Presbyterian Church (USA) Child/Youth/Vulnerable Adult Protection

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (U.S.A.) CHILD/YOUTH/VULNERABLE

ADULT PROTECTION POLICY AND ITS PROCEDURES

Page 1 of 12

POLICY APPLICATION STATEMENT

It is the policy of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (“PCUSA”) and all entities

of the General Assembly (“Entities”) that all church members, church officers, nonmember employees

and/or contractors, and volunteers of congregations, councils, and Entities of the church are to maintain

the strongest sense of integrity, safety, nurturing, and care involving all interactions with children, youth,

and vulnerable adults. This Policy applies to all General Assembly Entity sponsored activities that involve

children, youth, and vulnerable adults.

DISTRIBUTION

Copies of this Child/Youth/Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy and its Procedures (“Policy”) shall be

made available to all agency, council, and Entity offices in hard copy or electronically or via the internet.

It is intended as guidance for churches, mid-councils, and related entities. This is a policy of the General

Assembly of the PCUSA and is a policy of General Assembly agencies and Entities, including the Office

of the General Assembly, the Presbyterian Mission Agency, the Administrative Services Group, and the

other four agencies of the General Assembly and General Assembly Entities. Other councils and

organizations of the PCUSA may use this Policy as a guide to develop their own policies and procedures

related to the protection of children, youth, and vulnerable adults. Wherever this Policy indicates that

Entities shall do something, if a council adopts all or part of this Policy, the council should do likewise.

POLICY RATIONALE

The implementation and documentation of a Child/Youth/Vulnerable Protection Policy strives to reduce

the risk of abuse and neglect for the following reasons:

• Children, youth, and vulnerable adults are a gift from God and the Church has a divine mandate

to provide for their safety and nurturing. The Church is called to be a place that reflects the open

arms of Jesus. In Matthew 19:14, Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me.” The Church is

to be, at all levels of council and in all entities, a place of safety and nurture reflective of the

arms of Christ.

• Any type of abuse involving children, youth, or vulnerable adults has lasting and devastating

effects on the life of the victim/survivor. It is the call of the Church to be a life-giving entity of

Christ’s healing and hope for community and individuals, not an entity that brings harm and

hurt.

• The larger Church suffers with the victim/survivor and his or her family when abuse and neglect

occurs. The Church is unable to do the full work of Christ, due to the hurt, pain, and distrust that

accompanies abuse. Not only does the Church lose its credibility at all levels, it also suffers

considerable financial loss and loss of integrity. More importantly, in instances of child, youth,

or vulnerable adult abuse within the Church, there is immeasurable spiritual, psychological,

emotional, and physical harm can be perpetrated that woefully hinders God’s call on the

Church.

• The Book of Order states, “The congregation as a whole, on behalf of the Church universal,

assumes responsibility for nurturing the baptized person in the Christian life,” and Presbyterians

believe this baptismal commitment to be a serious one, understanding it to apply to all in the

church’s care, including children, youth, and vulnerable adults (Book of Order W-2.3013).

• Children, youth, and vulnerable adults are not only persons of care and service in the church,

but they are also co-recipients of the graces and love of God. Jesus exemplified this in the

Gospel of Mark 10:15–16 when he urged his followers to receive the kingdom of God as a little

child. And he specifically takes up the children into his arms and blesses them. So also the

Church, as the body of Christ, is to be the presence of Christ’s love, in the same way taking up

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Child/Youth/Vulnerable Adult

Protection Policy and Its Procedures

Page 2 of 12

all children, youth, and vulnerable adults into its arms and blessing them; providing for them a

safe, thriving, and nurturing environments in which to grow in every way.

PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW WHEN ENTITIES ARE PROVIDING CARE FOR MINORS

When Entities provide care and supervision for Minors at one of its meetings, events or conferences (this

excludes meetings, event or conferences for which an Entity reimburses parents or guardians to pay for

care for minors), the following procedures shall be utilized.

DEFINITIONS

Each state has its own statutes regarding what is defined as child/youth/vulnerable adult abuse. This

Policy advises all Entities of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to consider and

be familiar with state statutes pertaining to the location of each event/activity.

The following is a list of definitions of terms and their intended use in this particular Policy. For the

purpose of this Policy:

Child: A child is defined as a person between the ages of 0–11.

Youth: A youth is be defined as a person between the ages of 12–17.

Minor: A minor is defined as any Child or Youth 0–17 years-old.

Child/Youth Worker: Any person, volunteer, paid staff or contractor who participates at any level at

General Assembly Entity sponsored events or activities involving Children and/or Youth. This includes

chaperones who accompany Minors to and during meetings, events, and activities covered by this Policy.

Vulnerable Adult: Any person eighteen-years-old or older without the developmental or cognitive

capacity to consent.

Vulnerable Adult Abuse: Any act or failure to act that results in physical abuse, neglect, and/or sexual

molestation or abuse, sexual, psychological, or emotional mistreatment or exploitation of a Vulnerable

Adult.

Child/Youth Abuse: Any act or failure to act that results in physical abuse, neglect, and or sexual

molestation or abuse, sexual, psychological, or emotional mistreatment, or exploitation of a Child or

Youth.

Sexual Abuse: In the Book of Order, sexual abuse is defined as, “Sexual abuse of another person is any

offense involving sexual conduct in relation to (1) any person under the age of eighteen years or anyone

without the capacity to consent; or (2) any person when the conduct includes force, threat, coercion,

intimidation, or misuse of ordered ministry or position.” (Book of Order, D-10.0401c).

Misuse of Technology: The use of technology that results in Vulnerable Adult Abuse, Child/Youth

Abuse, or in the harassing or abusing of a Child/Youth.

PMA: Presbyterian Mission Agency.

OGA: Office of General Assembly.

Safe Child Response Team: The Safe Child Response Team is a team comprised of a minimum of at

least three members of or appointed by an Entity of the General Assembly who are specifically trained to

respond to allegations and reports of Child, Youth, or Vulnerable Adult Abuse at General Assembly

Entity sponsored activities. These teams must be readily available to be contacted and used at all General

Assembly Entity sponsored events.

Sexual Misconduct: as that is defined in the Sexual Misconduct Policy and its Procedures (219

General

Assembly (2010)) and revised by the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly (2013).

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Child/Youth/Vulnerable Adult

Protection Policy and Its Procedures

Page 3 of 12

Sexual Misconduct is the comprehensive term used in this Policy to include:

Child sexual abuse; including, but is not limited to, any contact or interaction between a child and an

adult when the child is being used for the sexual stimulation of the adult person or of a third person.

The behavior may or may not involve touching. Sexual behavior between a child and an adult is

always considered forced whether or not consented to by the child. In the Presbyterian Church

(U.S.A.), the sexual abuse definition of a child is anyone under age eighteen.

Sexual abuse as defined in the Book of Order: “Sexual abuse of another person is any offense

involving sexual conduct in relation to (1) any person under the age of eighteen years or anyone over

the age of eighteen years without the mental capacity to consent; or (2) any person when the conduct

includes force, threat, coercion, intimidation, or misuse of ordered ministry or position” (Book of

Order, D-10.0401c).

Sexual harassment; defined for this Policy is as follows: unwelcome sexual advances, requests for

sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment

when:

a. submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an

individual’s employment, or their continued status in an institution;

b. submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting

such an individual;

c. such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work

performance by creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment; or

d. an individual is subjected to unwelcome sexual jokes, unwelcome or inappropriate touching, or

display of sexual visuals that insult, degrade, and/or sexually exploit men, women, or children.

Rape or sexual contact by force, threat, or intimidation.

Sexual conduct is offensive, obsessive or suggestive language or behavior, unacceptable visual

contact, unwelcome touching or fondling that is injurious to the physical or emotional health of

another.

Sexual Malfeasance; is defined by the broken trust resulting from sexual activities within a

professional ministerial relationship that results in misuse of office or position arising from the

professional ministerial relationship.

Misuse of technology; use of technology that results in sexually harassing or abusing another person,

including texting or emailing suggestive messages and images to persons with whom one has a

ministerial relationship. It is never appropriate to view pornography on church property. When this

includes a person under the age of eighteen, it is considered child abuse. There is never an expectation

of personal privacy when using technological equipment owned by a church or church entity or

within the context of ministry.

SCREENING, TRAINING, AND BACKGROUND CHECKS

A Child/Youth Worker, whether on a paid staff, contractor, or volunteer basis, shall be subject to:

1. The organizing Entity’s receipt of a completed, signed, and approved application and background

check authorization forms, including a signed form verifying the event policy has been read. The

application should include a minimum of two references.

2. All Child/Youth Workers must be at least eighteen years-old and four years older than the oldest

Youth whom they are serving.

3. The applicant’s consent to a comprehensive background check, including a criminal background

check. The Entity must consult with the insurance company through which they have coverage to

determine what background checks are appropriate for their particular event. The Entity should cover

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Child/Youth/Vulnerable Adult

Protection Policy and Its Procedures

Page 4 of 12

the costs of the background checks for all Child/Youth Workers. These checks shall be run no more

than six (6) months prior to the event. (This time restraint is also at the discretion of the organizing

Entity’s insurance company’s requests. Child/Youth Workers who participate annually in events may

only be required to have one (1) background check per calendar year, depending on insurance

company standards.)

4. All Child/Youth Workers, paid, contracted, or volunteer, must participate in training sometime within

the year prior to the event. The training is to be provided by the Entity and shall cover the event

Child/Youth protection policy thoroughly as well as methods of abuse prevention and a detailed plan

of reporting. The Entity may contract with others to provide these trainings. These trainings shall

further cover:

• What constitutes Child/Youth/Vulnerable Adult Abuse and neglect.

• How to recognize signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect.

• State laws concerning definitions of abuse and reporting.

• Mandatory criminal background checks and the security of those files.

• Explanation of the importance of the application and screening processes.

• Appropriate boundaries with Minors, especially regarding adult/Child/Youth ratios,

transportation, and use of technology.

• If an overnight event is planned, discussions of boundaries involving appropriate sleeping

arrangements and restroom/shower facilities use shall be discussed.

• The presence of a Safe Child Response Team at each event and how to contact them.

• All paid employees working directly with children or Youth at any General Assembly Entity

sponsored events must be certified in first aid and CPR.

• Other related topics.

5. No person may serve as a Child/Youth Worker who has a conviction on his/her record of certain

felonies or misdemeanors, including, but not limited to, any of the following:

• Criminal homicide;

• Aggravated assault;

• Crimes related to the possession, use, or sale of drugs or controlled substances;

• Sexual Abuse;

• Sexual assault;

• Injury to a Youth;

• Incest;

• Indecency with a Youth;

• Inducing sexual conduct or sexual performance of a Youth;

• Possession or promotion of child pornography;

• The sale, distribution, or display of harmful material to a Minor;

• Employment harmful to Youth;

• Abandonment or endangerment of a Youth;

• Kidnapping or unlawful restraint;

• Public lewdness or indecent exposure; and enticement of a Youth;

• Any crime that involves Sexual Misconduct or Sexual Abuse, particularly if it involves

misconduct or abuse with a Minor;

• Any crime that involves Misuse of Technology for sexual purposes, such as collecting or

distributing photographs of Minors who are naked or in sexual or inappropriate poses (child

pornography);

• Any crime that involves the use of force, such as assault or endangerment;

• Any crime that involves abduction and kidnapping;

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Child/Youth/Vulnerable Adult

Protection Policy and Its Procedures

Page 5 of 12

• Any crime that involves drinking and driving, such as driving while intoxicated.

In addition, if any council or General Assembly Entity is aware that a Child/Youth Worker has a

prior conviction for one of the aforementioned crimes or a related crime, the Child/Youth Worker

shall automatically be ineligible to attend a Child/Youth event in any capacity.

6. No person may act as or be engaged as a Child/Youth Worker if that person has been found guilty of

an offense, in local, state or federal court or in an ecclesiastical proceeding, that includes actions that

fall under definitions or prohibitions set forth in this Policy.

7. Whenever a General Assembly Entity organizes an event for Minors for which the Entity will invite

Minors from other church councils who will be supervised by Child/Youth Workers, the Councils

who selects the Youth workers shall:

a. Not send a person to act as a Child/Youth Worker whom the council knows has violated the

provisions of the Book of Order or policy of a local congregation or presbytery pertaining to

Sexual Misconduct or Child/Youth protection.

b. Not send a person to act as a Child/Youth Worker for Minors when that person is also scheduled

to work at the event.

c. Require Councils at all levels of church life who are assisting in organizing General Assembly

Entity events for Minors or sending Child/Youth Workers to these events to abide by the same

screening, training, and background check standards mandated in this Policy for the General

Assembly and its Entities.

8. Whenever a General Assembly Entity organizes an event for Minors that invites Minors from

Councils who will be supervised by Child/Youth Workers, the General Assembly Entity shall:

a. Provide guidance to the Councils that are sending Child/Youth Workers about best practices for

securing Child/Youth Workers and eligibility requirements.

b. Provide guidance to the Councils that are sending Child/Youth Workers concerning the

requirement that the Council perform and pay for background checks for potential Child/Youth

Workers and how to evaluate the background check for offenses that would disqualify a person

from being a Child/Youth Worker with Minors.

c. Provide guidance to the Councils on when to perform the background checks and with what

background check provider.

d. Identify someone on the organizing committee or staff of the General Assembly Entity to be the

designated recipient of background checks from Councils and train that person:

i. To review every background check received;

ii. To identify criminal convictions on background checks that should disqualify a person from

being a Child/Youth Worker;

iii. To notify a Council if the staffer believes the Council has erred in selecting a Child/Youth

Worker whose background check indicates that the person should not act as a Child/Youth

Worker;

iv. Report to the General Assembly Entity of the event of each potentially disqualifying

background check and related concerns so that a formal decision can be made to inform the

Council that the person whose background check is in question is not eligible to attend the

event as Child/Youth Worker.

CONFIDENTIALITY OF RECORDS

The Entity shall maintain all Child/Youth Worker applications, results of background checks, and related

information in confidential, secured files.

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Child/Youth/Vulnerable Adult

Protection Policy and Its Procedures

Page 6 of 12

REPORTING

Each sponsoring General Assembly Entity will publicize a procedure for reporting any prohibited actions

and have copies available at all times in a public place at the event. Anyone suspecting or having

knowledge of a violation of child abuse may report such violation to any leader of the General Assembly

Entity sponsored event. A leader of the General Assembly Entity who receives a report of abuse will

report child abuse promptly to local law enforcement and appropriate state authorities. Any Child or

Youth who suspects or has knowledge of any type of Minor abuse is invited to share the knowledge with

any adult leader of the General Assembly Entity sponsored event. Anyone who has knowledge or

suspicion of Child/Youth abuse should be made aware that state law requires the immediate reporting of

such abuse to the civil authorities. Any adult leader should report such violation to any Stated Clerk or

Associate or Assistant Stated Clerk of the General Assembly or any other leader designated by the

sponsoring General Assembly Entity of the event. Any person receiving information under this paragraph

shall share that information immediately with the designated response team.

SAFE CHILD RESPONSE TEAM

At every meeting, conference, event or activity for Minors planned by an Entity of the General Assembly,

a Safe Child Response Team must be trained by the sponsoring Entity and be present and available

throughout the entire duration of the event. This team should be comprised of at least three members, staff

or appointed, selected and sent by the sponsoring Entity. An attorney chosen and secured by the General

Assembly Entity shall be on-call for all conferences, events, and activities. The response team will

familiarize itself with the terms of this Policy as well as established procedures under the Rules of

Discipline, Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for responding to complaint(s) of alleged

Child/Youth abuse against any teaching elder, ruling elder, employee, or volunteer in a leadership

position(s) with the sponsoring Entity and any events they may sponsor.

The Safe Child Response Team shall have the following responsibilities in response to allegations of

Child/Youth or Vulnerable Adult Abuse or neglect incurred against any Child/Youth Worker or event

participant:

1. Immediately provide for the safety of the alleged victim(s) involved.

2. If the report alleges abuse or harassment of a Minor, the response team will:

a. immediately ensure the allegation is reported to the civil authorities under state law;

b. immediately notify the parents or guardian of the Minor;

c. notify the insurance company of the allegation and that no investigation has yet occurred.

3. Make immediate decisions concerning the temporary removal of the individual accused from any

contact with Minors pending an investigation and/or removal of the accused from the event until a

resolution of the allegations has occurred.

4. Notify designated people at the General Assembly Entity immediately of the report of alleged

abuse/neglect including the attorney who is on-call throughout the duration of each event, who has

been previously secured by the General Assembly Entity in case of such allegations during each

sponsored event. Any possible media requests will be handled by a designated person or office with

advice from the on-call attorney, taking care to safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of all

involved.

5. Consult the OGA and PMA about resources available for victims of the alleged abuse prior to each

event and have those resources readily available at every event. This will provide victims and their

families immediate resources that may aid in the particular spiritual, psychological, or emotional

needs and trauma that arise from the devastation of abuse.

6. If the report is against a teaching elder, the response team shall send a written statement of allegation

to the stated clerk of the presbytery that holds the teaching elder’s membership. This written

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Child/Youth/Vulnerable Adult

Protection Policy and Its Procedures

Page 7 of 12

statement of allegation shall trigger the formation of an investigating committee under the Rules of

Discipline of the Book of Order: The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Part II.

7. If the report is against a ruling elder, the response team will notify the clerk of session of membership

that an allegation of offense has been received against an elder that triggers the formation of an

investigating committee under the Rules of Discipline of the Book of Order: The Constitution of the

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Part II.

8. If the report is against an employee of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), A Corporation, the response

team will notify the person(s) or committee responsible for supervision of the employee, Human

Resources, and Legal Services. The response team will request a follow-up report from the

supervisory body of the outcome of any subsequent investigation or discipline.

9. If the report is against an employee of a sponsoring Entity other than Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), A

Corporation, the response team will notify the person(s) or committee responsible for supervision of

the employee. The response team will request a follow-up report from the supervisory body of the

outcome of any subsequent investigation or discipline.

10. If the report is against a volunteer, or nonmember of the PCUSA, the response team will request that

the General Assembly Entity appoint an investigating committee of three persons to initiate an

investigation of the allegations in order to:

a. gather any statements of abuse from those making the report, including any information from the

Safety Response Team, and any party to the abuse;

b. gather any information from the person who was accused of abuse;

c. make written determinations and take actions appropriate to resolve the matter including, but not

limited to, making recommendations for prevention as well as response.

11. Provide for pastoral counseling for the principal parties involved (accuser(s), possible victim(s),

accused, family members).

12. A written summary of any proceedings in such cases will be maintained by the General Assembly

Entities.

13. Any person bringing a report of abuse or assisting in investigating will not be adversely affected in

terms and conditions of employment, church membership or affiliation, or otherwise discriminated

against or discharged.

EVENT RULES FOR WORKING WITH MINORS AND VULNERABLE ADULTS

The sponsoring Entity of the General Assembly shall ensure that the following measures be in place and

actions taken for each event or activity involving Minors and Vulnerable Adults:

1. Child/Youth Workers shall:

a. respond to Minors and Vulnerable Adults with respect and consideration and treat all of them

equally, regardless of race/ethnicity, color, national origin, gender, age (40 and over), marital

status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, creed, protected disability status, citizenship

status, genetic information, uniformed service or veteran status or religious affiliation; and

b. act as a positive role model for Minors and Vulnerable Adults by maintaining an attitude of

respect, patience, and maturity.

c. maintain appropriate boundaries when in positions of power with Minors or Vulnerable Adults.

d. Not give money or gifts to Minors, except within the context of a group gift given to all

participants in the celebration of special events or recognitions.

2. Two-adult rule: Two non-related adults must always be present in groups of Minors or Vulnerable

Adults. The only exception is if an emergency situation deems this not immediately possible for both

in person and online gatherings. All Child and Youth Workers and volunteers must be a minimum of

four years older than the age group they lead or supervise.

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Child/Youth/Vulnerable Adult

Protection Policy and Its Procedures

Page 8 of 12

3. Ratios: The adult to Child ratio for all Child-related events/activities is 2:10 for both in person and

online gatherings. The adult to Youth ratio for all Youth-related events/activities is 2:17 for both in

person and online gatherings. There shall also be one adult of each gender when there is one or more

Minors of each gender in a group. Only in emergency situations may the ratios and gender diversity

be compromised.

4. View Windows and Open Doors: When Minors and adult workers or volunteers are in a room, if the

door is closed, the door must have a view window installed. If no view window is installed in the

door, the door must remain open at all times.

5. Adult workers/caregivers should respect the privacy of the Minors and Vulnerable Adults to whom

they provide care. Responsible use of digital devices and cell phones is required in all situations (ex.

Taking age-appropriate photographs and movies, not taking photographs of Minors who are not fully

clothed). Adults and Minors are required at all times to wear appropriate attire. Child/Youth Workers

are not permitted to take photographs of Minors or Vulnerable Adults under their care or at the

meeting or event and share them in any way, including on the internet, without the written permission

of a parent or guardian of the Minor or Vulnerable Adult.

6. Age appropriate training to Minors should be provided regarding behavior that should be reported to

caregiver or leader of the event.

7. Transportation: All adult drivers at Child/Youth events must have proper licensure and insurance on

file with the organizing Entity. All vehicles used must have seat belts for the driver and each

passenger. No Minor under eighty-five pounds may sit in the front seat of any vehicle. All drivers

transporting Minors and Vulnerable Adults must be over the age of twenty-five and must be informed

that if their vehicle is used, their insurance would be primary if an accident occurs. If a charter bus is

rented, or any outside carrier is contracted, the company hired must ensure criminal background

checks on their drivers. Each vehicle must follow the ratio rules noted in point 2 in this section.

Lastly, no minor may be a driver at any event or activity (this includes golf carts at events).

8. Forms: The legal guardians of each Minor must provide the appropriate information and medical

forms for each activity/event. The information form should include all contacts for legal guardians

and the medical form must include a copy of the Minor’s health insurance card. Further consent forms

must be signed by legal guardians for any off-campus events. Any photos at the event that are used in

social media or published material by the organizing Entity must be released by a signed consent

form from a participant’s legal guardian as well as the Minor. All such forms must be stored at the

event site, in a secure place with restricted access.

9. Each event/activity must ensure that rules are gone over with participants at each event/activity.

These rules shall include but are not limited to a code of conduct specific to the event/activity, as well

as a list prohibited and expected behaviors for the specific event/activity. The code of conduct and

prohibited and expected behaviors list should be given in written form to each participant and legal

guardians, as well as discussed thoroughly at the beginning of the event/activity.

10. Minors and adults must maintain different showering and grooming hours at events in which

bathrooms and shower rooms are shared in housing. These hours must be posted on site.

11. Adults should never share sleeping quarters with Minors. The exception to this rule is for the

occasional legal caregiver/child situation or parent/child situation. If a Minor requires a

caregiver/parent, written permission must be given and kept on record from the Minor’s parent/legal

guardian.

12. All volunteers and employees at any General Assembly Entity sponsored meetings and events who

are responsible to supervise Minors and Vulnerable Adults must also abide by a code of conduct that

emphasizes the following prohibited behaviors. Some of these prohibited behaviors include but are

not restricted to:

a. Display of sexual affection toward a Minor.

b. Use of profanity or off-color jokes.

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Child/Youth/Vulnerable Adult

Protection Policy and Its Procedures

Page 9 of 12

c. Discussion of sexual encounters with or around Minors or Vulnerable Adults or in any way

involving Minors in personal problems or issues.

d. Dating or becoming “romantically” involved with Minors or Vulnerable Adults.

e. Using or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs in the presence of Minors and

Vulnerable Adults.

f. Possessing sexually oriented materials—including printed or online pornography—on church

property or property being utilized for a church event.

g. Having secrets with Minors or Vulnerable Adults.

h. Staring at or commenting on the bodies of Minors or Vulnerable Adults.

i. Engaging in inappropriate or unapproved electronic communication with Minors or Vulnerable

Adults.

j. Working one-on-one with Minors or Vulnerable Adults in a private setting.

k. Abusing Minors or Vulnerable Adults in anyway, including (but not limited to) the following:

• Physical abuse: hit, spank, shake, slap, unnecessarily restraint.

• Verbal abuse: degrade, threaten, or curse.

• Sexual abuse: inappropriately touch, expose oneself, or engage in sexually oriented

conversations.

• Mental abuse: shame, humiliate, act cruelly.

• Neglect: withhold food, water, shelter.

• Permit Minors or Vulnerable Adults to engage in the following: hazing, bullying, derogatory

name-calling, ridicule, humiliation, or sexual activity.

SOCIAL MEDIA—ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS

General Social Media Policy

No minister, employee, contractor, or volunteer of the General Assembly and its Entities shall create or

use a media site (Web, Facebook, YouTube, or similar) in the name of or purporting to represent the

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) without the explicit written permission of the, General Assembly Entity, or

event leadership. When clergy or staff, acting in their capacity as a representative of the General

Assembly or its Entities, lead or coordinate a group activity using social media, each may use only

official General Assembly Entity sites/channels when they have been made available by the Entity of the

General Assembly. These may include Web pages, Facebook, e-mail, and similar means.

Social Media Communications

Persons who shall create public pages on behalf of General Assembly Entity programs are responsible to

monitor communications and to assure that employees and volunteers do not have private (and possibly

inappropriate) conversations with Minors and Vulnerable Adults.

Persons having Facebook privileges on behalf of the General Assembly Entity shall treat unsolicited

communication or “friending” from Minors and Vulnerable Adults as an unauthorized text message. No

reply may be given except to indicate by a posting that accepting a “friend” invitation by Minors and

Vulnerable Adults is a violation of the code of conduct.

If a Minors and Vulnerable Adults reveal abuse or inappropriate interactions with an adult, the person

must report this information in the manner of any “suspected abuse.”

When using Facebook to communicate with Minors and Vulnerable Adults, the authorized minister shall

inform parents/guardians of each Minor and Vulnerable Adult that the latter is communicating with the

person via Facebook, providing the parent/guardian the opportunity to disapprove or to participate in a

group.

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Child/Youth/Vulnerable Adult

Protection Policy and Its Procedures

Page 10 of 12

Social Networking Code of Conduct

Each person who leads using the resources of social media shall apply this Social Networking Code of

Conduct:

• Prohibit comments that are, or could be construed by any observer, to be harsh, coercive,

threatening, intimidating, shaming, derogatory, demeaning, or humiliating.

• Prohibit sexually oriented conversations or discussions about sexual activities.

• Prohibit private messages between employees and volunteers and Minors and Vulnerable

Adults.

• Prohibit posting inappropriate pictures (for example, sexually suggestive, exploitive, or

voyeuristic) or inappropriate comments on pictures.

• Provide Minors and Vulnerable Adults, and their parents and guardians with this Social

Networking Code of Conduct.

• Encourage parents and guardians to play a role in monitoring their Minor’s and Vulnerable

Adult’s interactions with employees and volunteers.

• Continuously remind Minors and Vulnerable Adults how to interact appropriately through

social networking sites.

• Deny participation by individuals who repeatedly violate the code of conduct.

• At the institution of the use of social media, the authorized minister shall present this Social

Networking Code of Conduct to Minors and Vulnerable Adults and parents/guardians.

Misuse of Technology

No minister, employee, contractor or volunteer of the General Assembly and its Entities shall misuse

technology in the following ways:

• Using technology to send suggestive messages and/or images to a Minor.

• Having contacts by Misuse of Technology to contact a Minor or Vulnerable Adult that is not

preapproved by the Minor’s or Vulnerable Adult’s legal guardian with a signed waiver, unless

the contact is on an open public medium, such as a church or Entity website or church or Entity

social media program.

• To view pornography or sites (ex. dating websites) which include pornography or naked bodies

on the premises of a General Assembly Entity event, activity or meeting, no matter where it is

held or by which Entity it is organized.

Virtual Meeting Code of Conduct

Child/Youth workers, ministers, employees, contractors or volunteers (“Adults”) of the General Assembly

or its Entities must follow any virtual meeting policies or protocols of the General Assembly and these

protocols when planning and conducting a virtual meeting on virtual meeting platforms (ex. Zoom,

Skype) with one or more Minors:

• Adults should seek permission of the parent or guardian who has legal custody of a minor before

inviting the Minor to participate in a virtual meeting. Such permission can be sought in any hard

copy or electronic registration forms but must be a separate and clear section seeking permission

of the parent or guardian. The option to observe the virtual meeting (without visual or verbal

participation) should be made available upon request to parent or guardian. The permission

section of the registration form shall provide the parent or guardian with information (name,

contact information, including telephone/text) on how to report concerns, issues or to make

reports of inappropriate conduct or sexual misconduct or abuse by an Adult or any participant that

occurs before, during or after a virtual meeting.

• Adults and meeting organizers should advise a parent or guardian who has legal custody of a

Minor of the following so that the parent or guardian is aware of it when giving permission for

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Child/Youth/Vulnerable Adult

Protection Policy and Its Procedures

Page 11 of 12

the Minor to participate in the meeting: (1) that a meeting will be recorded; and (2) that images,

video or audio may be used from the recording in media reports or on PCUSA or other websites.

• No Adult is permitted to meet one-on-one or one Adult with a group of Minors either in a virtual

meeting space or a breakout room. There must be at least two (2) Adults in any virtual meetings

or breakout room or other virtual meeting space.

• All Adults, Minors, and other participants in virtual meetings shall dress appropriately for the

meeting. No meeting participants shall wear inappropriate (that is, sexually suggestive, exploitive

or voyeuristic - “Inappropriate”) clothing or clothing that displays Inappropriate or offensive (that

is, sexually demeaning or suggestive, pornographic, voyeuristic, discriminatory, harassing,

bullying, intimidating, threatening, profane or abusive – “Offensive”) messages.

• No Adults, Minors, and other participants in virtual meetings are permitted to make displays of

Inappropriate or Offensive messages by putting a sign or note in front of the camera in some form

or fashion.

• Adults, Minors, and other participants in virtual meetings should be considerate and not carry the

phone or device they are using to participate in the meeting into private areas of their meeting

space, such as bathrooms, with any camera or microphone on and the meeting is in progress.

• No Adults or Minors are permitted to use the chat function, the name section, or any other feature

of a virtual platform for Inappropriate or Offensive purposes during a virtual meeting, including,

but not limited to:

o Displaying Inappropriate photographs or images, such as pornography or photographs of

anyone who is naked or Inappropriately attired.

o Displaying Offensive or Inappropriate messages.

o Providing links to Offensive and Inappropriate websites or platforms.

o Bullying, discriminating against or harassing anyone based upon their race/ethnicity, color,

national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, creed, protected

disability status, citizenship status, genetic information or religious affiliation.

• No Adult is permitted to use the private chat function of a virtual meeting platform to

communicate privately with one or more Minors except when the privacy or dignity of the Minor

requires it. If a private chat is necessary, it must be recorded and must copy another Adult.

Otherwise, all chat communications must be done openly so that all participants, including the

other Adults, parents or guardians in the virtual meeting can see the chat communications. This

should be announced at the start of every virtual meeting. (Exceptions: if the Adult is designated

by the meeting organizers to receive reports of concerns or issues or to make reports of

Inappropriate conduct or sexual misconduct or abuse).

• If a Minor attempts to contact an Adult using the private chat function, the Adult should not

respond. If an Adult attempts to contact a Minor using the private chat function, the Minor should

not respond. (Exception: unless the Minor is contacting the Adult designated by the meeting

organizers to receive reports of concerns or issues or to make reports of Inappropriate conduct or

sexual misconduct or abuse or that Adult is contacting a Minor who made a report.)

• No Adult is permitted to use other means of communication (such as texting or email) to

communicate privately with one or more Minors before, during or after a virtual meeting. No

Minor is permitted to use other means of communication (such as texting or email) to

communicate privately with one or more Adults before, during or after a virtual meeting.

(Exception: if the Minor made a report to the Adult and the Adult is designated by the meeting

organizers to receive reports of concerns or issues or to make reports of Inappropriate conduct or

sexual misconduct or abuse).

• Adults and meeting organizers shall provide Minors with information (name, contact information,

including telephone/text) on how to report concerns, issues or to make reports of Inappropriate

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Child/Youth/Vulnerable Adult

Protection Policy and Its Procedures

Page 12 of 12

conduct or sexual misconduct or abuse by an Adult or any participant that occurs before, during

or after a virtual meeting. Adults and meeting organizers are responsible to make mandatory

reports of sexual misconduct or abuse as required by the Book of Order (G-4.0302) and under

local, state, and federal law.

SIGNING OF POLICY AND APPLICATION TO SERVE

Each adult engaged in the leadership of a General Assembly Entity event shall acknowledge receipt of the

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Child/Youth/Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy and Its Procedures by

signing a form verifying they read the Policy. In addition, each person engaged in the leadership of a

General Assembly Entity event shall consent to all comprehensive background checks required and shall

comply with any consequences of a reported violation of this Policy.

PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW WHEN AN ENTITY IS PROVIDING CARE FOR MINORS

OUTSIDE THE U.S.

There are times when a General Assembly Entity may offer care for Minors at a meeting, conference or

event to be held outside the United States (ex. a regional meeting of World Mission liaisons and/or

mission co-workers). The organizing Entity will take all appropriate actions to comply with this Policy to

the extent they can be complied with, considering the venue of the meeting, the resources and facilities

available, and the laws of the country of the venue. Exceptions should be discussed and addressed with

leadership of the Entity and its legal advisors.

PROCESS TO REVISE THIS POLICY AND ITS PROCEDURES

Between meetings of the General Assembly proposed changes to this Policy and its procedures shall be

submitted to the Mid Council Ministries office in the OGA and the Legal Services Office of the

Administrative Services Group who will review and present any proposed changes to the Presbyterian

Church (U.S.A.), A Corporation Board of Directors (“A Corp.”) for review and approval, after

consultation with the Coordinating Committees of the Board of the Presbyterian Mission Agency and

Committee on the Office of the General Assembly. Changes will become effective when approved by the

Board of the A Corp. Changes approved by A Corp. that are substantive, and more than mere editorial

changes, should be reported by A Corp. Board to the next meetings of the General Assembly after the

changes are approved. The General Assembly can receive and accept those changes, but any Assembly

may revise this Policy with or without a report of changes from the A Corp.

Revisions Approved by the Board of Directors of the

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), A Corporation May 20, 2021