Youth Protection Policy

It is the goal of the LCSA to provide as safe an environment as reasonably possible for the youth who participate in our programs. 

 

“Youth” or “Minor” is defined as any person under the age of 18, and “adult” is defined as a person 18 and over.  Abuse includes sexual, physical, mental and verbal abuse as defined by the statutes of the state of Maryland.


To provide a youth-safe environment, the following policy has been adopted by the Board of Directors of the Lutheran Church of St. Andrew:


  1. Staff and volunteers working with youth on a regular basis will be screened through a common background check (not including those who substitute, chaperone or assist on a temporary or occasional basis.)  Individuals with a current clearance for working with children may provide a copy of that clearance or letter of confirmation in lieu of the background check.


  2. Staff and volunteers working with youth on a regular basis will receive annual training on this policy and procedures for a youth-safe environment.

  1. To the greatest extent reasonably possible, youth programs will be organized and run so that at least two adults are present with any minor during each church activity involving youth.

  1. Any allegation of abuse or molestation will be taken seriously and will be reported to the appropriate state and local authorities, the Senior Pastor and the Board of Directors.  The Board and the Senior Pastor will investigate all allegations.

  1. Adults who have been violated physically or sexually need the love and acceptance of the LCSA.  Individuals who have such a history must meet with and be approved by the Senior Pastor prior to participating in any youth ministry or activity.

Student Transportation Request and Release

I have read and understand the Lutheran Church of St. Andrew (LCSA) Youth Protection Policy (“Policy”).  That policy provides that to the greatest extent reasonably possible, youth programs will be organized and run so that at least two adults are present with any minor during each church activity involving youth.

I hereby request that my child be driven to or from a church activity by a designated LCSA teacher/adult volunteer and acknowledge and understand that two adults may not be present with my student during the time necessary for transportation.

I hereby warrant that I am the legal parent or guardian of the child and that I have the legal authority to sign this agreement on behalf of the child.

Activities Consent

I give permission for my child to participate in confirmation and pre-Confirmation activities which include the Fall Overnight (confirmation) and the Spring Weekend Retreat (confirmation) and to participate in social and service activities on Friday evenings.  


I give permission for my child to travel with the Lutheran Church of St. Andrew to attend confirmation and pre-confirmation events under the supervision of the confirmation/pre-confirmation teaching staff and other designated chaperones.  


I give permission for such teachers and chaperones to take whatever steps necessary to obtain emergency medical care for my child, as warranted.  These steps may include, but are not limited to, the following: 1) attempting to contact a parent or guardian; 2) attempting to contact an emergency medical contact if a parent or guardian cannot be reached; and 3) seeking medical examination and treatment for injuries or conditions by a medical professional.  Any expense incurred as necessary for emergency (or other) medical treatment will be borne by the student's medical coverage or family, as provided below.  


Video Name, Image, Likeness and Voice Release


I hereby grant to the Lutheran Church of St. Andrew permission and a license to the following:

 1) the use and storage of my minor child’s name, image, likeness, voice, and data, by means of video and audio recording, with respect to conducting a church service led by the confirmation ministry, including on any Website or service created or used by or for The Lutheran Church of St. Andrew for its sole benefit; and

2) the display, performance, distribution and/or otherwise making available of my child’s name, image, likeness, voice, and data over the Internet by streaming, download, or other means, related to such church service.

I hereby warrant that I am the legal parent or guardian of the minor child and that I have the legal authority to sign this agreement on behalf of the minor child.

Student Email and/or Text Notifications Consent
I hereby consent to allow my minor child to receive text and/or email messages related to the confirmation program. These messages will include important notifications, updates, and classroom-related information such as:

  • Assignment reminders

  • Receipts for forms they've filled out regarding contracts or classwork

  • Help with other confirmation activities and responsibilities, including acolyte reminders

  • Contract correspondence about sermons, notes, or confirmation contracts

  • Copies of entries they’ve put in for worksheets or other class activities

I authorize the confirmation program to register my child's contact information for these notifications.

Consent Statement

I, the undersigned, hereby acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to all the policy consent and release statements outlined in this document, including the Youth Protection Policy, Student Transportation Request and Release, Activities Consent, Video Name, Image, Likeness, and Voice Release, and Student Email and/or Text Notifications Consent. I affirm that I am the legal parent or guardian of the student and have the authority to sign this agreement on their behalf.

Clear