Vulnerable Adults Protection Policy
Preamble
We, the Session of the First Presbyterian Church, of the Presbytery of Utica, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), believe and proclaim that all human beings are created by God in the divine image. Therefore, every person, regardless of age, race, or gender, has inherent worth and dignity in the eyes of God. This God-given worth and dignity should be recognized and respected in all human relationships, especially in those relationships between persons in positions of leadership and authority within the church and those over whom they exercise this leadership and authority. To use the power and authority of a church office or position for any purpose other than to serve those who have been entrusted to one’s care is an abuse of power, a betrayal of trust and God’s love for each of us in Jesus Christ, and a denial of human worth and dignity. Such misconduct must not be tolerated.
In this belief, the Session enacts the following policy on the protection of vulnerable adults in order to keep them safe and so that allegations of misconduct may be seriously treated and dealt with promptly, justly, and with compassion toward all affected parties.
General Purpose Statement
First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown seeks to provide a safe and secure environment for any vulnerable adults who participate in our programs and activities. By implementing the practices outlined below, our goal is to protect these members of the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown community from incidents of misconduct or inappropriate behavior while also protecting our staff and volunteers (“workers”) from false accusations. These policies also apply to outside organizations which are permitted to use our facilities and have followed the Buildings and Grounds application procedures. (See attached application form.)
Training
First Presbyterian Church, as required by New York State, will provide training on this vulnerable adult protection policy to all who interact with them on a regular basis. All workers are mandated to attend yearly training provided either by First Presbyterian Church or via another appropriate program approved by Session. Training at First Presbyterian Church is expected to be done in late summer.
Definitions
For purposes of this policy, the term “vulnerable adult” includes all persons aged 18 or over whose ability to protect themselves from violence, abuse, neglect or exploitation is significantly impaired through physical or mental disability or illness, old age, emotional fragility or distress. The term “worker” includes both paid and unpaid persons who work with them in church activities. The term “volunteer” means anyone involved in programs including them.
All persons who desire to work with the vulnerable adults participating in our programs and activities will be screened. This screening includes the following:
1. Six Month Rule
No person will be considered for any volunteer position involving contact with vulnerable adults until that person has been involved with the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown for a minimum of six (6) months. This time of interaction between our leadership and the applicant allows for better evaluation of the suitability of the applicant for working with this population.
2. Written Application
All persons seeking to work with vulnerable adults must complete and sign a written application in a form to be supplied by us. The application will request basic information from the applicant and will inquire into previous experience with this population, previous church affiliation, reference and employment information, as well as the disclosure of any previous criminal convictions. The application form will be maintained in a confidential personnel file at the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown.
3. Personal Interview
Upon completion of the application, a face-to-face interview may be scheduled with the applicant to discuss their suitability for the position.
4. Reference Checks
Before an applicant is permitted to work with vulnerable adults, at least two of the applicant’s references will be checked. Where applicable, these references should be of an institutional nature as opposed to personal or family references, preferably from organizations where the applicant has worked with vulnerable adults in the past. Documentation of the reference checks will be maintained in a confidential personnel file at First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown.
5. Criminal Background Checks
A national criminal background check is required for all employees (regardless of position) and volunteers as defined above. Session reserves the right (in consultation with the Policy Shepherd) to waive this requirement for long-time members who have served as volunteer Sunday school teachers in the past.
Before a background check is run, prospective workers will be asked to sign an authorization form allowing the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown to run the check. If an individual declines to sign the authorization form, that person will not be allowed to work with vulnerable adults.
A disqualifying offense that will keep an individual from working with them will be determined by the Pastor and Session on a case-to-case basis in light of all the surrounding circumstances. Generally, convictions for offenses involving violence, dishonesty, illegal substances, indecency, or any conduct contrary to our mission will preclude someone from being permitted to work with vulnerable adults. Failure to disclose a criminal conviction on the application form will also be a disqualifying factor.
The background check, authorization form, and results will be maintained in a confidential personnel file at the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown.
Two Adult Rule
It is our goal that a minimum of two adult workers (one may be a minor at least 14 years old) will be in attendance at all times when vulnerable adults are being supervised during our programs and activities.
Open Door Policy
Classroom doors should remain open unless there is a window in the door or a side window beside it. Doors should never be locked while persons are inside the room.
Medications Policy
It is the policy of the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown not to administer either prescription or non-prescription medications to the vulnerable adults under our care. Medications should be administered by a responsible adult at home.
Restroom Guidelines
Vulnerable adults shall be escorted to the bathroom. The workers should check the bathroom first to make sure it is empty, and then allow the person inside. The workers should then remain outside the bathroom door and escort the vulnerable adult back to the classroom. If the person is taking longer than seems necessary, the worker should open the bathroom door and call the person’s name. If the vulnerable adult requires assistance, the workers should prop open the bathroom door, and leave the stall door open as they assist the person.
For the protection of all, workers should never be alone with a vulnerable adult in the bathroom with the door closed and never be in a closed bathroom stall with them.
Discipline Policy
It is the policy of First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown not to administer corporal punishment for disciplinary issues.
Accidental Injuries to Vulnerable Adults
In the event that a person is injured while under our care, the following steps should be followed:
1. For minor injuries, scrapes, and bruises, workers will provide First Aid (Band-Aids, etc.) as appropriate and will notify the guardian of the injury at the time the vulnerable adult is picked up from our care.
2. For injuries requiring medical treatment beyond simple First Aid, the guardian will immediately be summoned in addition to the worker’s supervisor. If warranted by circumstances, an ambulance will be called.
3. Once the person has received appropriate medical attention, an incident report will be completed in the case of injuries requiring treatment by a medical professional.
Use of Images
Any use of photos or videos of vulnerable adults at church activities is not permitted without the written permission of their guardian.
Vulnerable Adult Abuse:
For the purposes of this policy, “vulnerable adult abuse” is defined as any act or failure to act that results in the physical, sexual, psychological, or emotional mistreatment, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult.
Workers may have the opportunity to become aware of abuse or neglect of the vulnerable adults under our care. In the event that a worker involved in their care at this church becomes aware of suspected abuse or neglect, this should be reported immediately to the Policy Shepherd for further action, including reporting to authorities as may be mandated by state law.
Procedures for Responding to Allegations of Vulnerable Adult Abuse
In the event that an incident of abuse or neglect is alleged to have occurred at the church or during our sponsored programs or activities, the following procedure shall be followed:
1. The appointed Policy Shepherd receives a complaint.
2. The Policy Shepherd will notify the designated response team (to be determined).
3. The guardian of the victim will be notified.
4. The following steps will be taken immediately:
a. The clergy, staff, or church member alleged to be the perpetrator of the abuse or misconduct will immediately be placed on paid leave if on the church payroll, unpaid leave if not, pending an investigation and instructed in writing to remain away from the premises during the investigation. The person should be instructed in writing to have no contact with the alleged victim or with witnesses.
Should the allegation be brought against the Senior Pastor, another staff person will be designated to function in this role. As of the writing of these recommendations, Peter Deysenroth will serve in this role. Each year, it will be Session’s responsibility to designate a staff person for this role and to reevaluate their decision whenever staffing changes occur.
b. All allegations of abuse should be reported to Otsego County Department of Social Services, Adult Protective Services (607)547-4355, and the church will comply with the state’s requirements regarding mandatory reporting of abuse as the law then exists. The church will fully cooperate with the investigation of the incident by civil authorities.
c. The Presbytery of Utica will be informed of the allegation(s).
5. The insurance company will be notified, and the church will complete an incident report. Any documents received relating to the incident and/or allegations will immediately be forwarded to the insurance company.
6. The church will designate a spokesperson to the media concerning incidents of abuse or neglect. The advice of legal counsel will be sought before responding to media inquiries or releasing information about the situation to the congregation. All other representatives of the church should refrain from speaking to the media.
7. A pastoral visit will be arranged for those who desire it. This should be for the purpose of providing pastoral support during the time of crisis and not for the purpose of investigating the incident or influencing the investigation.
8. Any person who is not found innocent of the alleged abuse or misconduct will be removed from their position working with vulnerable adults.
Approved by Session March 14, 2021