SAFE CHURCH / SAFE CHILD

“Because Every Child Deserves a Safe Place to Grow.”

Safeguarding the physical, emotional,
and spiritual well-being of children, young people
and other vulnerable individuals
IS the RESPONSIBILITY of EVERYONE in the CHURCH.

Safe Church / Safe Child Policy Statement

At West Side Baptist Church, the safety and well-being of children, youth, and vulnerable persons is our highest priority. We believe every individual is created in the image of God and deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and care.

At West Side Baptist Church, we believe that every person is created in the image of God, loved by Christ, and sanctified by the Spirit, and is therefore of INFINITE VALUE and SACRED WORTH.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we affirm that all people—regardless of age, race, gender, ability, background, or circumstance—deserve to be:

  • HONORED as beloved children of God,
  • INCLUDED in the life and ministry of the Church,
  • RESPECTED as unique individuals with God-given gifts and callings,
  • PROTECTED from harm, injustice, and exclusion, and
  • LOVED with the grace and compassion Christ shows to us all.

We are committed to being a community where everyone is welcomed, everyone matters, and everyone belongs.

Our Safe Church / Safe Child policy reflects our commitment to:

  • A SACRED WORD:
  • A SACRED TRUST: Protecting Children and Youth from abuse, neglect, exploitation, or harm while in our care.
  • A SACRED PLACE: Providing a Safe Environment for worship, learning, service, and fellowship where all people can grow in faith without fear.
  • A SACRED MISSION: Supporting Survivors with love, confidentiality, and resources that promote healing and wholeness.
  • A SACRED SPACE: Responding Responsibly by taking all concerns seriously, following mandatory reporting laws, and ensuring swift and compassionate action.
  • A SACRED CALLING: Equipping Leaders and Volunteers through screening, training, and accountability practices that uphold the highest standards of safety.

We maintain this policy not only to comply with legal and denominational standards, but more importantly, because of our biblical calling to love, protect, and nurture God’s children. As Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me… for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14). By upholding these commitments, we strive to be a church that reflects Christ’s love and provides a sanctuary of safety, trust, and care for all.

EXAMPLES of OUR NON-NEGOTIABLES:

  1. EVERYONE is Responsible for Safeguarding the Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Well-Being of All! [Mark 12:31]
  2. PARENT/GUARDIAN PERMISSION: Children and Youth may NOT participate without a signed Medical Release & Transportation Form.
  3. BACKGROUND CHECKS & TRAINING: ALL ADULTS (18+) working in direct contact with our children and youth are REQUIRED (a non-negotiable) to COMPLETE the FOLLOWING ITEMS, even if you have had previous checks or completed this requirement for your employer. The training and background check are free.:
    • (1) Complete a Background Check, 
    • (2) Complete a 6 Months Waiting Period to Volunteer, and 
    • (3) Attend a Safe Church/Safe Child Training 
  4. TWO-ADULT RULE: two unrelated adults present for all activities, and no one is out of sight with a Child.
  5. CHURCH TRANSPORTATION ONLY: Children (unrelated to the driver) SHALL travel in the Church Van only.
  6. WHERE EVERYONE CAN SEE: Adults and children shall remain in safe places where two adults may see a child, except in restrooms, with UNLOCKED DOORS and UNCOVERED WINDOWS unless participating in EMERGENCY RESPONSE procedures.
  7. EVERYONE USES SAFE TOUCH & HEALTHY BOUNDARIES: Everyone Engages in Appropriate Touch and Behavior, & Respects Boundaries.
  8. NO ADMINISTERING MEDICATIONS: Parents/Guardians are the only persons approved to administer medications (prescription or over-the-counter) to minors, except by a physician at a medical center or on over night travel. When required by travel, medication administered to minors shall follow the Kansas Department of Health and Environment protocols.
  9. GROUP CONTENT: All Digital Content and Electronic Communications is Group Only; No Private Messages. No secret friendships or off-site meetings.
  10. GROUP SIZE: Employees and Volunteers shall know the church’s policies, including adult:child (age appropriate) size limit ratios, and follow them.
  11. WE REPORT!: We WILL immediately report all allegations or suspicions of abuse, neglect, or misconduct to the appropriate local law enforcement and child protection authorities. We are fully committed to cooperating with all official investigations and will act with transparency, integrity, and compassion in every step of the process.

EVERYONE IS A MANDITORY REPORTER:
All Employees and Volunteers ARE Mandated Reporters regardless of the Law.

Contact Us About Safety

Child safety is our top priority. If you have a question, concern, or need to report something—past or present—we want to hear from you right away. In an emergency: Call 911 immediately.

To report a concern at church (non-emergency) at a church event:

After hours: Contact the Pastor-on-Call at (785) 233-4241. We will respond as soon as possible.

What to Include When You Report: Click Here

Our Commitment:

  • Immediate Response: Reports are reviewed promptly by our Safety Team.
  • Care & Support: We prioritize the well-being of children, survivors, and families.
  • Confidentiality: Information is shared only with those who need to know to protect a child and comply with the law.
  • Compliance: We follow our Safe Church Policy and all applicable state reporting laws. If a report meets the threshold for mandated reporting, we will notify the appropriate authorities.

Additional Resources

If you prefer, you may also contact your state child protection hotline directly: KANSAS 1-800-922-5330

Help is available!
Speak with someone today!

Childhelp
National Child
Abuse Hotline
1-800-4-A-CHILD

TEXT “HELP”
TO 800.422.4453

Help with child abuse and neglect

Languages: English, Spanish, and other languages via interpretation services.
Hours: 24/7

https://www.childhelphotline.org/

If you’re unsure what to do, reach out—we will guide you through next steps.

Thank you for helping us maintain a Safe Church for every child and family.

UPCOMING TRAINING:

ALL ADULTS (18+) working in direct contact with our children and youth are required to (1) Complete a Background Check, (2) Complete a 6 Months Waiting Period to Volunteer, and (3) Attend a Safe Church/Safe Child Training. The Background Check, Wait Period, and Training are REQUIRED (a non-negotiable) even if you have had previous checks or completed this requirement for your employer. The training and background check are free.

UPCOMING TRAINING: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27 at 7:30 PM
Online Training: Scheduled as Needed – See Pastor Ivan+

UPDATED 25 AUGUST 2025