RE Safety
Sexual abuse prevention and reporting
Safety of vulnerable people of all ages is a priority.
First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg
Code of Ethics for Adults Working with Children and Youth
adapted from the Canadian Unitarian Council’s Adults and Older Youth Working with Children and Youth
Adults working in leadership roles are in positions of power and authority over youth and children. Adults also play a key role in fostering the spiritual development of both individuals and the community. It is, therefore, especially important that those in leadership positions be well qualified to provide the special nurture, care, and support that will enable children and youth to develop a positive sense of self and a spirit of independence and responsibility.
The relationship between children or youth and their leaders must be one of mutual respect if positive potential is to be realized. The areas of growth in one’s self-worth and in the development of a healthy identity as a sexual being are very important parts of childhood and adolescent development. Adults play a key role in assisting children and youth in these areas of growth.
Research indicates that children, youth, adults and communities suffer damaging effects when leaders or those in positions of power and authority become romantically and or sexually involved with young persons in their care.
Therefore: leaders at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg events will refrain from engaging in sexual, seductive, or erotic behaviour with children and youth. Neither shall they engage in sexually explicit conversations (unless it is part of an educational program i.e. OWL), particularly any of a personal nature; sexually harass; or engage in behavior with children or youth that constitutes verbal, emotional or physical abuse.
All leaders shall be informed of this code of ethics and asked to agree to it before assuming their role as a volunteer or staff in any program involving children and youth which are sponsored regionally or nationally by the Canadian Unitarian Council.
In the event that this code is violated at a First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg event, appropriate actions will be taken by the staff (and Board as required) in consultation with the event’s leadership and organizing team.
I, ___________________________ have read and understand the above statements of position, expectations, and actions of the Code of Ethics for Adults Working with Children and Youth. I agree to follow this code of ethics.
_______________________ ___________________________ ___________________
Name Printed Signature Date
Fire Safety
The following is posted underneath the attendance sheets on the clipboard in every room.
During a Fire Alarm/Drill
* If heat/smoke is present, take alternate exit route:
We hope to have at least one fire drill each year, with the first being planned for fall 2017. During the drills or in case of actual fire, teachers and youth advisors are responsible until parents retrieve their children/youth.
Sexual abuse prevention and reporting
Safety of vulnerable people of all ages is a priority.
- All staff have completed both Child Abuse Registry and Police Record checks
- RE volunteers must complete a Child Abuse Registry check every two years, and sign the Code of Ethics (below) each year
- In Manitoba we are all bound to report suspected child abuse
- The Director of Lifespan Faith Development affirms and upholds the Code of Professional Practices for religious educators
- The congregation is in the process of reviewing and updating our Safe Congregations Policy
First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg
Code of Ethics for Adults Working with Children and Youth
adapted from the Canadian Unitarian Council’s Adults and Older Youth Working with Children and Youth
Adults working in leadership roles are in positions of power and authority over youth and children. Adults also play a key role in fostering the spiritual development of both individuals and the community. It is, therefore, especially important that those in leadership positions be well qualified to provide the special nurture, care, and support that will enable children and youth to develop a positive sense of self and a spirit of independence and responsibility.
The relationship between children or youth and their leaders must be one of mutual respect if positive potential is to be realized. The areas of growth in one’s self-worth and in the development of a healthy identity as a sexual being are very important parts of childhood and adolescent development. Adults play a key role in assisting children and youth in these areas of growth.
Research indicates that children, youth, adults and communities suffer damaging effects when leaders or those in positions of power and authority become romantically and or sexually involved with young persons in their care.
Therefore: leaders at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg events will refrain from engaging in sexual, seductive, or erotic behaviour with children and youth. Neither shall they engage in sexually explicit conversations (unless it is part of an educational program i.e. OWL), particularly any of a personal nature; sexually harass; or engage in behavior with children or youth that constitutes verbal, emotional or physical abuse.
All leaders shall be informed of this code of ethics and asked to agree to it before assuming their role as a volunteer or staff in any program involving children and youth which are sponsored regionally or nationally by the Canadian Unitarian Council.
In the event that this code is violated at a First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg event, appropriate actions will be taken by the staff (and Board as required) in consultation with the event’s leadership and organizing team.
I, ___________________________ have read and understand the above statements of position, expectations, and actions of the Code of Ethics for Adults Working with Children and Youth. I agree to follow this code of ethics.
_______________________ ___________________________ ___________________
Name Printed Signature Date
Fire Safety
The following is posted underneath the attendance sheets on the clipboard in every room.
- Fill in attendance sheet and place by door every Sunday (start of group)
- All children should have something on their feet, in case we need to leave the building quickly
During a Fire Alarm/Drill
- Grab attendance clipboard
- Check all children are present
- If child is missing from group inform Fire Marshall (likely, but not necessarily, the DLFD)
- Lead group to stairs beside the RE Supply room, toward sanctuary
- Go up the stairs
- Check fire doors for heat/smoke*
- Exit straight outside (do not go all the way up to sanctuary)
- Meet in east parking lot
- Teachers may release child only once the parent has signed their child out
* If heat/smoke is present, take alternate exit route:
- Go back down the stairs, through the multipurpose room, up the main RE stairs, and out the door to the back yard
- Proceed as above – meet the rest of the congregation in the east parking lot
We hope to have at least one fire drill each year, with the first being planned for fall 2017. During the drills or in case of actual fire, teachers and youth advisors are responsible until parents retrieve their children/youth.