FBC HILLSBOROUGH SAFE CHURCH OVERVIEW
1. CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
• Demonstrate Christian love, respect, and accountability.
• Follow all safety, supervision, and reporting procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Avoid prohibited behaviors (physical harm, sexualized conduct, isolation with minors).
2. SCREENING REQUIREMENTS
• Approved application on file.
• Background check completed.
• Meets age requirements: 18+ (children), 21+ (youth), 14–17 (Youth Helper).
3. TWO-PERSON RULE
• Two unrelated volunteers present at all times.
• Never alone with a child or youth in private or isolated spaces.
• Follow required supervision ratios.
4. CHILDREN’S MINISTRY ESSENTIALS (Infants–5th Grade)
• Staffing/Volunteer to Pupil Ratios:
• 1:2 babies, 1:3 toddlers, 1:4 preschool, 1:5 kindergarten, 1:6 elementary.
• Drop-off & Pick-up:
• Check-in required, Release only to adults with matching ID tags.
• Volunteers wear visible name tags.
• Conduct & Safety:
• Stay in assigned spaces.
• Bathroom supervision with open doors.
• No lap-sitting for 1st grade and older.
• Touch must be appropriate and non-private.
• Diapering only in designated areas by approved adults.
• Discipline:
• No physical discipline or shaming.
• Use redirection and encouragement.
• Health:
• Remove children showing symptoms (fever, rash, vomiting, lice, etc.).
5. YOUTH MINISTRY ESSENTIALS (Grades 6–12)
• Two unrelated volunteers; ratio 1:12.
• One-on-one meetings discouraged; must be in visible public spaces.
• Recurring meetings require parental approval.
• No dating relationships with youth.
• Physical contact minimal and appropriate.
6. OVERNIGHT ACTIVITIES
• Two-volunteer rule always in effect.
• Written permission & medical forms required.
• Co-ed trips require male & female leaders.
• Adults never sleep in the same room as minors of the opposite sex.
• Sleeping arrangements communicated to parents.
7. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
• Report immediately: suspected misconduct, policy breaches, unsafe situations.
• Contact Overseer Chair or another Overseer.
• Use official reporting forms.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Report external abuse directly to DSS.
8. AFTER A REPORT
• Child protected immediately.
• Parents notified (unless one is the alleged wrongdoer).
• Alleged wrongdoer removed from contact.
• Legal counsel & Supervising Committee investigate.
• Conclusion reached within 5 days.
9. QUICK DEFINITIONS
• Child: Infant–5th grade.
• Youth: Grades 6–12.
• Volunteer: Approved church member serving with minors.
• Youth Helper: Ages 14–17 with restrictions.
• Two-Person Rule: Two unrelated approved adults present.
• Ministry Director: Supervisor over volunteers.
For more information or questions about our safe church policy, please call or email our church office to request contact information for one of our Overseer Team members.
