Children and students are a precious gift and a sacred trust. Northeast Community Church is committed to providing a safe, loving and secure environment where every child can grow in their relationship with Jesus. This Child Safety Policy summarizes the standards that govern KidsLife, StudentLife and any NECC activity involving minors.
1. Scope and definitions
This policy applies to all pastors, staff and volunteers (“workers”) who serve with minors at NECC events, on or off site, in person or online. A minor is anyone under the age of 18. KidsLife serves children from birth through 5th grade; StudentLife serves students in grades 6–12.
2. Worker screening
Before serving with minors, every worker must:
- Have regularly attended NECC for at least six months (exceptions only for approved staff hires);
- Complete a written application including ministry history;
- Provide personal references, which are contacted;
- Complete an interview with a ministry leader;
- Consent to and pass a criminal background check, including a national sex-offender registry search, renewed at least every three years;
- Complete child-safety and abuse-prevention training before serving, with annual refreshers; and
- Sign a commitment to follow this policy.
Workers must be at least 18 years old. Students aged 13–17 may serve as helpers only under the direct supervision of screened adults and are never counted toward adult ratios.
3. The two-adult rule and ratios
At least two screened, unrelated adults must be present in every room or activity with minors. No adult may be alone with a single child who is not their own, out of sight of others. Rooms have windows or doors kept open. Recommended ratios:
| Age group | Adults : children |
|---|---|
| Infants (0–12 months) | 1 : 3 |
| Toddlers (1–3 years) | 1 : 5 |
| PreK – Kindergarten | 1 : 7 |
| Grades 1–5 | 1 : 10 |
| Grades 6–12 | 1 : 12 (minimum two adults at all times) |
4. Secure check-in and check-out
- Every child is checked in at the Welcome Center by a parent or guardian, who receives a matching security tag.
- Children are released only to an adult presenting the matching tag. If a tag is lost, a ministry leader verifies identity before release.
- Allergy and medical information provided by parents is printed on the child’s tag and shared with workers in the room.
- Workers never release a child to anyone else, including siblings under 18, without prior written authorization from the parent.
5. Restrooms and personal care
Restroom trips are made in groups where possible, with a worker waiting outside the door. Diapering takes place only in designated, visible changing areas, with a second adult in the room. Workers never assist with toileting beyond what is age-appropriate, and parents are called for anything more.
6. Appropriate conduct
Workers show care through appropriate, public and age-appropriate interactions — such as side hugs, high-fives and a hand on the shoulder. The following are never permitted: physical discipline, inappropriate touch, sexual or suggestive language, sharing personal secrets with a child, giving gifts privately, or any form of bullying or humiliation. Workers do not transport minors alone unless written parental permission is on file and a second adult is present.
7. Digital communication
- Workers communicate with students through group messages that include another adult or the parent, not private one-on-one channels.
- Communication takes place at reasonable hours and only about ministry matters.
- Photos of minors are taken and shared only with parental consent and never with identifying details such as full names or schools.
- Online gatherings involving minors always include at least two screened adults.
8. Reporting suspected abuse
NECC complies with Connecticut’s mandated reporting laws. Any worker who suspects that a child has been abused or neglected must immediately inform the ministry leader and make a report to the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) Careline at 1-800-842-2288 (24 hours a day), or call 911 if a child is in immediate danger. Reports are made directly to authorities; workers do not investigate on their own or confront the alleged offender. NECC will cooperate fully with law enforcement and DCF.
Anyone — parent, attendee or neighbor — who has a concern may also contact our church leadership confidentially at [email protected]. Retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith is prohibited.
9. Response to allegations
If an allegation is made against a worker, that person is immediately removed from all ministry involving minors pending the outcome of any investigation. Leadership will care for the affected child and family, notify our insurance carrier as required, and communicate appropriately while respecting privacy and legal processes.
10. Health, emergencies and facilities
Children who are ill (fever, vomiting, contagious conditions) are asked to stay home. Rooms are cleaned regularly, and toys are sanitized. Workers know the location of first-aid kits, fire exits and evacuation routes, and emergency drills are practiced. Parents are notified of any injury, however minor, and incident reports are filed.
11. Review
This policy is reviewed annually by church leadership and updated in line with best practices and Connecticut law. Questions about child safety at NECC? Contact us at 203.838.4708 or [email protected], or learn more on our KidsLife page.