Child Safety Policy

Safety Pledge

We know how important your children are, and we want you to feel complete peace when you entrust them to our care. At The Carpenter’s House, we pledge the following:

Every staff member and volunteer serving with children has passed a criminal background check and completed safety training.
Your child will never be alone with a single adult—there are always at least two approved adults present.
Our secure tag system ensures that only you (or your designated guardian) can pick up your child.
All ministry spaces remain open and observable at all times.
We have strict rules for appropriate conduct, communication, and supervision.
Any concern or allegation of misconduct will be reported immediately and handled with transparency and cooperation with law enforcement.
You are always welcome to observe, ask questions, and know how our safety procedures work.

Your child’s safety is our sacred trust. We will do everything possible to provide a safe, loving environment where children can encounter Jesus and grow in His Word.

Full Child Safety Policy

The Carpenter’s House is committed to creating a safe, Christ-centered environment where children can grow in faith, experience God’s love, and be protected from harm. This policy establishes the standards, practices, and safeguards that guide all ministry activities involving minors.

1. Screening & Training of Staff and Volunteers

All staff and volunteers serving in any ministry involving children or youth must complete a criminal background check before serving.
Every volunteer must complete a Child Safety Training that covers appropriate conduct, supervision practices, and reporting requirements.
Volunteers and staff must sign an agreement of understanding confirming their compliance with this policy.

2. Supervision & Ratios

A minimum of two approved adults must be present with children at all times. One-on-one unsupervised interaction between an adult and a child is not permitted.
All classrooms and ministry spaces must remain open and observable (with windows, glass doors, or open doors).
Appropriate adult-to-child ratios will be maintained to ensure safe and effective supervision.

3. Check-In / Check-Out Procedures

Parents or guardians must check their children in and out of children’s ministry using our secure tag system.
Only the parent or guardian presenting the correct tag may pick up a child. This safeguard protects against unauthorized pickup, including estranged family members.

4. Appropriate Conduct

Staff and volunteers will conduct themselves in a manner that reflects Christ and respects the dignity of every child.
Physical contact should be age-appropriate, public, and respectful (e.g., high fives, brief hugs from the side, handshakes). Inappropriate or prolonged physical contact is strictly prohibited.
Staff and volunteers may not transport children alone in their personal vehicles.

5. Digital Safety

Staff and volunteers may not communicate privately with minors through personal texts, emails, or social media. All communication must be through parent-inclusive or church-approved channels.

6. Reporting & Response to Concerns

All staff and volunteers are mandatory reporters and must immediately report any suspicion or allegation of abuse to church leadership and, when required by law, to law enforcement or child protective services.
The Carpenter’s House will fully cooperate with authorities in any investigation.
We will never attempt to protect an individual by hiding misconduct. Our first priority is always the safety and well-being of the child.

7. Accountability & Oversight

The Child Safety Team (appointed by church leadership) will oversee the implementation of this policy, review it annually, and ensure ongoing compliance.
Parents are encouraged to ask questions, provide feedback, and observe ministry environments at any time.

Our Commitment

We recognize that Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14, NKJV). As a church, we affirm that protecting children is a sacred trust. By implementing these safeguards, we seek to honor Christ, protect the vulnerable, and build trust with every family He sends to us.

The 6 Rules

Safe Touch Only – Any contact is age-appropriate and respectful (like a high-five or fist bump). No prolonged or secretive contact, ever.
Kind Words Always – We never use harsh language, intimidation, or humiliation. Every child is treated with dignity and care.
No Secrets – We don’t ask children to keep secrets, and parents are always kept in the loop.
Clear Communication – No private texts, calls, or social media messages with minors. All communication goes through parents or church-approved channels.
Two-Adult Rule – Your child will never be alone with one adult. At least two approved adults are always present.
Visible Supervision – Ministry spaces remain open and observable, and children are never taken to private or secluded areas by a single adult.