Statement on Safe Sanctuaries for Children, Youth, and Vulnerable Adults

RCHP has approved a drafted policy called “Safe Sanctuaries: Policy & Procedures for the Prevention of Abuse, and Safe Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults.”

The document begins with this introduction:

This policy and the related procedures are intended to make our congregation a safe place for children, youth, and vulnerable adults. Secondarily, it is intended to provide guidance to and protections for the Church, its employees, leaders and volunteers who engage in activities with children, youth and/or vulnerable adults. This policy and its procedures shall apply to all current and future persons, compensated and/or volunteer, who will have the responsibility of supervising, directing, coordinating, teaching and/or assisting the activities of children, youth, minors and vulnerable adults. This is done to encourage all of those protected and their families to grow in their relationship with God and one another.

The Reformed Church of Highland Park seeks to make the church a safe community for all of God’s children, regardless of their age and/or ability.  

Within the 12-page document are policies on:

• Employee and Volunteer Screening

• Supervision Guidelines

• Training Guidelines

• RCHP Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Policy

• RCHP Critical Incident Report: Child Abuse and Neglect

• NJ Law on Reporting Child Abuse

The full document is available upon request.