New Child Safety Policy Requires Criminal Background Checks

At the January Church Conference the congregation approved a recommendation from the staff that every adult who is enlisted to serve in any church organization or ministry in which they would be working with minors (preschool, children, or youth) be asked to sign a form giving the church permission to do a criminal background check. This is a practice which is now being followed by most organizations which have adults (both paid and volunteer) who are working with minors.
Last summer Ash Creek was required by River Bend Baptist Encampment to have every adult sponsor for Youth, Children’s and GA Camps to attend a course on Child Abuse and to provide a criminal background check on each sponsor. Authorities—professional, legal, and academic—for several years have counseled churches to do criminal background checks on all workers with minor children.
Permission forms to do the background check will be available beginning as early as next Sunday. They will be distributed through the record boxes, ministry leaders, and by mail. Forms should be returned to the church office as soon as possible.
Van Drivers Will Require Driving Record
The church also approved another staff recommendation that beginning by March 1 all drivers of the church van have a copy of their drivers license and a three year driving record on file with the church office. Driving records may be obtained via the internet by the individual with the cost of obtaining the record paid from the budget of the organization(s) for whom the individual will be driving.
A Church vehicle will not be available to groups unless copies of these two things are on file for their designated driver(s).
Both of these new policies are being implemented to enhance the safety of our members and others who participate in our church’s programs. If you have questions please visit with any of your Ministerial Staff members.