ABUSE REPORTING POLICY:
I. POLICY PURPOSE: The purpose of this document is to establish a guideline for Encounter God’s Presence (EGP) employees, volunteers, and participants of EGP camp and other events to appropriately and safely respond to and report disclosed information or observations of potential child abuse, including physical, sexual, and/or neglect.
II. Encounter God’s Presence Camp recognizes that all adults are MANDATORY REPORTERS within the State of Texas. EGP recognizes and encourages all adults to take appropriate actions based on their personal observations and reasonable belief that the abuse occurred. This means you are personally responsible to make the report. If you are a volunteer at a church, you can request your youth pastor to help you with this. Reports are required by Texas law to be made within 48 hours of first suspecting abuse. (Texas Family Code § 261.110). These actions include notifying the local Child Protective Services location depending on the situation they may instruct you to contact law enforcement authorities as well.
Medical attention should not be withheld if it is immediately necessary. Also, notify EGP leadership of your observations both verbally and in a written format/email along with updates of reporting. Keep records of child sexual abuse indefinitely. The goal of these policies is to provide direction to those required to report incidents of abuse or neglect as well as limit the development of inaccurate information being relayed regarding the incident.
III. As stated in our Servant Leader’s Commitments and Guidelines, an adult should never be alone with a minor, and any inappropriate touching or talk is unacceptable. Avoid unmonitored or unsupervised situations, keep doors open and stay in sight of others for accountability. Abstain from anything that could be perceived as flirting, showing favoritism or any inappropriate personal communication in person, text or apps. In ministry or counseling it’s best to have a second adult leader or any other individual with you for accountability.
IV. PROCEDURE:
A. Once an observation has been made of potential abuse, the welfare of the minor should take priority.
1. Remove the minor from the immediately hazardous environment (if necessary).
2. Seek medical attention for any minor (if necessary).
3. Obtain a detailed account of what caused the minor’s injury and document the minor’s injury/abuse in a written report.
4. In certain situations, a decision must be made based on the information gathered as to whether this is a case of child abuse or just an injury sustained from play.
5. If the circumstances appear to be child abuse or neglect, EGP are not required to evaluate or investigate any allegations. You may need to ask clarify questions to the minor in order to confirm a report is truly needed. But don’t rely solely on waiting if a minor says something or not, if there is reasonable suspicion, then you would report it. Even if you feel a minor is making it up, you can voice that you have doubts but want to be safe and report just in case. Notify your supervisor and EGP (Officer Bobby if available) then proceed with reporting.
B. Remember if a minor asks if you can promise to keep a secret, let them know that if they or someone else is in any danger, you are not allowed to keep that a secret.
C. Contact Texas Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1.800.252.5400 or website.
D. National Child Abuse Hotline 1.800.422.4453 or website.
E. CPS is based on the County of report and they will work with the CPS wherever the child resides.
F. Be available for interviews with CPS and/or local law enforcement.
G. In a situation where a minor is in danger being with their parents, do NOT approach the parents alone or release the minor to them without authorization from CPS or local law enforcement. Depending on the age of the minor they may be released to their parents if they are old enough to be responsible for their own self-preservation.
Understand that you looking out for these young people is so important and appreciated.