First Presbyterian Church of Westminster
    Youth Ministry Safety Covenant
    for Adult Volunteers
    ​
    The congregation of First Presbyterian Church of Westminster and its staff is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all children, students and volunteers who participate in ministries and activities sponsored by the church.  The church must be a safe and secure environment where people can experience the love of God through relationships with others.
     
    10 Ways to Keep Us All Safe   
     
    1. All youth must have a signed medical/insurance release form and emergency contact form for any event or retreat.  In order for you and your student to feel safe while with the church, we want to know exactly how to contact you, the parent(s) and how to best treat your child in case of emergency.
    2. We will build a relationship with any adult or adult leader.  All adult volunteers must have been active in First Presbyterian Church for at least six months before beginning as a volunteer.  This is so we have enough time to develop a relationship of trust with each adult volunteer.
    3. A chaperone will be considered an adult if that chaperone is five years older than the oldest student in the group.  Therefore, a college student who meets the leadership requirements can be an adult for a junior high event.
    4. We will have male and female chaperones so that gender-specific issues can be addressed in an appropriate fashion.
    5. All adult volunteers will be required to complete and submit a volunteer form giving permission for a Criminal Background Check and DMV Driving Record Check.  No adult who has been convicted of child abuse (either sexual, physical or emotional abuse) will be allowed to volunteer with our students in church-sponsored activities.
    6. We will do our best to create environments with several adult leaders so that our students are safe and have many different role models to look to.  If there is a need to split into different rooms, an “open door” policy will be followed (where the door must remain open or there should be a window in the door) or the group should meet in a public place.
    7. Any student or adult should report to the youth ministry staff any behavior that seems abusive or inappropriate. The senior pastor may be contacted in lieu of or in addition to the youth ministry staff if desired.  An action plan will begin to maintain the further safety of each student and leader.
    8. The use or possession of alcohol, tobacco, drugs or weapons of any kind is strictly prohibited by students and all leaders.
    9. In order to drive for an event, adult drivers must be 22 years or older.  For adult drivers using their own vehicles or rental vehicles, the staff must have a current copy of your driver’s insurance information.
    10. Whenever we take students on an overnight trip or retreat, we will make sure that male and female students and leaders have separated sleeping areas and private showers.  Also, we will strive to make sure that there are safe vehicles for transportation.
      
    I understood all the safety precautions listed above and agree to uphold the safety of the students at all times. I have also received a copy of the First Presbyterian Church Behavior Policies. I have read and understand, and agree to abide by these policies. 
(Fill out this online registration form or download
​the file below, print, and return to the Director of Formation.)
Safety_Covenant
File Size: 86 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
First Presbyterian Church
65 Washington Road
Westminster, MD 21157
410-861-5600
[email protected]

Sunday Service Time
10:00 am: In-Person and  Virtual Worship Service