Children Policies
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Purpose of our general policies:
To support a safe and enjoyable environment for all members of our ministry.
To provide clear and explicit expectations for social behaviors in all First Up settings.
Provide leaders, students, and staff with appropriate actions that address student behaviors.
Parents, guardians, and caregivers who have any questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Jess Poulin.
Our Expectations:
Be responsible…
Clean up after yourself.
Everyone present at First Up is encouraged and expected to actively participate in planned activities.
Be respectful…
Always treat fellow youth members, visitors, leaders, and any guests with dignity and respect.
We follow the Golden Rule. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
All perspectives are to be listened to carefully and responded to in a courteous fashion. At no time should derogatory comments be made about anyone or their opinions.
Taking another’s property is unacceptable unless permission has been given to you by the owner of the object (i.e. cell phones, iPods, etc.)
All cell phones/iPods/electronic devices should be put away during all activities unless otherwise stated. If phones are seen out they will be taken up and be given back at the end of the activity.
Be safe…
At no time should a youth group member wander off or leave the premises without adult supervision or prior permission.
At no time shall child enter the children’s area without a leader present. If the children’s area door is closed students are to wait outside.
At no time shall a First Up member be unsupervised in the building – students must be accompanied by a leader. Students are not to wander the halls during programs.
Alcohol, drugs, tobacco, weapons, fireworks, or anything else that may cause physical harm are never allowed at youth group events.
Be respectful to group leaders…
First Up members are expected to recognize the authority and responsibility of all youth group leaders by obeying instructions and following proper respect. Before most events, general guidelines will be laid out for the group. Anyone who breaks the guidelines may be dismissed from an activity.
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Child/Youth Protection Process
The First Methodist Church of Oviedo makes every effort to provide a “safe sanctuary” and protective environment for our children and youth. One way we do this is with our Child/Youth Protection Policy that was developed under the guidelines of the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. (Click here to read the policy.) Each Paid Staff Member or Adult Volunteer who regularly works with the Church’s children and youth must complete the following steps before beginning work with either children or youth:
1. Background (Criminal Records) Check Request Form — Except for people who participate only on the Youth Council, the Children’s Council, or VBS (Vacation Bible School), fill out the Background (Criminal Records) Check Request Form in its entirety. First Church cannot make this request on someone’s behalf. Your Social Security Number must be included or the Check cannot be completed. Background Checks must be renewed every three (3) years and the cost of the Background Check will be covered by First Church. The Director of Finance maintains the Background Check Records and people will automatically be notified when their Background Check is up for renewal.
2. On-line Child/Youth Protection Training — The First United Methodist Church of Oviedo Child/Youth Protection Policy requires that “all paid staff members, screened and non-screened adult volunteers who work consistently with children and/or youth must undergo Youth Protection Training at least annually.” To address this requirement, on-line computer Child and Youth Protection Training courses have been put in place so that training can be taken from any computer with Internet access any time it’s convenient, day or night, seven days a week. People will be automatically notified when annual renewal training is necessary. For people without computer access, special training sessions can be scheduled. Parents and church leaders are also strongly encouraged to take the training. Please contact Kraig Lenius for more information, or to register for training.
3. Participation Covenant Form – The Participation Covenant is a one-time step. Sign and date the Participation Covenant Form and either email or deliver it to the Director of Finance who maintains the Covenant records.
BACKGROUND CHECK AUTHORIZATION FORM