GENERAL POLICIES

This section outlines guidelines which are important for all student ministry volunteers to follow in order to protect both you and your students.  Should a question arise that is not covered in this section please let us know immediately so we can address the concern and allow you to serve with confidence!

The Opposite Sex: 

• There is to be no dating with students or other leaders under any circumstances.
• Leaders are not to be alone with a student of the opposite sex at any time or for any reason.
• Leaders are never to drive a student of the opposite sex home alone.
• Leaders must exercise tremendous discretion with physical contact between themselves and students of any gender.
• Although adult and student relationships are encouraged, a Leader should not draw their social context from the students and should only engage students in social context under large group settings, within same sex small groups or one on-one time during which the focus is on the needs of the student not the Leader. 
• Combining male & female small groups for social outings is acceptable only when there is both a male and female leader present.   It is not permissible for male and female students to be alone together at any time at these social outings.
• Leaderss are expected to dress in a manner which sets a Godly example for the students.

Counseling a Student:

If a student is engaged in behavior that is harmful to him/herself or to someone else you have a responsibility to follow up by contacting the pastor in your ministry. 

You must report any of the following situations within 24 hours:

• Physical Abuse reported to you
• Sexual abuse or activity of any minor reported to you
• When a student tells you he/she is suicidal (take them seriously)
• When a student is in a life-threatening situation
• When a student confesses pregnancy to you
• If you become involved in a runaway situation
• When a student confesses a felony to you
• When you have reason to believe a student is going to commit a crime 

As an adult leader, you can never promise that you will keep information completely confidential. Students like to say, "Will you promise not to tell anyone?" You cannot make this promise. You can, however, promise that you will handle information in a responsible way.  Leaders are not expected to keep secrets with students, but have an open relationship with ministry leadership. The health and well being of the student take priority over confidentiality. 

We seek to partner with parents in most incidences. Together, the pastor and leader will determine the next step of action.

If the student is willing to raise the issue with his/her parent (perhaps with a leader present) that is always best. We tell students he/she has 24 hours (or less) to tell the parent and we'll call after that time to verify.  If a student is unwilling to share the issue with his/her parent, the pastor/leader needs to step in and make the contact.  In any case if a leader has a question or doubt, he/she should contact the director of Student Ministries. Alcohol & Tobacco:  Adult leaders should abstain from the use of alcohol and tobacco in the presence of students. At no time is alcohol or tobacco use okay when at a ministry sponsored function/event. Use of illegal substances is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate dismissal from Leadership. Adult leaders should be very cautious in public use of alcohol and tobacco (i.e. weddings, restaurants, etc). When gathering as ministry leaders, mentors should refrain from alcohol and tobacco. Habitual use of alcohol whether in public or private, may result in dismissal and/or recommendation to receive counseling/treatment.  Leaders should be very careful when sharing personal opinions about these topics. We need to encourage students to respect their families beliefs on the use of substances - as far as they are not anti-biblical. We need to demonstrate respect for family positions too.  

Media:  Remember we are a representative of God with our students. We need to be cautious of conversations about movies, music, and other media. Conversations about certain movies, bands, etc. may validate the material in the minds of our students, even if that was not the nature of the discussion.Watching a movie with students is not the best form of relationship building. However, when watching a movie in a home or theatre, you need to exercise tremendous discretion. Most PG 13 and R movies are inappropriate due to language, sexual humor, and violence. As a mentor, you must model godliness in your movie choices.  It is a good idea to seek the opinion of at least one other student ministry volunteer before viewing any movie not rated PG with your students.  It is also a good idea to let parents know what movie you will be watching.  If you would like to use your movie to springboard a spiritual discussion visit www.pluggedin.com or www.christianitytoday.com  for movie reviews and suggested discussion questions. 

Abuse: If you spot any sign of abuse or hear of any abuse whether directly or indirectly you are immediately to inform the pastor in your ministry. Failure to do so could result in criminal prosecution!  It is not necessary for a student who is under 18 to report the abuse to you before you can report signs of abuse or if you have good reason to suspect abuse.  

Auto Insurance: It is not necessary to have permission slips signed for transporting students to and from informal small group activities you plan.   The liability in the event of an accident lies with the mentor; all mentors are required to carry personal auto insurance.  We recommend each mentor speak with their auto insurance company about industry recommendations for amounts of personal liability and property damage coverage.  Always inform parents of your destination, plans, and time you expect to return with their student when providing transportation.  It is a good idea to share your cell phone number with them also.  Driving with the utmost safety and attention to the road is paramount.  Do not use your cell phone, eat or allow any other distraction while transporting students!   (We know that won’t be easy with a whole car full of high energy students!)  

Building Use:  At the beginning of each school year, building use/respect & safety rules will be covered with the students.  Due to their adolescence, they WILL “space” (forget) the rules and will need to be reminded from time to time-don’t wait for this to be addressed from the “front” - if you see a student “crossing the line” feel free to lovingly remind them of what is allowed.  Common sense is the general rule here—no skateboards, roller blades, bikes or airborne objects allowed inside.  Pick up your own trash & straighten furniture, push in chairs around tables, etc. Treat this building like the “common” living areas in your own home!

Confidentiality: In minor issues, leaders are expected to keep the trust of the students. However in many cases, the health and well being of the student takes priority over confidentiality. Staff should direct those cases to a pastor. Those situations that deal with particularly sensitive information should be brought directly to a pastor's attention, including suicide, drug and alcohol use, sexual promiscuity and abuse. Leaders are not expected to keep secrets with students, but have an open relationship with the pastoral staff.

Discipline Issues: We expect leaders to join together on smaller issues such as keeping students quiet or in line. However when the need arises to discipline or dismiss students, a leader and the director must be involved.  Notify the director immediately of discipline problems; they will know how to accurately advise you. 

Incident Policy: In situations where a student becomes injured during a youth event, immediate action needs to occur. In mild cases, such as minor scrapes and bruises, headaches and stomach complaints, staff can utilize basic first aid. For severe incidents, such as head injury, seizures, allergic reactions, etc., call 911 (dial 7 to get an outside phone line) and notify a staff member. All incidents must be reported to the director. 

Parents: Our goal is to partner with parents through the tough phase of adolescence. At no point should you contradict a parent or undermine their authority. In some sensitive cases, you might find it necessary to notify a pastor and have them contact the family. 

Scholarships: Scholarships are given on an “as needed” basis. If you know of a student interested in attending the retreat or mission trip without sufficient funding, instruct the student or parent to contact the Student Ministry Staff for consideration.