30 January 2008                                                                       Return to the FPC Home Page

Dear parents of FPC children and youth,

Since its adoption in May 2004 by our session, the Child & Youth Protection Policy has been our guide as we have sought to “provide a safe and secure environment for all children, youth and volunteers who participate in the ministries and activities sponsored by the church.” The policy has been received positively by staff and volunteers, many of whom have received training and support.

While the policy seeks to provide guidelines for adults supervising children and youth in official church programs, the Christian Education Committee has become increasingly aware there are times when children are at church but are not participating in a formal program. For example, they may be waiting with a mother or father while a sibling is in choir, doing homework while a parent is in a meeting or playing after worship with friends. In these situations, it remains the parents’ responsibility to supervise their children when they are at church.

We want the church to be a place where children are welcomed and feel at home. However, as a downtown church whose doors are open to many during weekdays and on Sundays, it is unreasonable to assume there are no dangers in our large building. While Jesus told us to “welcome the stranger,” he also told us to “be wise as serpents” and to seek the welfare of those who are most vulnerable.

To promote the safety of our members, the Christian Education Committee seeks to clarify our Child & Youth Protection policy by reminding all parents of the following guidelines:

• When children and youth are at church, but not participating in a formal church program, they are to remain under the supervision and the responsibility of their parents.
• Though not written with parents as the intended audience, the Employee and Volunteer Code of Conduct provides helpful guidelines about safe supervision. The entire policy is available here as well at the office.

Please sign and return the form. A signed response indicates you are aware of the church’s expectations as well as the Child & Youth Protection policy.

You may respond easily by using the form below. If you prefer, you may print out this page and return the form below to the reception desk in the Wallace Foyer or mail it to the church office.

We welcome any comments, concerns or questions you may have about this important matter. Thanks for your help and cooperation.

CE Committee                                                                         

            Chairperson, Eve Bennett

            Staff members, Nancy McNeill & Michael Poulos

            Approved by the FPC Session January 13, 2008

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