My family and I recently relocated when I came to join the KIDMO team just over a year ago. Among other things, relocating meant starting a church search that has had us dropping our grade school girls off at various venues. As a parent, I have become very aware of the range of receptions we have received and of the vast differences in security systems we have seen. Most every church has some sort of system for checking children "in" and keeping account of their whereabouts: some simple and some sophisticated. We make a point of asking about safety screening of adult workers, and have found that, in some churches, teachers, and helpers are required to have full background checks, and others... not. How are you doing in this area?
I'm sure you agree that the safety of the children in your ministry is absolutely essential. One of the best ways to protect your precious pupils and give their parents peace of mind is to thoroughly screen any adults that you allow to work with the kids in your program. According to the The Barna research group, many churches neglect to screen those working with children and youth. You can click here to read the full article at Barna's website and evaluate YOUR ministry to make sure you are adequately protecting the precious ones entrusted to your care.
~cp
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2 comments:
Hear hear ! I agree it is a big deal to drop off your kids when you don't know the people and the safety of children is top priority.
I remember years ago, one church had no windows where the workers and the children could be easily seen from the other side of the wall. I was very uncomfortable in leaving my child with a stranger. After we signed the kids in, they shut the door and I couldn't see anything of what was going on. Needless to say, I brought it to the children's pastor and I think they quickly made plans to change their rooms situations.
You can never be to careful with security. It's another area we can be a witness and show excellence in making visitors feel comfortable dropping their kids off with us.
(By the way I'm so glad there's a kidmo blog.
The kids learn so much thanks to kwizmo!!!)
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