Mt. Zion Baptist Church

                   Child Protection Policy and Agreement Form

 

I.                   Mount Zion Baptist Church Protection Policy

 (coming soon)

II.                DEFINITIONS

  1. Defining Child Abuse

  • Emotional Abuse:  Occurs when a child’s emotional and mental health are not being met.

  • Neglect: Occurs when a child’s needs for food, shelter, clothing or supervision have not been met.

  • Physical Abuse:  Occurs when someone inflicts visible or invisible bodily harm.

  • Sexual Abuse:  Involves direct or indirect sexual acts or behavior.

 

  1. Identifying Physical and Behavioral Indicators of Abuse/Neglect

 Disclaimer:  These indicators are not exhaustive and do not verify actual abuse; however, when observed, they may warrant further investigation.  If these indicators are detected, see reporting procedure.

  • Wary of others

  • Clingy (clinging to others)

  • Uncomfortable with emotions (crying)

  • Emotionally detached

  • Extreme changes in behavior when not around parents

  • Manipulative or controlling/Poor image of self

  • Delinquent behavior

  • Self-mutilation, drug, and alcohol abuse.

  • Bruises, welts, burns, bite marks, bed wetting, fractures

  • Reluctant to change clothes in front of others

  • Questionable sexual behavior, knowledge beyond the particular developmental age

  • Promiscuous

  • Withdrawn, distant

  • Self-conscious

  • Obsessively clean

  • Extreme compliance or defiant

  • Anxious

  • Fearful

  • Pain or itching in genital area

  • Injury to genital area

 III.             REPORTING PROTOCOL

  1. Any suspicion or allegation of abuse and/or neglect of a child by a staff member, family member or any individuals shall be confidentially reported to a MZBC volunteer immediately.  Do not treat any suspicion or accusation as frivolous.  When reporting, use the protocol flowchart provided by MZBC.

  2. The decisions regarding further assessment of any danger, seeking consultation, notification of parents/custody holders, and any further necessary services will be based on the decision of MZBC.