer or a parent.
• Restrooms and nursery. We follow set procedures for restroom trips, and diaper changes happen only in the open nursery changing area, with parent consent.
• Photos. Images of children are posted online only with parent or guardian permission and the approval of the ministry leader.
• Transportation. Drivers are at least 25, licensed, and insured, and we avoid having one adult alone in a vehicle with one child.

Reporting Abuse

Quidnessett Church has zero tolerance for abuse or neglect. Volunteers and employees never promise confidentiality to a child or vulnerable adult who discloses harm. They report every concern to church leadership right away, and where there is reasonable cause to believe a child or vulnerable adult has been abused, they report it to law enforcement within 24 hours. Anyone accused of harming a child is removed from ministry while the matter is investigated.

Questions

If you have questions about our policies, please contact the church office at 401-884-9111 or office@qbchurch.org.