Safe Guarding our Church
Creating a Safe, Nurturing Place for Every Child
Our Safe Church policies and training programs reflect our commitment to protecting the youngest members of the community and equipping volunteers to serve responsibly.
The History about SCPC's Safeguarding Our Children and Youth Policies
In 2003 a concerned committee made up of SCPC staff, who work with children’s and youth programs, and members of our personnel committee, decided it was long overdue to have a policy in place that would ensure the safety of children and youth in our building and in our programs. Our goal, in response to Biblical mandates and societal needs, is to maintain a safe, secure, and nurturing place, where children may grow, and where employee and volunteer teachers are equipped to minister to the needs of children and youth. This policy also serves to protect those who volunteer their time with our children. As a church, it is our religious, moral and ethical obligation to take steps to prevent and respond to child abuse and neglect, and any sexual misconduct in any form. In that light, this policy has been adopted to set and enforce behavior consistent with Scripture; to maintain a safe environment; to provide procedures for investigation and response; and to define a procedure by which employees and volunteers are recruited and supervised when working with children and youth. All of the SCPC staff have background checks for criminal records and a child abuse history clearance.
Anyone who volunteers at State College Presbyterian Church with our children, youth, and college age young adults will need to fill out a Volunteer Application Form, attend the Safe Church training, and provide copies of clearances that Pennsylvania requires.
State College Presbyterian Church has an exciting, vibrant, and growing ministry to children and youth. We want every child and young person to enjoy a wide range of activities and events in a safe and secure environment.
We believe that our church is to be a place where children and youth are cared for, taught love and respect by example through their years with us, and encouraged to follow in the footsteps of Christ in serving and caring for others.
Our goal, in response to Biblical mandates and societal needs, is to maintain a safe, secure, and nurturing place, where children may grow, and where employee and volunteer teachers and leaders are equipped to minister to the needs of children and youth. As a church, it is our religious, moral, and ethical obligation to take steps to prevent and respond to child abuse and neglect in any form.
