Safety in RE
UUSGU has several safety policies relating to the religious education program. The full written version is located in the UUSGU Policy binder in the administrator office.
We all want everyone to feel safe and be safe while at our church and at off-site church events.
During RE time:
All RE teachers and staff are required to give permission for their names to be checked by the Massachusetts CORI (Criminal Offender Record Inventory). A repeat is done every three years.
When someone begins as an RE teacher they are given a copy of our Code of Conduct:
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY OF GRAFTON AND UPTON
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PERSONS WORKING WITH CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Adults and older youth who are in leadership roles are in a position of stewardship and 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 young people and their leaders must be one of mutual respect if the potential of their relationship is to be realized.
All compensated personnel and volunteers are expected to adhere to the following standards:
Religious education workers, teachers, helpers, and mentors shall not engage in behavior with children or youth that constitutes verbal, emotional, or physical abuse. This includes behavior that is personally threatening or demeaning.
Religious education workers, teachers, helpers, and mentors shall neither indulge in sexually harassing behavior nor engage in sexual, seductive, or erotic behavior with children or youth.
Religious education workers, teachers, helpers, and mentors shall not allow the use of tobacco, drugs, or alcohol or any illegal activities among children or youth.
In cases of violation of this code, the person or people responsible will be immediately removed from their role, and appropriate action will be taken, including legal action if warranted.
We all want everyone to feel safe and be safe while at our church and at off-site church events.
During RE time:
- First aid kits are in each RE room downstairs.
- Two teachers are to be with each RE group.
- There are windows in all the RE group room doors. These should be kept uncovered.
- Our youngest children, toddlers to 2nd grade, are signed in and out by their parent or person responsible for them. When needed, teachers will bring the young child upstairs to their parent(s) when RE time is ended.
- If the RE session plan involves going off of church property, parental permission is needed in the form of signed permission forms.
- Parents are responsible for their children.
- All the RE rooms downstairs are closed. A child can go back downstairs if they are with a parent.
- Children should be with a responsible adult when in the sanctuary. The choir loft, where the organ is located, is off-limits.
All RE teachers and staff are required to give permission for their names to be checked by the Massachusetts CORI (Criminal Offender Record Inventory). A repeat is done every three years.
When someone begins as an RE teacher they are given a copy of our Code of Conduct:
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY OF GRAFTON AND UPTON
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PERSONS WORKING WITH CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Adults and older youth who are in leadership roles are in a position of stewardship and 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 young people and their leaders must be one of mutual respect if the potential of their relationship is to be realized.
All compensated personnel and volunteers are expected to adhere to the following standards:
Religious education workers, teachers, helpers, and mentors shall not engage in behavior with children or youth that constitutes verbal, emotional, or physical abuse. This includes behavior that is personally threatening or demeaning.
Religious education workers, teachers, helpers, and mentors shall neither indulge in sexually harassing behavior nor engage in sexual, seductive, or erotic behavior with children or youth.
Religious education workers, teachers, helpers, and mentors shall not allow the use of tobacco, drugs, or alcohol or any illegal activities among children or youth.
In cases of violation of this code, the person or people responsible will be immediately removed from their role, and appropriate action will be taken, including legal action if warranted.
Emergency Exit Procedure
The full policy/procedure for the whole building is written up and a copy is located in the Policy binder in the church office. For RE teachers on Sunday morning, follow these steps for a FIRE DRILL as well as an actual fire and need for exiting the building:
The full policy/procedure for the whole building is written up and a copy is located in the Policy binder in the church office. For RE teachers on Sunday morning, follow these steps for a FIRE DRILL as well as an actual fire and need for exiting the building:
- Calmly gather your group. Bring the attendance sheet with you.
- Exit the basement through the back door. Close the room door behind you!
- Go across the street to the vacant lot.
- Recheck that the whole group is with you.
- Wait there for further instructions, and for parents who might be exiting out the front door.