We take the care and discipleship of children very seriously at College Park. That is why we have numerous processes and guidelines to keep kids safe at College Park Church:
1. We have a written child protection policy in place
Several years ago, we established written guidelines for creating a safe environment for children. This policy identifies our standard practices and expectations for staff and volunteers. It also details our procedures for handling abuse allegations or suspicions.
2. We fully embrace our role as a mandatory reporter
Because we care about children and teenagers, we believe in reporting abuse to the appropriate law enforcement agency. It is our moral and legal duty. If we are ever in doubt as to what to do, we call for advice and assistance.
3. We conduct background checks on all employees and anyone who works with children or teenagers
Every employee and every volunteer who works with children and teenagers must clear a third-party background check. This provides protection from those who might falsify their answers as they move from church to church. Additionally, we re-run background checks every three years for volunteers who work with children and students.
4. We have a team that regularly reviews our policies to ensure compliance
Vigilance is a key part of our protection plan. We have a team that reviews our policies to ensure that we are following our own guidelines. Additionally, they make changes to the policy as new threats or circumstances warrant.
These safeguards are not fool-proof. But they do serve as defensive protection in our efforts to create a safe place of spiritual growth for our children and teenagers.
We realize that we must remain deeply committed to creating a safe environment for every child and teenager the Lord entrusts to our care. That is our commitment to you.