Supervision

• The second step for providing a holy place of safety for children, youth and vulnerable adults is conscientious and intentional supervision. These procedures are designed to reduce the possibility of abuse to the children or vulnerable adults and to protect staff persons and volunteers from unwarranted accusations. Again, these are MINIMUM standards and each children’s activity may adopt more stringent requirements as necessary.

1.Training is a requirement for all staff persons and volunteers working with children in Conference children’s activities. The minimum training would be an annual orientation that includes information regarding this Policy, procedures for supervision, as well as information on how to identify and report child abuse.

2. Minimum supervisory standards will include the “two-adult rule”. The two-adult rule requires that no matter the size of the group, there will always be two unrelated, adults present. This may include the presence of an adult “roamer” who moves in and out of rooms.

3. No person shall supervise an age group unless he/she is AT LEAST 5 years older than the children with whom he/she is working.

4. Each room or space where children are being cared for shall have awindow in the door or the door shall be left open. All activities should occur in open view. Should the children’s activity be an outdoor program or occur in a setting which makes it difficult to comply with this Policy, the staff person in charge of the activity shall take appropriate measures to make sure that the setting suits the activity, and the children are properly supervised.

5. Registration materials for activities in which children are outside of the direct supervision of their parents/guardians shall require signed written permission forms which include pertinent health information in order to participate.

6. All participants who can understand a covenant shall sign a participation covenant. In an institution that has continuous care, this covenant can be in the form of clear, posted rules that are explained to the participants at the outset of the program.

Footnotes: Melton 31-32.
Abusers thrive on secrecy, isolation and their ability to manipulate victims. When abusers know they will never have the chance to be alone with potential victims, they will quickly lose interest. The two-adult rule also protects Conference staff persons and volunteers from false allegations.
While in some situations, younger counselors and aides may provide excellent help, people under the age of 18 cannot be expected to have developed the maturity and judgment that is needed to be fully responsible for younger children. Putting children in charge of children invites disaster.
The covenant is a statement in which the participants and leaders/chaperones agree to: take part in the ministry; give their best efforts to the ministry; respect the other participants and leaders; treat others as well as they would wish to be treated.