Policies+for+Maintaining+Ethical+Ministry+with+Minors+-+2023+FINAL - Flipbook - Page 4
b.
Brothers trained in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention or other forms of therapeutic safety holding protocols as part of
their ministry shall abide by those protocols and local guidelines, only using those techniques while engaged in assigned ministerial responsibilities within that organization.
c.
Appropriate affection between Brothers and minors constitutes a positive part of Church life and ministry. The following forms of affection may be regarded, under the appropriate circumstances when used with all necessary good
judgment, as appropriate examples for Brothers in ministry roles with minors:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
ix.
x.
xi.
xii.
Hugs
Pats on the shoulder or back
Hand-shakes
“High-fives” and hand slapping
Verbal praise
Touching hands, faces, shoulders, and arms of minors
Arms around shoulders
Holding hands while walking with small children
Sitting beside small children
Kneeling or bending down for hugs with small children
Holding hands during prayer
Pats on the head when culturally appropriate (For example, this gesture should typically be avoided in some
Asian communities).
Note: Appropriate physical contact happens within the context of a relationship. No physical contact, even
those listed above, should be made if it makes the minor feel uncomfortable in any way.
d.
Some forms of physical affection have been used by adults to initiate inappropriate contact with minors. In order to
maintain the safest possible environment for minors, the following are examples of affection that are not to be used
by Brothers with minors:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
ix.
x.
xi.
xii.
xiii.
xiv.
Inappropriate or lengthy embraces
Kissing on the mouth
Holding minors over four years old on the lap
Touching buttocks, chests, or genital areas
Showing affection in isolated areas such as bedrooms, bathrooms/restrooms, closets, staff-only areas, or other
private rooms
Being in bed with a minor
Touching knees or legs of minors
Wrestling with minors;
Tickling minors
Piggyback rides
Any type of massage given by a minor to an adult
Any type of massage given by an adult to a minor
Any form of unwanted affection
Compliments that relate to physique or body development.
3. Supervision of Programs That Involve Minors
a.
Ministry and professional obligations may require a Brother to be alone with minors. In those situations, a Brother
must follow appropriate local and professional guidelines for the situation, as well as this Policy. However, where possible, programs for minors in which Brothers are involved should be supervised by at least two adults.
b.
The local ministry or employer of a Brother shall be made aware of the District’s standards and policies regarding the
role of each Brother involved in all programs and activities sponsored by that ministry. Local leadership, thus aware,
shall make reasonable and appropriate attempts to design, implement, and supervise programs and activities, insuring that these standards will, to the best of their ability, be met.
c.
During his annual visit or communication with local ministry leadership, the Brother Visitor or his Auxiliary will review
with the local leaders (heads of ministry and community Directors) any issues related to any Brother’s involvement in
programs or activities sponsored by that ministry.
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