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Volunteer F.A.Q.Safe Church Policies

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Safe Church Policies

Purpose Statement

The purpose of the Abuse Prevention and Response Team is "to facilitate and encourage the church in its mission to be Christ's ambassadors in a broken world, fostering repentance and comfort, and upholding the promise of reconciliation to God (2 Corinthians 5:20; 7:10). The focus on prevention is intended as a visible sign of hope in a spiritual community free from every form of abuse". (WCRC Abuse Prevention and Response Policy, 2006).

Does abuse happen in my church?

According to a 1992 study in the Christian Reformed Church, more than 1 out of every 4 adults reported that they had been abused. These numbers are similar to studies in the general population. The study also said that 15% reported having behaved abusively. The rates are likely higher because people who have been abused or caused abuse usually under-report.

Please follow the links below to view forms, information or websites related to abuse prevention.

Waterloo CRC Abuse Policy document - Click Here
Click on the title above to download and view the policy and mandates that guide and underpin our efforts in abuse prevention and response.

Waterloo CRC Abuse Policy appendices - Click Here
Click on the title above to download and view the appendices and forms that can be viewed for your information or printed and signed as required. Appendix 3 is the application to be completed by those who wish to become a ministry provider and appendix 4 is the Memorandum of Agreement that must be signed to indicate your committment to the mandates of the policy.

Credentials for Program Leaders / Workers - Click Here
Click on the title above to download and view the requirements for persons wishing to serve in leadership or volunteer roles within the ministries of the Waterloo Christian Reformed Church.

Resources related to abuse, abuse prevention available through Waterloo CRC - Click Here
Click on the title above to download and view a listing of videos, books and pamphlets on abuse, domestic violence, abuse in the church, as well as resources for youth and worship.

Abuse Awareness site of the CRC in North America (outside the WCRC web site) - Click Here
This links to the home page of the Abuse Awareness ministry of our denomination.

Family & Children Services Abuse & Neglect (outside the WCRC web site) - Click Here
This links to the site of Family and Children's Services of the Waterloo Region and provides information on how to identify abuse and neglect. From here you can also find links that provide information on how Family and Children's Services responds to a reporting of abuse or neglect.

Members of the team are: Atie Ott, Rick Budding, Ada VandenBerg, Rich VandenBerg, Lorraine VanderHoef.