VOLUNTEER & STAFF HANDBOOK

Thank you for joining us in ministry to parents and children! You will make an eternal difference in the lives of our families. Christ Church Kids provides Biblical education designed to compliment the ministry of the family. Children will “graduate” from Christ Church Children’s Ministry the first Sunday of September after the child’s 6th birthday. Volunteers will help prepare them to join their parents in regular service during summer, and parents may speak with the directors if any assistance is needed to make the transition easier. Why is Christ Church Kids organized in this way? Because, Biblically speaking, there is nothing in the New Testament mandating nor even suggesting children be separated from their parents in worship. Christ Church seeks to fulfill the organizational description of Acts 2:42, “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Therefore, young children must have opportunity to sit with their parents in church and learn the ways of the Lord as the listen and observe their parents engage openly with the church, the Body of Christ. 

MINISTRY INTEGRATION WITH PARENTS

Parents have an open invitation to observe all programs and activities in which their child is involved. However, parents who desire to participate in or have continuous, ongoing contact with their child’s program will be required to complete the Christ Church of Arkansas volunteer application and screening process. See Ephesians 6:1-4; Colossians 3:18-21; Titus 2:1-8.

PARENTAL CONTACT

Parents will be contacted if a child becomes ill, injured, is a victim of abuse or bullying, is suspected of being abused or neglected, or exhibits disciplinary behavioral problems while participating in ministry programs of Christ Church of Central Arkansas.

Safety Training Standards & Best Practices

CHRIST CHURCH OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS & CHRIST CHURCH KIDS SAFETY SYSTEM

Because we are committed to protecting children involved in our ministries, all volunteers and staff members must complete the screening processes, including a background checks, and other requirements per this Christ Church Kids Handbook.  All volunteers must be approved by the children’s ministry as well as pastoral staff in order to serve.

TRAINING 1: SEXUAL ABUSE AWARENESS TRAINING

All staff members and volunteers should have a basic understanding of the characteristics of sexual abusers and their behaviors in “grooming’ a child for sexual abuse. Grooming is the process used by an abuser to select a child, win the child’s trust (and the trust of the child’s parent or ‘gatekeeper’), manipulate the child into sexual activity and keep the child from disclosing the abuse.

To equip you with information necessary to recognize abuser characteristics and grooming behaviors, Christ Church of Central Arkansas requires all staff members and child-serving volunteers to complete Sexual Abuse Awareness Training. This training may be completed live or online and must be renewed every two years.

SEXUAL ABUSE AWARENESS TRAINING subjects include but are not limited to:

● Defining Child Sexual Abuse
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there are more than 588,899 reported victims of child abuse and neglect. The percentages of child victims by sex are 52.5% female and 47.2% male, with unknown sex accounting for 0.3% of victims. Roughly 90% of child abuse cases involve someone they know and trust. 21% of people who are alleged to commit child abuse are juveniles themselves. 1 out of every 424 persons in the U.S. are on the sex offender registry. Sexual abuse occurs in all racial, ethnic, or socio-economic classes and is no respecter of any religious denomination or creed (PMM_ChildSafetyTrainingEbooks_Volunteer_112124.pdf).

● Victim Behavioral Characteristics

Here are some other indications that a child may have been sexually abused: A child who avoids undressing or wears extra layers of clothing; Not wanting to be left alone with previously trusted care-givers; Exhibiting an unusual change in bathing or grooming practices; A sudden drop in grades or lack of interest in school activities they were previously interested in; Exhibiting adult-like sexual behavior and knowledge; Role playing sexual activities with toys or other children; Considering their body or self as dirty or repulsive; Using new words for private body parts or drawing sexually-related images; Having no desire to spend time with an adult or older peer who was previously known and well-liked; Having nightmares, night terrors, exhibiting unusual aggression or is unable to control bowels; Refusing to talk about secrets; Sudden mood swings and a drastic change in eating habits; Talking about a new adult friend and receiving frequent gifts from them (PMM_ChildSafetyTrainingEbooks_Volunteer_112124.pdf).

● Characteristics of Child Molesters, Pedophiles, Sexual Aggressors, or Sexual Exploiters-Profiteers
The predator may participate in kid activities and try to volunteer for unsupervised activities with one or more children. Many times, the abuser is well-liked and may work hard to win the trust of the child’s “gatekeepers”, such as parents, ministers, and coaches. Many times, the predator buys gifts for their victim such as toys or video games or perhaps forbidden items like liquor, beer, cigarettes or inappropriate pictures or videos. The predator may engage in electronic communications with their victim, continuing the pattern of desensitizing them to their sexual aggression. During nap time or when “babysitting”, the predator may fall asleep with the child or even go to sleep in the child’s bed. They will excuse this behavior as “comforting” the child when upset. When they believe they are not being supervised, they may exhibit inappropriate behavior with children. To avoid supervision, they might try to take the child to a remote area or otherwise look for opportunities to be alone with the child. In playtime or sporting environments, the abuser may engage in inappropriate rough-housing, butt slapping, or touching, and then treat it as a game or normal part of sports activity which are never acceptable behaviors (PMM_ChildSafetyTrainingEbooks_Volunteer_112124.pdf).

● Making a Difference

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children should be warned. In their publication “Preventing Child Sexual Abuse Within Youth-serving Organizations: Getting Started on Policies and Procedures,” they spell out that children should be informed about child sexual abuse, including what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior. The information they provide is mainly about self-protection. It also specifies children should be encouraged to report an incident of sexual abuse and how they should do so within the organization. It is important not to rely on merely warning children about “stranger danger” (PMM_ChildSafetyTrainingEbooks_Volunteer_112124.pdf).

No one in the organization should be exempt from observation and supervision. This includes long term trusted staff. The best way to prevent child sexual abuse is to make certain there is never an opportunity for it to occur. If your responsibilities require time alone with a child, stay in the areas designated for the specific activity, leave doors open whenever possible, and stay in plain sight of other personnel or volunteers (PMM_ChildSafetyTraining
Ebooks_Volunteer_112124.pdf).

● Responsibility and Reporting

What to Do if You Suspect Abuse: While it is not advised to conduct your own investigation, depending on circumstances, it may be appropriate to ask a few clarifying questions of the youth or the person making the allegation. This may prevent making a report when none is required. Report to the authorities any time there is a reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect. This includes abuse by another volunteer or employee, a youth in the organization or even someone outside the organization. Records of child sexual abuse should be kept indefinitely. You should be aware that any direct interference in the evaluation or investigation could actually harm the youth or the legal investigation, jeopardizing the strength of a potential case. Do not rely solely on waiting for children to come forward and report inappropriate sexual contact from adults. The pressure on the child to keep the secret may be immense. Be sensitive to the fact that the exposure of the abuse may be almost as traumatic to the child as the abuse itself. Never promise to keep it secret when a child reports sexual abuse to you. In most states, any adult who becomes aware that a child may have suffered abuse is required by law to report the abuse to law enforcement officials. If you suspect that a child is being abused, tell your supervisor. Your supervisor can either escalate the incident, perform further investigation or ask that it be done, and call and report the abuse to your state agency. If necessary, you can always call the national child abuse hotline yourself at 1-800-422-4453. Even if you are not certain child sexual abuse occurred, you may call without fear of repercussions when the report is made in good faith. Another thing to keep in mind: If your youth program involves travel with children to another state, you should learn what the reporting requirements are for the state where the group will be visiting. The laws of the state where the incident of abuse occurs will apply (PMM_ChildSafetyTrainingEbooks_Volunteer_112124.pdf).

SECURITY & MINISTRY EXPECTATIONS TRAINING 2: SCREENING PROCESS

Staff members and volunteers serving with children are required to complete the Christ Church of Central Arkansas Screening Process, which includes:

● Employment Application (employees only)

● Federal and State criminal records screening

● Safety Application

● Face-to-Face Interview

● Reference Checks

● Social media review

A volunteer must attend services at Christ Church of Central Arkansas for at least six months before being eligible to serve in positions providing ministry services to children.

SECURITY & MINISTRY EXPECTATIONS TRAINING 3: POLICIES & PROCEDURES

Please review these policies and sign the last page indicating that you have read and understood the material and agree to comply with our policy requirements.

SECURITY & MINISTRY EXPECTATIONS 4: CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK

All staff members and volunteers working with children must undergo a criminal background check. Depending upon the ministry position, differing levels or intensity of criminal background check may be required. Individuals who have committed sexually-oriented or sex-related crimes may not serve in any area providing services to children or minors. In addition, certain other past criminal acts may preclude an applicant from serving minors.

SOCIAL MEDIA SCREENING

Our church members and volunteers have significant social media presence. When applying for Christ Church Kids ministry service, you will be asked to allow a screener to review your social media history. Any red flags or content presented that is endorsing, finding as humorous, shaming, or suggestive of improper belief and behavior that which is harmful to a child or family, will disqualify you from ministry service.

CHILD PROTECTION

Christ Church of Central supports and maintains a zero-tolerance policy concerning child abuse and neglect. It is a violation of Arkansas law for any volunteer or staff member to physically, sexually, bully, or emotionally abuse or neglect any child participating in any program or ministry of Christ Church of Central Arkansas.

ENFORCEMENT OF POLICIES

Anyone working with children (or students) at Christ Church of Central Arkansas is subject to the supervision and evaluation of the ministry staff and must follow these guidelines. Staff members and volunteers in supervisory positions must diligently enforce all policies and reporting obligations. Christ Church of Central Arkansas staff reserves the right to dismiss volunteers who fail to follow the policies and guidelines.

CONSEQUENCES OF A VIOLATION

Any person accused of committing any act considered by the church to be harmful to a child will be immediately suspended from participation in ministry to children. This suspension will continue during any investigation by law enforcement, Child Protective agencies or the Church.

Any person found to have violated this policy may be prohibited from future participation in all activities and programming involving minors. If the person is an employee, such conduct may result in termination of employment. Failure to report a policy violation is grounds for termination of an employee. Volunteers who fail to report a policy violation may be restricted from participation in any future activities involving minors at Christ Church of Central Arkansas.

Staff members and volunteer leaders should discuss immediately with their supervisor any inappropriate action or breaking of this policy and will seek counsel from the church leadership and an attorney, if needed.

REPORTING ABUSE OR SUSPICIONS OF ABUSE/INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIORS

Christ Church of Central Arkansas is committed to protecting children in this ministry from any form of abuse. Christ Church of Central Arkansas has a zero-tolerance policy that prohibits any act of sexual, emotional or physical abuse. This zero-tolerance policy requires all Christ Church of Central Arkansas employees and volunteer leaders (those who work directly with children or students) to immediately report any occurrence (or suspected occurrence) of child abuse to a member of our staff.  To this end, any report of inappropriate behaviors or suspicions of abuse or neglect will be taken seriously and will be reported, in accordance with this policy and state law, to Child Protective Services or criminal law enforcement.

Because sexual abusers ‘groom’ children for abuse, it is possible that a staff member or volunteer may witness behavior intended to groom a child for sexual abuse. Please report ‘grooming’ behavior, policy violations, or any suspicious behaviors to an immediate supervisor, such that the church may take appropriate action to safeguard children in the program.

REPORTING ALLEGATIONS OR SUSPICIONS OF ABUSE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT

Christ Church of Central Arkansas reports all suspected or alleged abuse or neglect of children to the [Pulaski County or State of Arkansas Child Protective Services Emergency Response Hotline: 1-800-482-5964

Because many adults are unfamiliar with Arkansas reporting requirements and may be fearful of the process, Christ Church of Central Arkansas utilizes a “tandem or dual report” model, where permitted. A “dual report” occurs when a Christ Church supervisor reports the suspicion or allegation together with the individual who saw, heard, or received, information causing him or her to suspect abuse or neglect.

Christ Church Kids Standards of Care

CHRIST CHURCH KIDS MINITRY TEAM EXPECTATIONS & STANDARDS OF CARE

Based on the sacred value of children and family in the Bible, Christ Church Kids expects all volunteers to serve with integrity and excellence in their ministry. Our mission at Christ Church is to love God, love people, change the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and serve and care for families. Why is this so important? First, because we are called by God to be the salt of the earth and light of the world to children and their parents. Second, to offend a child is an egregious sin. In Matthew 18:5-6, Jesus says, “5 And whoever receives one such child in My name, receives Me; 6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it is better for him that a heavy millstone be hung around his neck, and that he be drowned in the depths of the sea. Finally, we are instructed by Paul in Colossians 3:23-25, “23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people,  24 knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. 
It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” To serve with love, integrity, and excellence of care and skill, honors child, their parents, and Jesus.

To serve in this way at Christ Church Kids, you express love, integrity, and excellence by: 

• Arriving on time (9:30 AM).
• Come prepared by reviewing your lesson at home and thinking through how to best serve and teach the children in your class. Sarah Statler and Rebekah Perry-Vuong will provide curriculum, craft resources, and refreshments for you.
• Take responsibility for your class. This is your ministry! It is important to Moms and dads to trust and know that their children will be served, protected, and encouraged by you.  
• Unless you are experiencing an emergency. Christ Church Kids has a strict policy that all volunteers refrain from using their phones.
• No photos of children many be taken at any time unless approved in advance by their parents.
• Complete all training events and re-certification requirements for Protect My Ministry.
• Practice encouraging one family each week by texting them about their spiritual progress of their child, about the growing character (Galatians 5:22-23) you see in them, and that you prayed over that child and their family.

MINISTRY VERIFIED VOLUNTEERS TO CHILD RATIO

At Christ Church of Central Arkansas, three verified volunteers will provide care and teaching for children. Children are not allowed to be attended to by only one verified volunteer.

RESTROOM POLICIES

Two Verified Protect My Ministry Trained Volunteers will assist small children for restroom needs.  This policy will be enforced unless a parent(s) requests to be texted to immediately come to provide this for their own child.

• Men and male students are not permitted to accompany children to the bathroom.
• The preschool area should take a bathroom break as a class  or individually if there are a sufficient number of Verified Protect My Ministry Trained Volunteers to provide supervision. 
• It is best that two Verified Protect My Ministry  Trained Volunteers help children use the restroom. One volunteer should stay outside of the bathroom stall and only enter if a child needs assistance and stay within the line of sight of the other volunteer.  
• Many preschool children are still wearing pull-ups or need assistance with their clothing. Assist the child if needed, but always in the presence of another volunteer.
•  

DIAPER CHANGING

• By preference and best practices at Christ Church Kids children’s ministry, parents change the diapers of their own children.
• Furthermore, men (not the father), older children, nor teenagers-students (not the sibling) are NOT permitted to change diapers.
• Parents, or their Verified Protect My Ministry^Ò  Trained Volunteer designees, are authorized to change diapers, and should gather all necessary items before you begin (children mat, wax paper, gloves, diaper, wipes).
• Put on gloves & put a piece of clean wax paper cover on the changing pad.
• Never turn away from a child on the changing counter.
• Use a wipe to clean the child’s diaper area, wiping from front to back. Place wipes, wax paper, soiled diaper, and gloves into the trash can.
• Clean the area thoroughly with an antibacterial wipe. 
• Every child in the classroom needs to have their diaper checked. When parents pick up their child, & the diaper is wet, it shows a lack of care on our part. We want parents to be assured that we have cared well for their child. When you check a child’s diaper, & it is dry, make sure you inform the parent that you did check.

DEFINING APPROPRIATE & INAPPROPRIATE TOUCH

Use good judgment and best practice policies to treat a child’s spirit, soul, and body as holy and worthy of protection.

The following are appropriate ways to touch a child:

• Holding an infant or toddler in your arms or lap.
• Adult, female teachers holding preschool-aged children on your lap when reading or when needed for comfort but encouraging them to re-engage in class activity.
• Verified Protect My Ministry^Ò  Trained Volunteer males may not request nor permit a child to sit in their laps.
• An arm around the shoulder.
• Walking hand-in-hand with toddlers (cf., safety when negotiating stairs).
• Short, congratulatory greetings, or side hugs.
• A brief, assuring pat on the back or shoulder or a one-arm hug.
• High fives and fist bumps

The following is considered as inappropriate Touch:

• Touching a child in anger or disgust.
• Touching a child in any manner that may be construed as sexually suggestive.
• Touching a child when they don’t want you to unless using appropriate physical restraint when harm to the child themselves or another child is imminent.      

PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH TOUCH-SENSITIVITIES

Some parents have abuse histories, some have child(ren) who were abused or traumatized, or some parents may have children with medical or mental health conditions that make them uniquely touch-sensitive or touch-reactive. If a parent(s) believes the defining of appropriate or inappropriate touch as featured in this 2025 Handbook does meet their standards of care and protection for their children, they should contact the Director and Associate Director to make sure specific boundaries and limitations are engaged to meet the needs of their children in a safe and meaningful way. 

CONTACTING THE DIRECTOR & ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

Please inform our director or associate director immediately if you suspect:

• Child abuse of any kind (this is to be brought to the attention of the church staff as well).
• A child is missing.
• A child gets hurt.
• A child becomes ill.
• A child seriously or continuously misbehaves.
• A child strikes or harms another child.
• Any situation seems unsafe or needs attention.

MEDICATIONS

Christ Church Kids Ministry will not administer medications to a child. Children with specific medical needs must be attended to by their parents.

SNACKS & ALLERGIES

Some children in the Christ Church Kids ministry may have life-threatening allergies. Therefore, only pre-approved snacks by the parent(s) will be served by a Verified Protect My Ministry^Ò Trained Volunteer.

CHECK-IN & CHECK OUT POLICY

Children may be picked up by their parents at anytime during Bible study classes, worship service childcare, or special events. Grandparents must be pre-approved by the Christ Church Kids ministry director or associate direct in advance, unless explicit authorization has been given by the child’s parents. Parents who are in a divorce process or challenge of custody rights, may only be checked out by the parent who checked them in to the Christ Church Kids ministry area. Christ Church Kids Ministry will not mediate or coordinate transitions of custodial care.

ENTRANCE SECURITY & HALL MONITOR

Christ Church has a designated security volunteer at the entrance to the building. In addition, a designate volunteer circulates throughout the building during services to ensure that no unauthorized adults have children by themselves.

DRESS CODE & PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

Please dress in modest, comfortable attire that supports our calling to honor the Gospel of Jesus and teach children God’s Word. Therefore, do not wear t-shirts with offensive language or distasteful and upsetting images. First impressions are important. New families that visit Christ Church need to see and experience the love, integrity, and excellence of care and skill of our Christ Church Kids team. This is one of the ways we honor new children and their parents.

REPLACEMENTS & SUBBING

If you are going to be absent, here is how you find your replacement:

OPTION 1: Swapping weeks with your alternating week’s teachers are best because they are already familiar with the class and the relationships with the children/families are less impacted.

OPTION 2: Swap weeks with someone in a similar age group &/or a different

service time.

OPTION 3: If you are unable to find someone to swap with you, let Sarah Statler

know, and she will assist you. 

You can ONLY find a replacement from the current list of screened

and trained substitutes.