Plan to Protect Part 3
Just to rub it in, I’m actually on the sunny beaches in Florida but never mind that J (hehe)
Here we are again, another week in the trenches. As you continue to press through this process be reminded of how valuable it is to both your children and volunteers!
This week we will focus on incident reporting and proceed through the National Plan to Protect Document. Keep in mind though that your church policy may not look exactly like this as all churches have the opportunity to personalize policy with approval of course from their insurance company. Some insurance companies will provide you, at your request, of the steps they expect you to take in order to gain insurance with them. This may be a great starting point if you are attempting to write your own policy from scratch, or revise the national policy.
Chapter 7 – Incident Reporting
There is a process to everything and making yourself aware of the procedures should an incident occur will ensure the child’s and volunteers safety as well as ensure that no further damage is done through sloppy ‘red tape’. The reaction of the church during a crisis can often be as or more detrimental to the situation than the actual incident. Keep that in mind as you personalize these portions of the policy.
Volunteers need to know what their responsibility is and what in not in terms of reporting. Going outside of the reporting cycle can be very damaging. This is very clearly laid out in the flow chart provided, keep this handy and review these processes regularly. Some churches have even attempted ‘mock’ incidents or role playing these situations during training just to ensure they have it correct. You could also consider having someone from social services in during your training time, and at the very least have agency phone numbers available in order to act promptly (though proper channels) should an incident occur. Always ensure that the Sr. Pastor is included in this loop as liability for staff ultimately falls on his/her shoulders.
The reporting section is full of follow up, spokesperson information, prepared statements, and use of lawyers. Ensure that your church has a reporting structure and it is well outlined.
Chapter 8 is extremely useful when implementing this policy. It discusses the implementation of this policy, the monitoring and educating. There is a training area for the education of workers and volunteers. We will be discussing some interesting training ideas today next week as we conclude our focus.
TO DO THIS WEEK
1) Plan your reporting structure. Use the flow chart in the documentation as a guide and involve all ‘report to’ people in this discussion.
2) Ensure you have all emergency numbers available for your reporting structure
3) With another staff member or volunteers go through the role play of various situations that could present themselves. This will assist you in determining if you in fact are prepared to handle an incident, and handle it well.
4) Plan also your Fire & other emergency situation structures. If the fire alarm goes off what is your plan and who is involved in getting your children out safely? If a child has an allergic reaction or hits the wall and is unconscious what is your plan of dealing with the situation? Who do you call, how do you call them?
Have a great week serving Him
Pam