Thank you for serving and caring for the kids and students at Parkway. You play a vital role in showing them God’s love in a safe environment.
Now, we’ll walk through our safety principles and some signs of abuse or neglect to watch for. These guidelines protect kids. They protect you. And they protect the ministry God has entrusted to us.”
Rule of Three
We always follow the Rule of Three. That means at least three people are present at all times, either two adults with one minor, or one adult with two minors. One-on-one private interactions are never allowed. One-on-one conversations are acceptable, but only when others are present.
See and Be Seen
“Visibility is key. Doors should stay open, or rooms should have windows, so that every interaction can be clearly seen. See and be seen. That keeps trust high, and risk low.
High Fives & Side Hugs
Appropriate touch matters. Side-hugs, handshakes, and high-fives are encouraged. But lap-sitting, kissing, or prolonged embraces are never okay. We keep encouragement safe, positive, and respectful.
No Secret Chats
Leaders should not have private conversations with minors of the opposite sex by text, social media, or email. If you do need to communicate, always copy a parent or another leader. Transparency builds trust.
Two to Travel
Leaders may not provide private transportation for a minor. If it’s necessary, you must have parental consent and another adult or minor present. Safety in numbers—always.
Recognizing Warning Signs
Part of keeping kids safe is knowing what to look for. Here are some common warning signs:
Physical Abuse:
Emotional Abuse:
Neglect:
If you see something concerning, don’t ignore it. Report it immediately. We encourage leaders to make a confidential report directly to CPS. You can also talk to your ministry leader or campus pastor about your concern. It’s always better to speak up than stay silent. Our commitment is to love kids like Jesus would by protecting them, encouraging them, and creating a safe, welcoming space where they can grow in faith.
Thank you for taking these principles seriously. Together, we build trust with families… and help kids know the love of Christ.
Now, we’ll walk through our safety principles and some signs of abuse or neglect to watch for. These guidelines protect kids. They protect you. And they protect the ministry God has entrusted to us.”
Rule of Three
We always follow the Rule of Three. That means at least three people are present at all times, either two adults with one minor, or one adult with two minors. One-on-one private interactions are never allowed. One-on-one conversations are acceptable, but only when others are present.
See and Be Seen
“Visibility is key. Doors should stay open, or rooms should have windows, so that every interaction can be clearly seen. See and be seen. That keeps trust high, and risk low.
High Fives & Side Hugs
Appropriate touch matters. Side-hugs, handshakes, and high-fives are encouraged. But lap-sitting, kissing, or prolonged embraces are never okay. We keep encouragement safe, positive, and respectful.
No Secret Chats
Leaders should not have private conversations with minors of the opposite sex by text, social media, or email. If you do need to communicate, always copy a parent or another leader. Transparency builds trust.
Two to Travel
Leaders may not provide private transportation for a minor. If it’s necessary, you must have parental consent and another adult or minor present. Safety in numbers—always.
Recognizing Warning Signs
Part of keeping kids safe is knowing what to look for. Here are some common warning signs:
Physical Abuse:
- Frequent unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
- Flinching at sudden movements or seeming fearful of adults
- Wearing long sleeves in hot weather to cover injuries
Emotional Abuse:
- Extreme withdrawal, fear, or anxiety
- Excessive aggression or hostility
- Very low self-esteem or constant self-criticism
- Overeagerness to please adults
Neglect:
- Poor hygiene, dirty clothes, and untreated medical needs
- Consistent hunger or hoarding food
- Being left alone, picked up very late, or having no supervision
- Fatigue or frequent sleeping in class
If you see something concerning, don’t ignore it. Report it immediately. We encourage leaders to make a confidential report directly to CPS. You can also talk to your ministry leader or campus pastor about your concern. It’s always better to speak up than stay silent. Our commitment is to love kids like Jesus would by protecting them, encouraging them, and creating a safe, welcoming space where they can grow in faith.
Thank you for taking these principles seriously. Together, we build trust with families… and help kids know the love of Christ.
Posted in SI Sunday Leaders