Safeguarding
A public summary of our commitment to protecting children, youth, vulnerable adults, families, volunteers, and leaders.
Every child, youth, and vulnerable adult is created in the image of God and possesses inherent dignity and worth. Saint Christina of Persia is committed to providing a safe, secure, and nurturing environment for all who enter our care.
Every child, youth, and vulnerable adult is created in the image of God and possesses inherent dignity and worth. We are committed to providing a safe, secure, and nurturing environment for all who enter our care, and to holding one another accountable to that commitment.
This policy applies to pastoral staff, Church Council members, elders, deacons, employees, and volunteers with direct contact or supervisory responsibility over minors or vulnerable adults.
The church operates in California and follows applicable requirements, including California AB 506 for youth-serving organizations.
All who serve with minors or vulnerable adults are carefully screened before service: a minimum six-month attendance period, a formal application, two non-family references that are verified, and Live Scan fingerprint-based background checks where required.
Workers complete Mandated Reporter Training before service and refresher training every two years, with an annual safeguarding review.
Applications, references, background checks, training certificates, and incident reports are retained securely and confidentially.
We maintain a two-adult rule and do not permit an adult to be alone with a minor in a private, enclosed space. We keep visibility and open-door expectations, follow clear restroom protocols, and maintain appropriate physical boundaries at all times.
No adult volunteer transports a minor alone without documented parental permission and prior ministry approval, except in emergencies. Overnight events carry additional safeguards.
Identifiable photos or videos of minors require parental consent. There is no private one-on-one digital communication with minors; youth communication includes parents and/or another adult leader.
Workers must report known or reasonably suspected abuse or neglect immediately to law enforcement or county Child Protective Services as required. This duty to report to civil authorities cannot be delegated to a pastor or supervisor.
After a report has been made to civil authorities, internal notification is made to the Senior Pastor and Executive Director.
The church will not conduct internal investigations in place of law enforcement. Any person accused is placed on administrative leave from ministry duties pending investigation, and church leadership cooperates fully with civil authorities.
Pastoral care and appropriate professional counseling resources are offered to the alleged victim and their family.
This page is a public summary of our safeguarding commitments. The full policy is available as a downloadable PDF.
