First Unitarian Church of Hamilton                       

Church School

                                           Child Protection Policy

The First Unitarian Church of Hamilton, as a spiritual community, takes seriously its responsibility to provide a safe and nurturing environment for all who come to it.

We recognize that we often are in a unique position to learn of circumstances in the lives of children and adults where there may be a need for intervention and healing.

To provide a safe and nurturing environment we shall:

1. promote self-esteem and the right to a personal voice in all our religious education programs.

2. provide age-appropriate information about development and sexuality to our

     children and youth.

3. provide training and support for our teachers and youth leaders. We make

     sure that they are aware that they must report to Children’s Aid Society any

     child who is in need of protection.

4. arrange that there be a minimum of 2 responsible persons with any group of

     children in church school.

5. maintain classrooms with windows open to casual supervision.

6. ensure that teachers are established members/friends and are known to

     several in the congregation.