Child and Youth Protection

Introduction

1. Joyriver Church is committed to providing a child-safe and child-friendly environment. Joyriver Church adopts this policy as a key instrument to help Joyriver Church achieve this.
2. This policy must be followed by every person involved in operations in Joyriver Church. Such operations are any activities authorised by Joyriver Church.
3. For the purpose of this policy a child is a person under the age of 18 years.

Joyriver Church Statement of Commitment
Joyriver Church affirms the organisation’s commitment to child safety by clearly stating that the organisation:
• Has zero tolerance for child abuse.
• Actively works to listen to children.
• Has policies and procedures to protect children from abuse, and will take all allegations and concerns very seriously.
• Is committed to respect Aboriginal children and children from different backgrounds and to provide a safe environment for children with a disability,

The People Responsible

4. Joyriver Church accepts responsibility for ensuring Joyriver Church is child-safe within the church.
5. Joyriver Church appoints Senior Pastor as Risk Management Officer (RMO). The RMO is responsible for overseeing the integration of Child Safe into Joyriver Church as a whole, and reporting quarterly to Joyriver Church Board on this.
6. Coordinators are people who oversee the programmes, events and operations.
7. Team Leaders are volunteer people in Joyriver Church, who hold recognised positions in, or who are responsible for, team members and participants in organisation operations.
8. Team Members are volunteer people who are invited by coordinator to assist them in their operations.
   Accountability
9. No one is accountable to themselves. Everyone is accountable to someone-else.
10. A Team Member or Team Leader cannot go ahead with an activity unless permission has been granted by the Coordinator or RMO.

Child Empowerment, Family Engagement and Equity

11. Joyriver Church has policies and procedures for children to participate, expect to be safe, and to be informed.
12. Joyriver Church has policies and procedures for children to complain, alert an incident, or disclose harm or abuse, that are available and clear to children.
13. Joyriver Church has policies and procedures for mutually communicating with guardians of participating children in an open and respectful manner.
14. Joyriver Church is responsive to the diversity of the participating children and those who wish to, and supports the distinct / noted vulnerabilities of children within its midst.
15. Joyriver Church is committed to promoting safe environments for acknowledged vulnerable groups. This includes cultural safety for Aboriginal children, cultural safety for children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, and to providing a safe environment for children with a disability.

Screening & Recruitment

16. A person must have a valid Working with Children Check, and/or Police Check, and be screened (including reference-checked) before serving in any operations position listed in Item 2, Schedule 1 below.
17. A person who has been charged with a violent or sexually-related offence (whether convicted or not) cannot be involved in child-related programs or work in immediate proximity to child-related programs.

Incident Reporting & Complaint Procedure

18. Allegations of abuse are very serious and require a high degree of care when handling. Allegations should be managed using the practical threshold of Reasonable Belief.
19. Incidents must be reported in accordance with the Child Harm & Abuse Complaint Policy, recorded on an Incident Report (SMO), and where applicable investigated in accordance with the Child Safe Complaint Handling Process. Steps must be taken to ensure the safety of children while an investigation is underway.
    Training
20. The RMO, Coordinator, Team Leaders and Team Members must be trained (face-to-face and/or online) in accordance with the Joyriver Church compulsory training.
21. The RMO must maintain a training register (SMO) of those trained. Refresher training must be held every 3 years.

General Rules for Conduct

22. Every person involved in operations at Joyriver Church must treat the safety and care of children as paramount.
23. Joyriver Church adopts the Joyriver Church Code of Conduct as a key and allied guideline. Each person involved in operations of Joyriver Church including every Team Member, Team Leader, Coordinator, and RMO must comply with the Code of Conduct. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action.
24. The only person authorised to speak to the media in relation to any Joyriver Church operation is Senior Pastor. No other person should speak to the media.

Risk management

25. A risk assessment process is actively used to reflect identified child safety risks within the organisation, and strategies employed to mitigate these, reflective of a duty of care.
26. Such risk assessments take in both onsite and online environments.

Record-keeping, privacy and policy management

27. Information and documents that contain personal information must be stored confidentially and securely.
28. The policies, procedures and other documents that will be used by Joyriver Church to implement this policy are set out in Items 3 and 4 in Schedule 1.
    Review
29. This policy must be reviewed and periodically updated every 3 years. The person responsible for this is named in Item 4 of Schedule 1.

This policy was adopted by resolution of the Joyriver Church on [date].
………………………………………………
Signature of Board Chair or Secretary

SCHEDULE 1
Item # Description Positions

1. The Child Safe Leadership Team in Joyriver Church. • Senior Pastor
   • Kids’ Church Pastor
   • Youth Pastor
   • Worship Pastor
   • Leader of Kids Church teacher
   • Leader of Youth Church
   • Leader of Worship Team
2. The people that must have valid Working with Children Checks, and/or Police Check and be screened. • Member of Church Board
   • All Ministers – Senior Pastor, Pastor
   • RMO, Coordinator, Team Leader and Team member
3. Primary policies and procedures. • Child Safe Policy
   • Code of Conduct
   • Child Harm, Abuse & Complaint Policy
   • Child Safe Complaint Handling Process
4. Person responsible for ensuring policy is reviewed and updated. Joyriver Church Child Safe Committee

---

File Download: Joyriver Church – Child Safe Policy v1.0.pdf

We are committed to having a church that is safe for all children where child abuse and harm are not tolerated. Child safety is a priority for Joyriver Church and the prevention and reporting of abuse is supported and encouraged. All staff and volunteers are responsible for promoting the safety, wellbeing and empowerment of children. Joyriver Church recognises that discrimination can harm children and we treat all children with dignity and respect.
This Code of Conduct sets expectations for how staff and volunteers at Joyriver Church should behave around children and identifies positive child safe behaviours that we ask staff and volunteers to demonstrate. It also identifies behaviours that we consider unacceptable and not permitted at our church.
Not following standards of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour is a breach of this Code of Conduct and may result in disciplinary action. Some behaviours on their own may not be a serious breach of the Code of Conduct but together may indicate a concerning pattern of behaviour that poses a risk to the safety of children. The Joyriver Church Leadership Team shall decide on discipline of coworker in accordance with Joyriver Church Constitution if breaches are identified.
All Joyriver Church staff, leaders and volunteers must always follow these standards of behaviour during their participation in a Joyriver Church program, including when at the Joyriver Church main building, offsite training or outing, attending a Church camp, in our online classes and when engaging with Joyriver Church children and their families at any time:
I WILL:
● Take all reasonable steps to protect children from abuse.
● Take disclosures of harm or abuse made by a child seriously.
● Raise concerns with Joyriver Church Children Ministry Pastor if risks to child safety are identified, report and act on any concerns or observed breaches of this Code of Conduct.
● Participate in all compulsory training and professional development including training on child safety and wellbeing.
● Treat all children and young people with respect, regardless of race, sex, language, political or other opinion, nationality, cultural background, financial situation, disability or other characteristics.
● Consider the different needs of all children at Joyriver Church, support them to participate fully in programs and help them and their families feel included in the Church.
● Make Aboriginal children and families feel included and welcome at Joyriver Church and support Aboriginal children to express their culture and enjoy their cultural rights.
● Never be racist towards anyone at Joyriver Church and report any instances of racism I become aware of.
● Help Joyriver Church be a place where people of all cultures feel safe and included.
● Listen to children and respond to them if they feel unsafe.
● Promote friendships and encourage children and young people to support their peers.
● Involve children and young people in decisions about the activities they participate at Joyriver Church and welcome the participation of parents and carers in these decisions.
● Respect the privacy of children and their families, including keeping all personal information confidential unless required by law to share it.
● Ensure breaches of this Code are reported to our Joyriver Child Safe Management immediately.
● Comply with all relevant Australian and Victorian legislation and our Child Safe Policies.

I WILL NOT:
● Condone or participate in illegal, unsafe, abusive or harmful behaviour towards children – this includes physical violence, sexual abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, grooming, neglect or sexual misconduct.
● Ignore or disregard any concerns, suspicions or disclosures of child abuse or harm.
● Exaggerate or trivialise child abuse issues.
● Use hurtful or offensive behaviour or language with children.
● Fail to report information to Joyriver Church Child Safe Management and police if I know a child has been abused.
● Touch children in a way that is unnecessary or unsuitable and falls outside what is reasonable to teach in Sunday School or otherwise engage in the activities of Joyriver Church.
● Persistently criticise and/or denigrate a child.
● Deliberately prevent a child from forming friendships.
● Verbally assault a child or create a climate of fear.
● Offer children and young people alcohol, cigarettes or other drugs.
● Show children pornographic images.
● Share details of sexual experiences with a child.
● Use sexual language or gestures in the presence of children.
● Initiate unnecessary physical contact with children or do things of a personal nature that children can do for themselves such as changing clothes.
● Develop ‘special’ relationships with specific children or show favouritism through the provision of gifts or unnecessary or unsuitable attention.
● Have unauthorised contact with children and young people online, on social media or by phone
● Take photographs, screenshots or share images of children involved in activities that are not authorised by Joyriver Church.
● Be alone with a child when there is no professional reason for doing so.
● Visit a child in their homes unless appropriate measures (such as outlined in this Code of Conduct) are taken to ensure the safety of both the child and the co-worker.

If I suspect that this Code of Conduct has been breached by another person in the Church:
I WILL:
● Act to prioritise the best interests of the child or children.
● Promptly take actions to ensure the child or children are safe, report the incident or concerns using the Joyriver Church Child Safe Complaint Handling Process immediately.
● Maintain the privacy of those involved.
● Complaints about a breach of this Code of Conduct must be reported to our Child Safe Coordinator, Pastor Alice Wong. Pastor Alice can be contacted on her mobile: +61422 882 400, or via her email: alice.jimi@gmail.com.

Some breaches of this Code of Conduct may need to be reported to the Victorian Police, or to the Commission for Children and Young People. Our Child Harm, Abuse & Complaints Policy provides more information about our reporting obligations to external authorities. The policy can be found on Joyriver Church website (https://joyriver.church).
Staff and volunteers who breach our Code of Conduct may also be subject to disciplinary action. This can include increased supervision, appointment to an alternative role, suspension or termination from the Church.

PLEASE NOTE:
If any person in a position of authority within our Church becomes aware of a substantial risk that a child may become the victim of a sexual offence committed by an adult associated with the Church (for example, a staff or volunteer), and they have the power or responsibility to reduce or remove the risk, then they must take all reasonable steps to do so. A person in authority who negligently fails to take appropriate action to address the risk may be charged with the criminal offence of ‘failing to protect’ and may face a term of imprisonment.
If an adult reasonably believes a sexual offence has been committed by an adult against a child under the age of 18, they must report it to Victoria Police by calling 000 or going to their local police station. Failure to disclose the information may be a criminal offence.

I have read this Code of Conduct and agree to abide by its terms.

Signature: __________ Date: ____

Name: _____________

*This Code of Conduct shall remain in effect until next reviewed.

---

File Download: Joyriver Church – Code-of-Conduct – Child Safe v1.0.pdf

Introduction

1. Joyriver Church is committed to providing a child-safe and child-friendly environment, which includes ensuring that children, personnel or families who wish to report allegations of abuse or child safety concerns know how to report abuse allegations and are encouraged to do so.
2. Abuse often occurs in environments where trust is involved, where a person in a position of trust and/or authority misuses their position to harm another. Often the recipient of the abuse is vulnerable due to their personal circumstances or because the abuser is in a position of power or authority. Abuse is a serious concern and it is the responsibility of leaders within Joyriver Church and all those who work with children to do everything possible to prevent and/or minimise the risk of abuse.
3. Joyriver Church adopts the ChildSafe SMO system and is committed to sound implementation of it. This policy is intended to help Joyriver Church achieve this.
4. This policy must be followed by every person involved in Joyriver Church.
5. For the purpose of this policy a child is a person under the age of 18 years.
   Making complaints
6. Any child, parent, child’s trusted adult representative, independent support person, staff member, volunteer or adult survivor may make a complaint about abuse or inappropriate behaviour undertaken by any person involved in Joyriver Church.
7. Abuse can involve neglect, emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, and bullying.
8. Inappropriate behaviour (that can be sexual in nature) includes but is not limited to:
   a) Taking photos of a child who is in the care of Joyriver Church outside of official duties.
   b) Creating situations to be alone unsupervised with a child within the church building or Joyriver Church’s official event.
   c) Repeatedly visiting a child and/or their family at their home for no professional reason.
   d) Providing gifts or favours to a child or their family for no professional reason.
   e) Wearing inappropriate clothing around children.
   f) Using sexual language or gestures.
   g) Making written or verbal sexual advances.
   h) Sharing sexual photos or videos or other photos of the child.
   i) Sharing details with a child of one’s own sexual experiences.
   j) Taking a child to one’s house to be alone with the child.
   k) Arranging to meet a child alone when there is no professional reason for doing so.
   l) Engaging with a child via social media and phone without parents’ consent and Joyriver church’s authorised personnel.
   m) Asking children to keep a relationship secret.
   n) Showering or dressing or undressing with the door open (for example, on excursions and in residential situations).
   o) Not respecting the privacy of children when they are using the bathroom or changing (for example, on excursions and in residential situations).
9. Below are examples of conduct, which if proven, would constitute a criminal offence:
   a) Obscene exposure (for example, an adult masturbating in front of a child or exposing their genitals).
   b) Having, attempting to have, or facilitating any kind of sexual contact with a child.
   c) Possessing, creating or exposing children to pornography.
   d) Giving goods, money, attention or affection in exchange for sexual activities or images.
   e) Voyeurism.
   f) Sexting.
   g) Grooming offences (as defined by law in most jurisdictions).
10. Inappropriate behaviour complaints, or complaints about abuse may realistically be disclosed to anyone in Joyriver Church. However, the ordinary reporting process is that complaints are made by following Joyriver Church’s Child Safe Complaint Handling Process.
11. Complaints should ideally be made in writing, but this is not always possible. If a complaint is made verbally, the coworker to whom the complaint is made should record it in writing as soon as possible. Complainants should be encouraged to report their allegation to the Police where the conduct is criminal. Individuals should also be informed of their right to also complain to an independent body (such as the Child Protection Victorian Ombudsman).

Responding to complaints

12. If a complaint is made by a child (and is not subject to Police processes), the most important thing is to listen and tell the child that they are not to blame. Do not press for information or push the child to reveal the details of the abuse. Do not ask leading questions, rather listen carefully and if possible take notes. Reassure the child that they are right to tell and that what they say is taken very seriously, but do not promise them that no one else will be informed about the complaint.
13. Complaints may be made by someone who witnesses abuse towards a child or is informed about abuse that has allegedly occurred. These complaints should be taken just as seriously as if the complaint was coming from the child directly.
14. Joyriver Church should respond promptly and consistently to all complaints.
15. Members of Joyriver Church must be mindful of diversity and the cultural norms and expectations that are within the group of people coming into contact with Joyriver Church. It is important to be educated about the specific diversity needs within Joyriver Church. Additional safeguards may be required to meet the needs of children with disability, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, or children who live in out-of-home care.
16. The response to the complaint should not just be about the factual circumstances of the allegation but should take into account the psychological and other effects on the complainant regardless of whether the complaint has at that stage been formally upheld.
17. Joyriver Church Child Safe Complaint Team will be responsible for handling the complaint.

Risk assessments

18. Upon receiving a complaint of child sexual abuse, an initial risk assessment must be conducted to identify and minimise any risks to children. This should include:
    a) Assessing the safety of the complainant and other children
    b) Considering what action should be taken about the accused including supervision, removal of contact with children, being stood down and termination. If a complaint of child sexual abuse against a person within Joyriver Church is plausible, and there is a risk that person may come into contact with children in the course of their work, the person should be stood down from their position while the complaint is investigated.
    c) Considering whether it is necessary to report to another agency and if so, report to that agency, including the police and child protection authorities, ie. Child Protection Victorian Ombudsman.
    d) Considering who, if anyone, should be informed of the complaint.
    e) Considering whether there are any restrictions to informing others, for example, whether the disclosure bypasses The Privacy Act by being required by law or not.
    f) Determining to implement the decisions made as a result of the risk assessment.
    g) Supporting those affected including the child or children involved (or the person who made the complaint).
    Investigating complaints
19. Joyriver Church must investigate all complaints of conduct that does not reach the criminal threshold but may be inappropriate and/or a breach of Joyriver Church’s code of conduct.1 If there is any doubt about whether the criminal threshold has been reached, the allegation should be reported to the relevant authorities.
20. The person investigating will be from Joyriver Church Child Safe Complaint Team.
21. The investigator must ensure that they:
    a) Are impartial and objective, applying a consistent treatment of allegations regardless of who they come from and who they are against.
    b) Have no conflict of interest with the proper investigation of the complaint.
    c) Have training, skills and experience in investigating child abuse.
    d) Follow steps to meet the requirements of procedural fairness.
22. Senior Pastor should oversee the investigation. He/She must have sufficient authority to discharge the role effectively and be able to demonstrate they are impartial and objective.

Outcomes

23. All outcomes and decisions made must be accurately recorded, including the reasons for the decisions.
24. Joyriver Church shall consider how to put into effect any decisions, including informing the complainant and other interested people, institutions or other agencies.
25. The accused can make an appeal to the Joyriver Church in writing. Joyriver Church will follow the appeal procedure according to the Joyriver Church’s Child Safe Complaints Handling Process.
26. Joyriver Church may consider the need to conduct a systematic review or root cause analysis, if necessary, and consider the need to recommend changes from that process outlining the continuous improvement system that is in place – including analysis of complaints to identify and address systemic issues.

External bodies

27. Joyriver Church will report concerns, allegations and disclosures relating to children to external authorities, namely the Police and Child Protection or other relevant authority (such as the Commissioner for Children and Young People or the Department of Health and Human Services).
28. Members of Joyriver Church are always able to make a report directly to the Police or Child Protection before going through this complaint process. However, afterwards the Senior Pastor must be notified of the report made, in order that Joyriver Church can take appropriate safety measures and support the parties involved.
29. If the Police are investigating or deciding whether to investigate an allegation, any communication undertaken by Joyriver Church might interfere with the Police investigation or undermine possible criminal proceedings. If Joyriver Church considers urgent action is required to protect the children in its care, it should consult the Police or Child Protection agency about the action. If Joyriver Church wishes to communicate with children, parents or staff about the matter, it should do so only in consultation with the Police or Child Protection agency.

Documentation

30. A complaints register shall be kept in SMO, which shall detail all complaints, information obtained, the action taken and findings.
31. All steps taken in the complaint handling process must be documented including:
    a) Receipt of the complaint.
    b) Contact with the complainant.
    c) Contact with witnesses.
    d) Contact with the accused.
32. Evidence obtained during the investigation, including witness statements, must be retained. The identity of the author of the record, the reason for their involvement and the date the record was made shall be documented in SMO.
33. Documents are to be kept secure in a complaint register which is contained in the ChildSafe Safety Management Online (SMO) system. Only authorised personnel shall be permitted to access to them.

Follow up

34. Joyriver Church should ensure that victims are looked out for even after a complaint is resolved as the effects of child abuse, especially sexual abuse, are lifelong. The practice of finalising a complaint and excluding someone from an organisational community should be avoided. At the same time, Joyriver Church should not hold up the healing of the victim by remaining entangled with the victim in the long term.

Investigations
If a plausible complaint of child sexual abuse exists against a person who is a Joyriver Church member, including Senior Pastor, Joyriver Church Board, RMO, Coordinator, Team Leader or Team Member in the Church’s ministry, and there is a risk that that person may come into contact with children in the course of their ministry, the person must be stood down from ministry while the complaint is investigated by the Joyriver Church Child Safe Complaint Team.
However, Joyriver Church applies the same standards for investigating complaints of child sexual abuse whether or not the subject of the complaint is a person in a ministry position.
The standard of proof that shall be applied by the Joyriver Church when deciding whether a complaint of child sexual abuse has been substantiated is the balance of probabilities. This is not to be a purely mechanical comparison of mathematical probabilities, but an actual persuasion of the occurrence or existence of the allegation before it can be found. The Joyriver Church must only be reasonably satisfied that the allegation is made out.

Substantiated Findings of Abuse and Convicted Offenders
Leaders
Any person in the Joyriver Church ministry who is the subject of a complaint of child sexual abuse which is substantiated on the balance of probabilities or who is convicted of an offence relating to child sexual abuse, must be permanently removed from ministry. All necessary steps must be taken by the Joyriver Church, RMO, Coordinator and Team Leaders to effectively prohibit the person from holding himself or herself out as being a person with religious authority in Joyriver Church in any way.
Any person in religious ministry who is convicted of an offence relating to child sexual abuse must be dismissed, deposed or otherwise effectively have their religious status removed.

Church Attendees
If Joyriver Church becomes aware that any person attending any of its religious services or activities is the subject of a substantiated complaint of child sexual abuse, or has been convicted of an offence relating to child sexual abuse, the Joyriver Church must:
● assess the level of risk posed to children by that perpetrator’s ongoing involvement in the community of Joyriver Church and
● take appropriate steps to manage that risk, which may include:
 Ensuring that adequate supervision of that person is undertaken at all times by members of the Joyriver Church Leadership Team, the RMO, Coordinator or Team Leader.
 Restricting the events the person is allowed to attend.
 Implementing an ongoing behavioural management program for that person, reviewed regularly.
 
SCHEDULE – GOVERNMENT STANDARDS & AGENCIES

The National directory for reporting child abuse and neglect:
(as at Dec 2022)
https://aifs.gov.au/cfca/publications/reporting-abuse-and-neglect

Police contact / local State Police:
https://www.australia.gov.au/information-and-services/public-safety-and-law/police-and-crime-prevention/police-services-states

Reportable Conduct Schemes:
Notifying and reporting allegations of workplace child abuse (as at Jun 2018)
ACT:
https://www.ombudsman.act.gov.au/improving-the-act/reportable-conduct
NSW:
https://ocg.nsw.gov.au/organisations/reportable-conduct-scheme
Victoria:
https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/reportable-conduct-scheme/
WA:
https://www.ombudsman.wa.gov.au/Reportable_Conduct/Reportable_Conduct.htm

---

File Download: Joyriver Church -Child Harm, Abuse _ Complaint Policy v1.0

Child Safe Informal Complaint Resolution

1. The vast majority of issues causing concern in church can be handled quickly and in an informal manner. In most cases these issues can be resolved through informal discussions with the coworkers.
2. Even if an issue can be resolved informally, coworkers are requested to log issues through SMO, so we can identify any systemic issues arising and take appropriate rectification action.
3. Satisfaction for a complainant may come from any of the following:
   • Knowing that changes have been made and that matters will be different in future.
   • Knowing that the church is now alert to a possible problem.
   • Feeling that their concern has been considered seriously.
   • An outcome which may be different from the one they sought, but which they perceive to be well considered.
   • An apology.

How Do I Make a Formal Child Safe Complaint?

1. We ask that, where appropriate, you first raise the matter directly with a coworker. If you have been unable to resolve a matter informally, or simply wish to make a formal complaint you can do so by any of the following means:
   i. Sending an email to joyriverchurch@gmail.com.
   ii. Writing a letter to the Joyriver Church addressed to Senior Pastor.
   iii. Telephoning the Joyriver Church and asking to speak to Senior Pastor.
2. All formal complaints will be logged into our online complaints management system (SMO) and managed in accordance with the following procedure.

Our Internal Complaints Handling Process
Step 1 – All formal or informal complaints are logged through our online complaints management system (SMO) where they are managed by Joyriver Church Child Safe Complaint Team.
Step 2 – All complaints will be acknowledged in writing, as soon as practicable. It is our policy to provide further update within 14 days.
Step 3 – The Joyriver Church Child Safe Complaint Team shall conduct an investigation into the issues raised, following principles of procedural fairness, and make a determination.
All complaint outcomes will be supported by evidence, and in the event of a disputed fact, a finding will be made on the balance of probabilities.
Step 4 – Following the determination, if appropriate, the Joyriver Church Child Safe Complaint Team shall formulate a resolution and provide a written response to the complainant. The matter will be closed if this response is accepted.
Step 5 – If the initial response is not acceptable the matter will be reviewed internally by the Senior Pastor, or their delegate. The Senior Pastor, or their delegate seeks to resolve all disputes within 21 days from the date that the review process is initiated. The matter will be closed if the response of the Senior Pastor, or their delegate, is accepted.
Step 6 – All complaints received will be entered into our Complaints Register (SMO) and, where appropriate, a corrective action request will be made to address any underlying processes which the complaints investigation revealed may require improvement.
Step 7 – If the matter remains unresolved, the complaint may be formally referred to the Joyriver Church Board.

Procedural Fairness

1. Procedural fairness is concerned with the procedures used by a decision maker rather than the actual outcome reached. It requires a fair and proper procedure to be used when making a decision.
2. The rules of procedural fairness require:
   • A hearing appropriate to the circumstances.
   • Lack of bias.
   • Evidence to support a decision.
   • Inquiry into matters of dispute.
3. The duty to act fairly requires that:
   • The decision maker must have an open mind (free from bias) when reading/listening to what is said by both parties; and
   • People whose interests will be affected by the decision must have the chance to give a response before the decision is made, but after all important information has been gathered.

---

File Download: Joyriver Church Child Safe Complaint Handling Process v1.0.pdf

Our Vision

To establish a strong spiritual foundation for children and youth in their relationship with God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, to teach the Word of God, and to nurture disciples for Christ with love, encouragement, and support.

Joyriver Church Children Ministry, along with Kids’ Church teachers, students, and parents/guardians, will collectively strive to create a positive and respectful environment. We are extremely grateful for the dedicated volunteers who give of their time to teach our children about God’s love.

If you believe that Joyriver Church Children Ministry and/or Kid’s Church teachers need specific information about your child, please do not hesitate to inform them. This information will be invaluable in shaping an environment that is most beneficial for Joyriver Kids’ Church students. We are thankful for the partnership of parents/guardians as we work together with Kid’s Church teachers to fulfil our vision.

Behaviour Standards

• Students to respect all classmates and teachers at all times.
• Students to participate in all classroom activities according to the teacher’s instructions.
• Students to demonstrate acceptable Christian behaviour, offering cooperation to teachers, acceptance of classmates, respect for church property, and appropriate reverence for God.

Behaviour Expectations

In order to create a conducive learning environment for our children in the classroom, Joyriver Children Ministry and our Kids’ church teachers have established expectations for student behaviour as below:

• Arriving earlier for smooth transition into the classroom.
• Come prepared to enjoy and explore the teachings of God’s Word.
• Bring Bible to class every lesson.
• Approach Bible reading with a sense of reverence for the sacredness of God’s Word.
• Do not blaspheming about God’s word.
• Engage in worship, activities, and Bible studies. If students have any concerns preventing their participation, inform the teachers quietly to avoid disrupting others in the class.
• Adhere to the guidance/instruction provided by the teacher and Pastor.
• Adhere to the seating arrangement as directed by the teacher.
• Attend to the teacher when addressed and provide a response to the question.
• Do not tease the teacher during class. In the event of such behaviour, the Church may utilize video footage as evidence for a discussion with parents.
• Show respect to others in the classroom.
• Treat others in the manner you would like to be treated – with kindness and respect.
• Use polite and appropriate word in conversation with others.
• Prohibit any form of bullying or mistreatment towards others.
• Keep your hands, feet and objects to yourself.
• Raise your hand if you have a question and wait to be called on.
• Listen and pay attention to others when they speak.
• If any disputes arise between classmates, do not handle them yourself, but inform the teacher.
• Do not leave the classroom and your seat without obtaining permission from teacher.
• Remain in the classroom until parent/guardian arrive to pick you up.
• Mobile phones are not permitted for use in the classroom and ensure mobile phone is put away during class.
• Do not bring toys or personal belongings to the classroom. If brought, it is at your own risk, and the Church is not responsible for any loss or damage.
• Show consideration for the church property by returning items to their designated places after use.
• Use classroom resources judiciously, avoiding unnecessary waste, and ensure to tidy up after the class.

Behaviour Improvement Procedures (based on Matthew 18:15-17, as stated by Jesus)

If a student does not meet the behaviour expectations, students will be addressed respectfully by the teacher in a private conversation when possible, to describe the observed behaviour and to explain the appropriate behaviour expected in the future. (ref to Matthew 18:15)

The student will be given an opportunity to correct their behaviour using a “1, 2, 3” methods: 1 = grace, 2 = a warning, and 3 = student ‘s disruptive behaviour will be reported to the parent and sent student to sit with their parents in the main hall. Also, the teacher will inform Kids’ Church Pastor and discuss with parents/guardians after the class.

If disruptive behaviour continues to be reported to parents, the Kids’ Church Pastor will suggest a conversation with the Senior Pastor. A mutually agreeable action plan will be created to promote and encourage appropriate behaviour for future classroom experiences.

Students who continue unacceptable behaviour will experience the following (Matthew 18:16):

• A conversation with the parents to collaborate on a behaviour improvement plan. This plan may include:

 An agreed upon expectation of the student’s future behaviour.
 Attendance during class of a parent or guardian until the student begins acting responsibly.
 A meeting with the student, parents/guardians and the teacher to ensure behavioural improvements. Teachers and/or parents/guardians may invite one of the Pastor to participate in the meeting, to understand the student’s disruptive behaviour ‘s reason and work out a plan suitable for the student to achieve the respect atmosphere for the class. (Matthew 18:17)

Scriptural basis for Behaviour Procedures:

Matthew 18:15-17

“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church.”

---

File Download: Joyriver Kids_ Church Student Behaviour Policy v1.0.pdf