PROVIDENCE PRESBYTERY’S 
VISION AND COVENANT FOR OUR MINISTRY 
WITH CHILDREN, YOUTH AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES 


.. . “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as 
these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never 
enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them. Mark 10:14-16 

A Vision for Children and the Church 

Because we affirm that all children are a gift of God, created by God and created good; 
all children are a gift to the whole of the human community; 
all children have a real faith, and gifts for ministry; 
all children have the right to be children; 
and all children are not just tomorrow, they are today. 

Because we believe that all children depend upon adults for safety and security 
in a world that does not always value children; 
all children are affected first and most deeply by those things that work against 
health and wholeness: 
where there is disease, children sicken and die; 
where there is homelessness, children sleep on the streets and in other dangerous 
places; 
where there is war, children are frightened and without a safe place; 
where the air and water are polluted, children feel the effect in their bodies and in 
their futures; 
where there is shame, children’s spirits are wounded. 

Therefore we hope for a world where all children can find a safe place; 
where all ages, races, genders, creeds, and abilities are recognized, valued, and 
celebrated; 
where all adults hear the voices of children and speak with as well as for them; 
where all children have “first call” on the world’s resources and first place in the 
minds and hearts of the world’s adults. 

Because Jesus welcomed children and encouraged us to welcome them in his name; 
Jesus lifted up a child as an example of what the realm of God is like; 
Therefore we hope for a church 


where we take seriously our baptismal vow to nurture all children committed to 
our care; 
where we bring good news to all those places where children are in need; 
where adults and children alike share in ministry. 


We covenant to act so that this vision may be made real for all children, now and in 
times to come. 

Adopted by the 205th General Assembly, 1993 


POLICY OF PROVIDENCE PRESBYTERY FOR 
SAFEGUARDING THE WELL BEING OF 
CHILDREN, YOUTH AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES 


Because we believe that children are a gift of God as demonstrated by Jesus welcoming 
them; because we believe in the Vision for Children adopted by the 205th General Assembly; and 
because we are called, as God’s people to nurture, love, and care for our children, Providence 
Presbytery has adopted the following covenant to provide a safe place for our children, youth and 
persons with disabilities to experience the kingdom of God. 

For the purpose of this covenant, the terms “child,” “children,” or “youth” include all 
persons under the age of eighteen years. It is the intent of these policies to protect persons with 
disabilities regardless of age, as well as children and youth. 

For the protection of those persons in our care, everyone working directly with 
children, youth and persons with disabilities, whether paid or volunteer at any Providence 
Presbytery sponsored or cosponsored events is subject to the provisions of this policy. 

Therefore, all Presbytery activities and programs, regardless of location, involving children 
and youth, will be subject to the following policy: 

• 
As often as practicable, two adults, aged 18 or older, will be assigned to supervise or lead 
all activities involving children or youth. 
• 
As often as practicable, whenever there is only one adult in a car, there will be more than 
one child or youth. 
• 
Ordinarily no person will serve as a teacher or volunteer leader of children or youth 
activities until such person has been a member of a church of Providence Presbytery for 
six months or is an employee of the Presbyterian Church (USA) or its entities and has a 
background check on file with their employer. 
• 
A Volunteer Information Form, criminal record check, and reference checks must be 
completed before service begins. 
• 
Providence Presbytery will neither tolerate nor accept any act or omission as specifically 
described in Prohibited Acts on page 4. 
• 
Upon accusation the accused is entitled to prompt and fair disposition of such serious 
charges and to receive due process of law including the presumption of innocence unless 
proven guilty. 
• 
Any violation of the policy shall be reported in accordance with Reporting Violation of 
Policy on pages 4 and 5. 

Volunteer Information Form 

Employees and volunteers for children, youth, and persons with disabilities in the 
activities or programs of Providence Presbytery will be required to complete a Volunteer 
Information Form (Appendix A) providing personal and confidential information necessary to 
perform criminal and driving (where appropriate) record checks and reference checks on each 
individual. While this process understandably intrudes into the privacy of our lives, the security 
of our children, youth and persons with disabilities outweighs the personal invasion inherent with 
such investigation and disclosures. All personal information is voluntarily disclosed. 
Furthermore, the results of all criminal record checks and reference checks as well as the refusal 
of any person to participate in a program or activity in lieu of such disclosure requirements will 
be considered confidential. 

Criminal record checks for persons 18 and older will be conducted by a Presbytery staff 
person designated as the “Administrator.” Additionally, character references will be checked by 
a person designated by the appropriate program staff of the presbytery (Appendix C). The 
written results of the criminal record checks and the reference checks initially will be reviewed 
by the Administrator. After this initial review, if the Administrator determines that further review 
should be made, the Administrator will consult with the appropriate program staff. Names for 
background checks must be submitted to the administrator at least two weeks prior to the event. 

The information contained in the Volunteer Information Form, the results of the criminal 
record check, and the results of the reference check will be disclosed only to the appropriate 
presbytery staff and only with the written permission of the worker. 

The Administrator will maintain a locked storage cabinet in the Presbytery office for all 
Volunteer Information Forms and results of all record checks. The results of the criminal record 
checks will be updated annually. Whether disclosed voluntarily or by result of the criminal 
record check, the following items will automatically disqualify a volunteer from participating in 
the leadership or sponsorship of any children or youth activity or program: 

Any pending indictment alleging the offense of, or any conviction for: 
murder; aggravated assault; sexual abuse; sexual assault (rape); aggravated sexual 
assault; injury to a child; incest; indecency with a child; inducing sexual conduct 
or sexual performance of a child; possession or promotion of child pornography; 
the sale, distribution, or display of harmful material to a minor; employment 
harmful to children; or abandonment or endangerment of a child. 

All other convictions or charges for any other crimes not listed above will be reviewed by 
the Administrator and appropriate presbytery staff. When leadership involves driving, driving 
records will be reviewed and carefully considered. 


Prohibited Acts 

The following acts are prohibited by this Policy and will not be tolerated or accepted 
during any Presbytery activity or program. Any observations or personal knowledge of such 
violations must be immediately reported to the Stated Clerk of Providence Presbytery after the 
safety of the child, children, or youth involved has been assured. 

• Any display or demonstration of sexual activity, abuse, insinuation of 
abuse, or evidence of abusive conduct towards a child, youth or person with 
disabilities; 
• Sexual advances or sexual activity of any kind between any adult and a 
child, youth or person with disabilities; 
• Sexual advances or sexual activity of any kind between youth. 
• Infliction or physically abusive behavior or bodily injury to a child, youth, 
or person with disabilities; 
• Physical neglect of a child, children, youth or persons with disabilities, 
including failure to provide adequate supervision in relation to the activities 
of the Presbytery; 
• Causing mental or emotional injury to a child, youth or person with 
disabilities; 
• Possessing obscene or pornographic materials at any function of the 
Presbytery; 
• Possessing, consuming or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal 
drugs while leading or participating in a children’s or youth function of the 
Presbytery. 
Reporting Violation of Policy 

In order to maintain an environment free of destructive acts toward all children, youth, 
and persons with disabilities, the staff, employees, teachers, parents and volunteers of the 
Presbytery must be aware of their individual responsibility to report any questionable 
circumstance, observation, act, omission, or situation thought to be in violation of this Policy. All 
questions or concerns of any suspected abusive behavior or harassment shall be directed to the 
Stated Clerk of Providence Presbytery and the presbytery’s Response Team. South Carolina law 
requires the prompt reporting of suspected abuse to the county department of social services or to 
a law enforcement agency in the county where the child resides or is found. (See Appendix E) 


In the event anyone personally witnesses an occurrence in violation of this Policy, that 
person will be asked to complete an Incident Report (Appendix D). Anyone who witnesses such 
an occurrence should follow these steps to insure the security and protection of all persons 
involved: 

• PERSONALLY SECURE THE SAFETY OF THE CHILD, CHILDREN, 
YOUTH OR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES. 
• REPORT THE INCIDENT IMMEDIATELY TO THE STATED CLERK 
OF PROVIDENCE PRESBYTERY (OR DESIGNATED PERSON). 
• DO NOT LEAVE THE CHILD, CHILDREN, OR YOUTH ALONE TO 
REPORT THE INCIDENT. 
• DO NOT PERSONALLY CONFRONT THE ALLEGED OR ACCUSED 
VIOLATOR OF THE POLICY. 
• ALLOW THE DESIGNATED PERSON TO PROVIDE YOU WITH 
INSTRUCTIONS FOR REPORTING OF THE INCIDENT TO THE 
PARENTS OR GUARDIAN. 
• MAINTAIN THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF THE ACCUSED, THE 
ACCUSER AND THE VICTIM. 
• REMEMBER THAT THE PRESBYTERY BEARS THE 
RESPONSIBILITY FOR OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION ON BEHALF 
OF THE PRESBYTERY. 
In the event a child, youth or person with disability reports abusive conduct while 
engaged in a Providence Presbytery sponsored activity or involving the staff, employees, 
teachers, parents and volunteers of Providence Presbytery, regardless of where the conduct 
occurred, the person initially contacted by the child should contact the Stated Clerk of 
Providence Presbytery and complete an Incident Report (Appendix D). Write the specific words 
first spoken by the child or youth and record the conduct and demeanor observed in the Incident 
Report. 

Consequences of Accusation 

Any person accused of committing a Prohibited Act (see page 4), whether an employee 
or volunteer, will be suspended immediately from participation in all children/ youth activities 
and programs of Providence Presbytery. Such suspension shall continue during any investigation 
by law enforcement or the department of social services. Such removal does not assume guilt but 
makes the top priority the protection of those who are most vulnerable. Pastoral care for the 
accused must also be provided. 


As required by South Carolina law, (Appendix E) all reports of abuse will be forwarded 
to the department of social services and law enforcement authorities. Such reporting must be 
accomplished in addition to complying with this Policy. 

Failure to report a Prohibited Act to the designated person in a timely manner shall be 
considered a procedural violation of this Policy. This violation may be grounds for termination 
of employment, or for suspension or dismissal from participation in all children and youth 
activities and programs of Providence Presbytery. 

Response to Allegations 

Providence Presbytery’s Misconduct Response Team, which is under the auspices the 
Committee on Ministry and hereinafter called the Response Team, immediately takes over all 
communications and oversight for the Presbytery. 

All adults working with children, youth and persons with disabilities during Providence 
Presbytery events are expected to report any and all allegations of which they are made aware 
directly or indirectly. However, the person who witnesses or reports an incident is not 
responsible for investigating or intervening in the alleged event outside of securing the safety of 
those involved. 

The Response Team will: 

• 
contact the Presbytery’s legal counsel and insurance company. 
• 
inform the accused and the accuser that they have the right to retain their own counsel 
and that the Presbytery’s counsel will represent the Presbytery but not their individual 
interests. 
• 
engage the media only through prepared statements. 
• 
contact the family of the alleged victim in writing and in person where appropriate to 
communicate the actions of the Response Team. 
• 
arrange for pastoral care of the accused and accuser. 
• 
notify both the moderator of the session of the accused and the moderator of the session 
of the alleged victim that allegations have been made, have been turned over to the 
authorities, and that the local authorities will investigate as they deem appropriate. This 
notification should be done with caution and without giving details. 
• 
report the findings of the local authorities, if and when the Response Team receives 
findings from said authorities in accordance with the reporting procedure outlined in 
Providence Presbytery’s Policy for Safeguarding the Well Being of Children, Youth and 
Persons with Disabilities 
All Presbytery staff and volunteers working with children and youth should be 
instructed that all communications about any incidents come only from the Response 
Team. No Presbytery staff or workers with children and youth should make comments. 


Consequences of Violation 

Providence Presbytery reserves the right to prohibit from participation in all children 
and youth activities and programs of the presbytery any person found to have committed 
a Prohibited Act. Providence Presbytery reserves the right to terminate an employee for 
such conduct. 

Implications for Specific Programs 

A. Childcare at Presbytery Meetings & Events: 
1. 
Screening and selection of child care workers: 
• 
The screening and selection process of childcare workers will be handled by the host 
church which is providing the childcare. It is expected that the host church have a Child 
Protection Policy and comply with Providence Presbytery’s Policy for Safeguarding the 
Well Being of Children, Youth and Persons with Disabilities. 
• 
If the host church cannot comply with the policy, the host church should request that 
Providence Presbytery provide childcare workers for the event. 
• 
The host church should use the Acknowledgment Form (Appendix F) to verify the 
screening of its workers. 
• 
Presbytery staff will see that information regarding Providence Presbytery’s Policy for 
Safeguarding the Well Being of Children, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is 
distributed to the host church(es) along with presbytery meeting and/or event 
arrangements and will see that the suitability of caregivers is verified. 
2. 
Supervision by and of childcare workers 
• 
The host church that is providing the childcare workers will handle supervision of 
workers. Presbytery staff will check to see that Providence Presbytery’s Policy for 
Safeguarding the Well Being of Children, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is 
followed and will report any violations to the Stated Clerk. 
• 
The two adult rule will be standard procedure. It is expected that a ratio of 8:1 for 
children ages 5 and up and a ratio of 6:1 for children under five be followed. 
3. Reporting allegations 
• 
Anyone aware of any inappropriate conduct involving a child or youth must immediately 
report the questionable activity to the Stated Clerk who will take appropriate action as 
stated in the Policy. 
• 
The person initially contacted by the alleged victim, or who observed the offense, should 
immediately fill out a written report using the Incident Report Form. 
• 
It is the responsibility of the person who witnesses or reports an incident to assure the 
safety of the child or youth, not to investigate the allegations. 
• 
Any accusation made after the Presbytery meeting is over should be directed to the Stated 
Clerk. 

4. Response to allegations 
• 
The Response Team, trained and in place at the Presbytery level, takes over immediately, 
as described in the policy on page 6. 
B. One Day Youth Events 
1. Screening and selection of adult leaders 
• 
The Event Leadership Team must complete a Volunteer Information Form which 
provides personal and confidential information necessary to perform background and 
reference checks on each individual. 
• 
A criminal record check will be performed by Administrator, designated by the 
presbytery. 
• 
All adults responsible for driving during the event will be subject to a driving record 
check. 
• 
If these adults have been through a screening process at their own church, they must 
present verification of that fact using an Acknowledgement Form at least two weeks prior 
to the event. (Appendix F) 
• 
The Presbytery committee planning the event is responsible for seeing that the policies 
are implemented. 
2. Supervision by and of leaders 
• 
Two leader rule: As often as practicable there will be at least two leaders in each room or 
with each group of children or youth. In the event that there is only one adult, there must 
be more than one child or youth. 
3. Reporting allegations 
• 
All leaders working with children, youth and persons with disabilities at Providence 
Presbytery sponsored events must know the incident reporting procedure and the 
requirements of state and local laws regarding the reporting of child abuse. 
• 
Anyone aware of any inappropriate conduct involving a child or youth must immediately 
report the questionable activity to the director of the event. 
• 
The director of the event is immediately to consult with the appropriate Presbytery staff 
person, and proceed with appropriate further notification as prescribed in the policy. 
• 
The person initially contacted by the alleged victim, or who observed the offense, should 
immediately fill out a written report using the Incident Report Form.(Appendix D) 
• 
It is the responsibility of the person who witnesses or reports an incident to assure the 
safety of the child or youth, not investigate the allegations. 
• 
Any accusation made after the event is over should be directed to the Stated Clerk of 
Providence Presbytery. 
4. Response to allegations 
• 
The Response Team, trained and in place at the Presbytery level, takes over immediately, 
as described in the policy on page 6. 

C. Overnight Youth Events and Retreats 
1. 
Screening and selection of adult leaders 
• 
All adult leaders must complete a Volunteer Information Form which provides personal 
and confidential information necessary to perform background and reference checks on 
each individual. 
• 
A criminal record check will be performed by the Administrator, designated by the 
presbytery. 
• 
All adults responsible for driving during the event will be subject to a driving record 
check. 
• 
If these adults have been through a screening process at their own church, they must 
present verification of that fact using an Acknowledgement Form at least two weeks prior 
to the event. (Appendix F) 
• 
The Presbytery committee planning the event is responsible for seeing that the policies 
are implemented. 
2. Supervision by and of leaders 
• 
Two leader rule: As often as practicable there will be at least two leaders in each room or 
with each group of children or youth. In the event that there is only one adult, there must 
be more than one child or youth. 
• 
Children and/or youth and adults sleeping in the same room must be of the same gender. 
• 
If an adult is sharing sleeping quarters with only one child or youth, he or she must be the 
parent or legal guardian of that child. 
• 
There must be a same gender adult leader for every 7 youth attending the event. 
3. Reporting allegations 
• 
All leaders working with children, youth and persons with disabilities at Providence 
Presbytery sponsored events must know the incident reporting procedure and the 
requirements of state and local laws regarding the reporting of child abuse. 
• 
Anyone aware of any inappropriate conduct involving a child or youth must immediately 
report the questionable activity to the director of the event. 
• 
The director of the event is immediately to consult with the appropriate Presbytery staff 
person, and proceed with appropriate further notification as prescribed in the policy. 
• 
The person initially contacted by the alleged victim, or who observed the offense, should 
immediately fill out a written report using the Incident Report Form.(Appendix D) 
• 
It is the responsibility of the person who witnesses or reports an incident to assure the 
safety of the child or youth, not investigate the allegations. 
• 
Any accusation made after the event is over should be directed to the Stated Clerk of 
Providence Presbytery. 
4. Response to allegations 
• 
The Response Team, trained and in place at the Presbytery level, takes over immediately, 
as described in the policy on page 6. 

MONITORING OF POLICY 


The Education & Equipping Ministry Team in consultation with the Committee on 
Ministry and the Administrative Ministry Team of Providence Presbytery will review annually 
these policies and their implementation in all the programs and activities of the Presbytery. 


APPENDIX A 
PROVIDENCE PRESBYTERY 
VOLUNTEER INFORMATION FORM 
FOR WORKERS WITH CHILDREN, YOUTH AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES 

1. Name (last, first, middle, maiden name) 
If you have ever used another name, please indicate the name and the time period(s) used: 

Current Address: _____________________________________________________________ 
How long have you lived at this address: __________________________________________ 
How long have you lived in South Carolina: _______________________________________ 
Gender: M __ F __ Birth date: ____________________________________________ 
Home Phone: ________________________________________________________________ 
Place of Employment: _________________________________________________________ 
Work Phone: ________________________________________________________________ 

2. (skip number 2 if your position does not include driving) 
Drivers License Number: ______________________________________________________ 
Have you ever had your driver’s license suspended or restricted for any reason? 
If yes, please describe the dates and reasons for each such occurrence on the back. 

3. Please answer the following questions: 
Location of church membership: ________________________________________________ 
Date you became a member: _____________________________________________ 
4. Have you served as a volunteer at any church in the past ten years? If so, please state the name 
and address of the church, the pastor of the church, the time period(s) of your volunteer work 
and describe generally the nature of your volunteer work: 
5. Have you served as a volunteer for any civic organization in the past ten years? If so, please 
state the name and address of that organization, the person overseeing the volunteer work the 
time period(s) of your volunteer work and describe generally the nature of your volunteer 
work. Please indicate which organizations involved working with children and youth. 

6. Have you ever been arrested, charged, indicted or convicted for any criminal offense 
(misdemeanor or felony) other than a traffic violation?_________ (If yes, please explain on 
the back.) 
7. Have you ever been subject to any disciplinary action, complaint or allegations that you 
violated any employer's or any organization's policy concerning sexual misconduct? 
__________ (If yes, please explain on the back.) 
8. References: Please list the names, addresses, occupations, and telephone numbers of three 
people (other than relatives) who are familiar with your character and abilities. References 
will be contacted. 
Name Address Occupation Work Phone Home Phone 

9. I understand and agree that: 
a. All information that I have provided may be verified. I agree to release from liability 
any person or organization that provides information concerning me, including these 
persons I have listed as references. I understand and agree that any information received 
will not be disclosed to me, and I hereby waive any right I may have to inspect any 
information provided about me by any person or organization identified by me on this 
form. 
b. By signing this form, I certify and affirm that the information I have given is true, 
complete, and correct in all respects. 
c. I have read, understood and agree to abide by Providence Presbytery’s Policy for 
Safeguarding the Well Being of Children, Youth and Persons with Disabilities. 
d. [Only applicable to persons eighteen years of age and older] I have completed the 
release of information form. 
Signature: _____________________________________________ Date: __________________ 

Parent or Guardian's Signature: ___________________________________ Date: ____________ 
(If under age eighteen) 

This form must be updated annually. 

This form is confidential and will be kept in a locked file at the presbytery office. 


APPENDIX B 

PROVIDENCE PRESBYTERY 
RELEASE AUTHORIZATION 
Applicant Complete the Following 


1. In connection with my Christian service through Providence Presbytery or a member 
church, I understand that an investigative report will be requested that will include social 
security number validity check, last three counties of residence, felony criminal history 
check and possible driver’s license record check. 
2. I acknowledge that a telephonic facsimile (FAX) or photographic copy shall be as valid as 
the original. This release is valid for most federal, state and county agencies. 
3. I hereby authorize, without reservation, any law enforcement agency, institution, 
information service bureau, school, employer, reference or insurance company contacted 
during a background check, to furnish the information described in Section 1. The following 
information is required by law enforcement agencies and other entities for positive 
identification purposes when checking public records. It is confidential and will not be used 
for any other purposes. I hereby release the employer and agents and all persons, agencies 
and entities providing information or reports about me from any and all liability arising out 
of the requests for or release of any of the above mentioned information or reports. 
Please print your full name 

Please print other names you have used 

Home address 

City State Zip Code 

Social Security Number Date of Birth 

The following states require sex and race data to obtain information: AL, AR, FL, GA, IA, IN, 
OR, TX, Wl. 

 Male  Female 
 Asian  Black  Hispanic  White  Other 

Drivers License Number__________________ State Issuing License______________________ 

Name as it appears on license______________________________________________________ 

Signature __________________________________Today’s date_________________________ 


APPENDIX C 

PROVIDENCE PRESBYTERY 
VOLUNTEER PHONE REFERENCE CHECK 


Identify yourself. 

Tell the person that (applicant's name) gave you permission to call for a personal reference and 
that you will keep the conversation confidential. 
Explain what the applicant will be doing for the (church's name) and the age and sex of the 

children or youth with whom the volunteer will be working. 
NAME OF VOLUNTEER APPLICANT ____________________________________________ 
NAME OF STAFF/VOLUNTEER CALLING FOR REFERENCE _______________________ 
NAME OF REFERENCE ________________________________________________________ 
TITLE/OCCUPATION __________________________________________________________ 
PHONE NUMBER _____________________________________________________________ 
DATE CALLED _______________________________________________________________ 
How long have you known (applicant's name) and in what capacity? 


Have you observed (applicant's name) interacting with children/youth/persons with disabilities 
and in what kind of environment? 

Please describe this interaction. 

Is there any other information you can tell me about (applicant's name)? 

Would you let (applicant's name) take care of your children or persons with disabilities? 


APPENDIX D 

PROVIDENCE PRESBYTERY 
INCIDENT REPORT FORM 


Reason for report: ______________________________________________________________ 
Date of incident: _________________________________________ Time: _________________ 
Name of Reporter: _______________________________________ Title: _________________ 
Name(s) of Child(ren): ____________________________________ Age(s): ________________ 
Location of Incident: ____________________________________________________________ 
Quote the child's first words verbatim. ______________________________________________ 


Briefly describe child's/youth's behavior/appearance. __________________________________ 

Briefly describe what happened. ___________________________________________________ 

What action did you take? _______________________________________________________ 

Has the incident been resolved? _____ yes _____ no Explain: ___________________________ 

Were there any witnesses? 
Names: 

Signatures (If possible): __________________________________________________________ 

Report submitted to: _____________________________________________________________ 


APPENDIX E 

South Carolina Definition of Abuse Law & Abuse Reporting Law 

SECTION 63-7-20. Definitions 

(4) “Child abuse or neglect” or “harm” occurs when the parent, guardian, or other person 
responsible for the child’s welfare: 
(a) inflicts or allows to be inflicted upon the child physical or mental injury or engages in acts or 
omissions which present a substantial risk of physical or mental injury to the child, including 
injuries sustained as a result of excessive corporal punishment, but excluding corporal 
punishment or physical discipline which: 
(i) is administered by a parent or person in loco parentis; 
(ii) is perpetrated for the sole purpose of restraining or correcting the child; 
(iii) is reasonable in manner and moderate in degree; 
(iv) has not brought about permanent or lasting damage to the child; and 
(v) is not reckless or grossly negligent behavior by the parents. 
(b) commits or allows to be committed against the child a sexual offense as defined by the laws 
of this State or engages in acts or omissions that present a substantial risk that a sexual offense as 
defined in the laws of this State would be committed against the child; 
(c) fails to supply the child with adequate food, clothing, shelter, or education as required under 
Article 1 of Chapter 65 of Title 59, supervision appropriate to the child’s age and development, 
or health care though financially able to do so or offered financial or other reasonable means to 
do so and the failure to do so has caused or presents a substantial risk of causing physical or 
mental injury. However, a child’s absences from school may not be considered abuse or neglect 
unless the school has made efforts to bring about the child’s attendance, and those efforts were 
unsuccessful because of the parents’ refusal to cooperate. For the purpose of this chapter 
“adequate health care” includes any medical or nonmedical remedial health care permitted or 
authorized under state law; 
(d) abandons the child; 
(e) encourages, condones, or approves the commission of delinquent acts by the child and the 
commission of the acts are shown to be the result of the encouragement, condonation, or 
approval; or 

(f) has committed abuse or neglect as described in subsections (a) through (e) such that a child 
who subsequently becomes part of the person’s household is at substantial risk of one of those 
forms of abuse or neglect. 
SECTION 63-7-310. Persons required to report. 

(A) A physician, nurse, dentist, optometrist, medical examiner, or coroner, or an employee of a 
county medical examiner’s or coroner’s office, or any other medical, emergency medical 
services, mental health, or allied health professional, member of the clergy including a Christian 
Science Practitioner or religious healer, school teacher, counselor, principal, assistant principal, 
social or public assistance worker, substance abuse treatment staff, or childcare worker in a 
childcare center or foster care facility, police or law enforcement officer, undertaker, funeral 
home director or employee of a funeral home, persons responsible for processing films, 
computer technician, or a judge must report in accordance with this section when in the person’s 
professional capacity the person has received information which gives the person reason to 
believe that a child has been or may be abused or neglected as defined in Section 63-7-20. 
(B) If a person required to report pursuant to subsection (A) has received information in the 
person’s professional capacity which gives the person reason to believe that a child’s physical or 
mental health or welfare has been or may be adversely affected by acts or omissions that would 
be child abuse or neglect if committed by a parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the 
child’s welfare, but the reporter believes that the act or omission was committed by a person 
other than the parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the child’s welfare, the reporter 
must make a report to the appropriate law enforcement agency. 
(C) Except as provided in subsection (A), any person who has reason to believe that a child’s 
physical or mental health or welfare has been or may be adversely affected by abuse and neglect 
may report in accordance with this section. 
(D) Reports of child abuse or neglect may be made orally by telephone or otherwise to the 
county department of social services or to a law enforcement agency in the county where the 
child resides or is found. 

APPENDIX F 

PROVIDENCE PRESBYTERY 
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF POLICY FOR THE PROTECTION 
OF CHILDREN, YOUTH AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES 


Church: ___________________________________ Event: _______________________ 

Date: _____________________________________ 

The undersigned representative of the Church hereby acknowledges receipt of a copy of 
Providence Presbytery’s Policy for Safeguarding the Well Being of Children, Youth and Persons 
with Disabilities. Furthermore, all of those individuals named at the bottom of this form have 
been screened in accordance with said Policy, including a criminal record check within one year 
of today’s date. They have been, and currently are, authorized by the Church to work with the 
children, youth and persons with disabilities of the Church. 

 The undersigned representative of the Church understands that the said policy requires that 
there must be two adults, aged 18 or older assigned to supervise or lead all activities involving 
children or youth. 

Signed this_______ ____day of__________________, 20______ 

Signature 

Printed Name 

Capacity with Church 
Members authorized to work with Children and Youth of Church: 
1.____________________________________________________________________ 
2.____________________________________________________________________ 
3.____________________________________________________________________ 
4.____________________________________________________________________ 
5.____________________________________________________________________ 
Please use back for additional names. 
_____ Our Church cannot provide childcare workers for the above named event. 
Signature: _____________________________________________________________ 


APPENDIX G 

Resources available in the Resource Center of Providence Presbytery 
November 2008 


_______. Anguished Hearts. General Assembly Council PC (USA). 2003. 

Carlson, Lee W. Child Sexual Abuse: A Handbook for Clergy and Church Members. 
1988. Judson Press. 
Basham, Beth & Lisherness, Sara. Striking Terror No More. Bridge Resources. 2006. 
_______. Domestic Violence Congregational Packet. Presbyterians Against Domestic 


Violence Network. 2005. 


Boshers, Bo; Dockrey, Karen; Jessup, Dan; Larson, Scott; Lindquist, Larry. Reaching Kids 
Most Youth Ministries Miss. Group. 2000. 
Fowlkes, Mary Anne. The Church Cares for Children: A Handbook for Childcare in the 


Church. 1995. Presbyterian Publishing House. 


Hammar, Richard R., Steven W.Klipowicz, and James F.Cobble, Jr. Reducing the Risk: 
Making Your Church Safe From Child Sexual Abuse. 1993. Church Law & Tax Report. 
Holmes, Judy. Involving Children and Youth with Special Needs. PC(USA). 1994. 
Kutz-Mellem, Sharon, Editor. Different Members, One Body: Welcoming the Diversity of 


Abilities in God’s Family. 1999. Witherspoon Press. 
Leehan, James. Pastoral Care for Survivors of Family Abuse. Westminster Press. 1989. 
MacDonald, Bonnie Glass. Child Abuse Ministry: A Bibliography of Resources for the 


Religious Community. 1995. National Council of Churches. 


________. Surely Heed Their Cry: A Presbyterian Guide to Child Abuse Prevention, 
Intervention, and Healing. 1993. Presbyterian Publishing House. 
Melton, Joy Thornburg. Safe Sanctuaries: Reducing the Risks of Child Abuse in the 


Church. 1998. Discipleship Resources. 


Melton, Joy Thornburg, Safe Sanctuaries for Youth: Reducing the Risk of Abuse in Youth 
Ministries. 2003. Discipleship Resources. 
Merrick, Lewis H. And Show Steadfast Love: A Theological Look at Grace, Hospitality, 


Disabilities & the Church. 1994. Presbyterian Publishing House. 



Reid, Kathryn Goering and Hawkley, Ken. Children Together. Pilgrim Press. 2000. 

_______. Resolution on Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse against Educators. Office of 
General Assembly PC (USA). 2004. 
_______. That All May Enter. PC(USA). 1989. 
_______. Violence in the Lives of Children and Youth-Bibliography of Resources. 


PC(USA). 1997. 

_______. We Won't Let it Happen Here!-Preventing Child Sexual Abuse in the Church. 
PC(USA). 1997. 
Wright, N.T. His Name is Joel: Searching for God in a Son’s Disability. 1999. Bridge 


Resources. 


Wilson, Faye. Call to Hope, Living as Christians in a Violent Society. Friendship Press. 
1997. 
Wilson, Faye. Call to Hope, Teacher's Guide. Friendship Press. 1997. 


Videos 

Ask Before You Hug: Sexual Harassment in the Church. EcuFilm. 
Christian Faith in a Violent World. Friendship Press. 1997. 
Hear Their Cries: Religious Responses to Child Abuse. 1992. Center for Prevention 


of Sexual and Domestic Violence. 
Reducing the Risk. Preferred Risk. 1994. 
Surprising Grace: People, Disabilities, Churches. 1998. Presbyterians for Disability 


Concerns.