Code of Ethics for People Working with Children and Youth at UCE

General Safety Information

• All groups of children must be under adult supervision at all times.
• Emergency evacuation procedures are posted in every classroom.
• All RE volunteers are required to follow the Code of Ethics found below.

Volunteers working with children and youth have a crucial and privileged role, one that may carry with it a great deal of power and influence. This is a special opportunity to interact with our young people in ways that can be affirming and inspiring. Volunteers can be mentors, role models, and trusted friends of youth and children.

While it can be important to maintain meaningful and trusting friendships with the young people they work with, volunteers must exercise good judgment and mature wisdom in using their influence with the children and youth and refrain from using young people to fulfill their own needs.  Young people are in a vulnerable position when dealing with volunteers and may find it difficult to speak out about any inappropriate behavior of volunteers.

Children, youth, and adults suffer damaging effects if leaders become sexually involved in any way with young persons in their care.  Therefore, leaders must abstain from engaging in any conduct that could have the appearance of or lead to any sexual or erotic interactions with children and youth. In addition, any behavior that could constitute verbal, emotional, or physical abuse is prohibited.

If a person has suffered abuse as a child, he or she should receive counseling prior to becoming an RE volunteer.  Any person who has been arrested for or received counseling for committing such behavior must disclose this information to the RE Minister.  No person who has been convicted of a sexual offense or abusive behavior toward children shall work as a RE volunteer.

Occasionally there will be childcare provided during UCE events.  The following is our childcare policy for these occasions.

1. Their will always be an adult present for childcare.
2. There will always be a minimum of two caregivers present; teenagers may assist the adults.
3. For children 5 and under, the ratio should be one caregiver to four children.
4. For children and youth 6 and older on site, the ratio may not exceed one to six. There must be two caregivers present, one of whom must be an adult.
5. Teens must have adult supervision.
6. All caregivers must agree to our Code of Ethics and be familiar with the policies for reporting suspected abuse.
7. The spaces provided will be appropriate for all ages.
8. Activities will be provided for those 6 years old and older if amount of time in child care exceeds one hour.
9. Meals and snacks will be available.
10. The cost of child care for events involving the whole church will be covered by the church budget.
11. The RE Board will screen, select, and supervise as needed childcare providers.

Unitarian Church of Evanston
1330 Ridge Avenue — Evanston, IL   60201
847 864-1330 — mail@ucevanston.org