Child Protection Policy

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:4
“Whoever welcomes a little child like this in My name welcomes Me.” Matthew 18:5-6

STUDENT LEADERS ONBOARDING POLICIES

  • Prospective Leaders MUST complete a reference/preliminary interview, conducted by the student minister of Sojourn.
  • Prospective Leaders MUST complete and pass a criminal background check, which is updated every 1 to 2 years.
  • Prospective Leaders MUST attend and shadow leaders of student services in order to establish whether or not they are a good fit for student ministry.
  • Prospective Leaders are finally assessed and approved by current student minister and student team lead (currently Jonathan Ray & Lare McCreary)

RETREAT/OVERNIGHT POLICIES & PROCEDURES

  • Male & Female students MUST be supervised and separated in ALL intimate environments (i.e. in sleeping arrangements, bathroom/shower arrangements.)
  • NO unsupervised non-visible interactions may occur between a single student leader (in number) and a single student (in number). 2 or more students MUST  be present in situations with a single youth leader. A minimum of 2-3 youth leaders must be present in situations with a single student.
  • NO sleeping arrangement is permitted in which MS/HS students are combined.
  • NO sleeping arrangement will be allowed in which under-age students and youth leaders share the same intimate spaces (i.e. in sleeping arrangements, bathroom/shower arrangements.)
  • IF NO room assignments exist for the preferred separation above, 3 adult leaders MUST  be present in the same room with students, and MUST  use the restrooms/showers entirely separately.

For More Information

To read the current literature that guide our policy creation and enforcement, please click here.

click here to view Child protection policy guidelines