Child Protection Policy
Newlonsburg Presbyterian Church (NPC) is committed to maintaining a safe, nurturing environment for all children and youth under the age of eighteen and vulnerable adults in its care. At Baptism, the congregation participates in a covenant to guide and nurture its children in the faith. Parents and other members of the congregation are responsible to shepherd children, leading them toward a deeper understanding of the love and grace of Jesus Christ. Therefore, NPC has implemented a Child Protection Policy to provide a safe and secure environment for the children who participate in the programs and activities of NPC.
Updated NPC Child Protection Policy - Click here to view or download
The policy covers children between age 0 and 5th grade and youth 6th grade through age 17 inclusive. The policy also covers vulnerable adults including those participating in the MINTEC program and adults receiving homebound care. The policy applies to all clergy, staff, volunteers, and other persons who work with children, youth, or vulnerable adults in any paid or voluntary capacity, including groups requesting to use our facilities.
To implement this policy volunteers who work with children and youth in a voluntary capacity are required to meet certain requirements and to complete the steps listed below.
Step 1:
Please complete the following three clearances. The first two clearances are free for volunteers and can be completed by clicking on the links provided and following the instructions. The third clearance (Fingerprint) does have a cost associated with it, but that cost will be covered by the church. Please submit payment receipt into the church office for reimbursement.
PA Child Abuse History Clearance
https://www.dhs.pa.gov/KeepKidsSafe/Clearances/Pages/PA-Child-Abuse-History-Clearance.aspx
PA State Police Background Clearance
https://www.dhs.pa.gov/KeepKidsSafe/Clearances/Pages/Criminal-Background-Check.aspx
FBI Criminal Background Check
Please note: For the FBI Criminal Background Check: If you have lived in the state of Pennsylvania for the past ten continuous years and are an unpaid volunteer, you may be exempt from the FBI clearance if you have a signed Volunteer Disclosure form.
https://www.dhs.pa.gov/KeepKidsSafe/Clearances/Pages/FBI-Fingerprinting.aspx
Volunteer Disclosure (Can substitute for FBI Background Check)
Step 2:
There are 2 options for Step 2. Either complete the following Mandated Reporter training offered by the PA Child Welfare Resource Center. This training is free, but you need to create a login and password before completing the course. Print the Certificate earned and submit to the Church Office.
https://www.reportabusepa.pitt.edu
Or watch the following NPC Mandated Reporter Training video, download, read, and study the “Life is Beautiful: Mandated Reporters Frequently Asked Questions” FAQ Document that accompanies the video. Then complete the Acknowledgement Page after watching the video and submit it to the Church Office. The video is only 24 minutes long.
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FAQ Document:
NPC Mandated Reporter Acknowledgement Page (to be completed after watching the video and studying the FAQ Document)
NPC Mandated Reporter Acknowledgement Page - Click here to view or download
Step 3:
Please read the Sexual Misconduct Policy and sign the Sexual Misconduct Acknowledgement Page acknowledging that you have read the document and agree to follow its intent.
NPC Sexual Misconduct Policy – Click here to view or download
NPC Sexual Misconduct Acknowledgement Page - Click here to view or download
Submitting Your Documentation
Once you have completed all 3 of these steps, please email, drop off, or mail the completed forms, and any certificates of completion to the Office Manager and they will be securely filed.
Email:
OfficeManager@newlonsburgchurch.org
Mailing Address:
Newlonsburg Presbyterian Church
Attn: Office Manager
4600 Old William Penn Highway
Murrysville, PA 15668
If you have any questions, please contact the Office Manager at 724-327-0061
Thank you for your service and compliance in ensuring our children are safe and protected.
