COMMUNITY PROTECTION PLAN

At GBC we take vulnerable person and child safety very seriously, which is why we have spent so much time developing our procedures and policies. Our Community Protection Plan requires all of our vulnerable person volunteers to complete our official training and certification. This certification includes seminars in which each volunteer actively participates along annual refresher courses, an up-to-date vulnerable sector police check, interview and references. We seek to provide high accountability and care in these areas in order to best protect the vulnerable. To request a copy of our Grace Bible Church child and vulnerable persons protection policy you can contact us.

 

Our Practices and Procedures at a Glance

For a more detailed policy, please contact us here.

At Grace Bible Church, we have taken active measures to provide a safe place for everyone who comes into our church, with special concern for children, youth and vulnerable adults.

By implementing a our Community Protection Plan and security measures we have:

  • A statement of policy: A written policy formally approved, implemented and regularly reviewed confirming our commitment to providing a safe environment for children. There is zero tolerance for abuse, harassment or neglect committed by any worker or volunteer. To prevent harm to the children, youth and vulnerable adults in our programs and to protect our staff and volunteers from false or wrongful allegations is the express purpose of our statement.

  • A definition of abuse: Defining abuse and related issues helps our workers clearly understand and identify unacceptable behaviour, including: physical, sexual and emotional abuse, harassment and neglect. 

  • Children and youth worker screening: All members and volunteers who work with children are required to complete an application form, interview and have a criminal record check, and complete our Plan to Protect training.

  • Operational procedures: We have clear guidelines for registration at our events, washroom use and communication (i.e. social networking, off-site trips, appropriate touch, discipline and prohibiting corporal punishment, retention of documentation and health and safety guidelines).

  • Facilities modifications: Ensuring all Sunday School rooms have a window in their doors, and other such considerations, will assist us in preventing and discouraging abuse incidents.

  • Security Procedures: We ensure proper security procedures and personal are present for security sweeps before and after events/programs and during events/programs to ensure a safe environment for every. We also have security cameras located at strategic places on our property.

  • Required training: All staff members and volunteers who regularly work with children and youth require Child Protection Plan orientation and mandatory annual refresher courses.

  • Protocol for reporting and responding: All allegations or complaints of abuse must be handled appropriately and adhere to all legal requirements and obligations.