At Bethany First Church of the Nazarene we are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for our children and youth. We do this by asking all our employees and volunteers to complete a screening process, attend training classes, and to undergo criminal background checks. We then provide them with practical and protective policies that they can implement while working with our youngest and most vulnerable population.

Alicia Busic
Director of BFC's Safe Kids

Safety Policies

Policies for Children's Ministries

Zero Tolerance

The Church of the Nazarene has adopted a zero tolerance policy for sexual misconduct and inappropriate behavior with minors. All workers, leaders, and pastoral staff are to be above reproach in their conduct and to act in the best interest of others. This requires not only that they themselves refrain from engaging in any abusive or suspicious behavior involving minors; they will also be required to report without delay to the proper authorities anyone seen engaging in such behavior.                - The Board of General Superintendents

Components of the Nazarene Safe System

• Awareness Training
• Staff and Volunteer Screening
  • Waiting Period
  • Written Ministry Application
  • Valid References
  • Criminal Background Check
  • Formal Interview
  • Mandatory Training
  • Documented Personnel File
  • Confidentiality
• Established Policies, Procedures, and Practices For Working with Minors
  • Definitions
  • Check-in and Release Procedures
  • Child-to-Worker Ratios
  • One-on-One Counseling Procedures
  • Overnight Supervision
  • Classroom Supervision
  • Handling Privacy Concerns
  • Restroom Procedures
  • Visibility
  • Two-Person Rule
  • Appropriate Touch
  • Transportation
  • Training
  • Reporting
  • Supervisory Practices
• Accountability, Monitoring, and Evaluation
• Reporting and Responding