Sugar Grove Church (SGC) is committed to carrying out its mission while safeguarding children against emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. SGC does not permit actual or threatened acts of physical or mental abuse, sexual abuse, sexual molestation or sexual misconduct (“prohibited conduct”) to occur in the workplace, or at any activity sponsored by it. In order to make this “zero—tolerance” policy clear to all employees, volunteers and staff members, we have adopted mandatory procedures that employees, volunteers, individuals and victims must follow when they reasonably suspect, learn of, or witness prohibited conduct.
Reporting Procedure
Individuals who learn of or have a reasonable suspicion of prohibited conduct must immediately report it to the ministry team coordinator responsible for the department where the incident took place (or to pastoral staff if available). The ministry coordinator will then report to pastoral staff. Appropriate family members of the victim will be notified immediately by a pastoral staff representative of suspected child abuse.
Imminent Threat
In cases where an imminent threat of continued or actual abuse exists, reasonable and immediate steps should be taken to ensure the safety of the alleged victim.
Investigation & Follow Up
We take allegations of prohibited conduct seriously. Once the allegation is reported we will promptly, thoroughly and impartially initiate an investigation to determine whether there is a reasonable basis to believe that the prohibited conduct has occurred and that it was committed. The investigation may be undertaken by an internal team or we may hire an independent third party. We will cooperate fully with any investigation conducted by law enforcement or regulatory agencies. If there is reason to believe that a child is a victim of abuse, we are required to report to proper authorities. We reserve the right to place the subject of the investigation on an involuntary leave of absence of their responsibilities. To the fullest extent possible, but consistent with our legal obligation to report suspected and/or prohibited conduct to appropriate authorities, we will endeavor to keep the identity of the involved subjects and the alleged victims confidential. If the investigation substantiates the allegation, our policy provides for disciplinary penalties, including but not limited to termination of their relationship with our organization.
Retaliation Prohibited
We prohibit retaliation against anyone, including an employee, volunteer, board member, student or individual, who in good faith reports prohibited conduct. Retaliation against a participant in the investigation is also prohibited.
Anyone who retaliates against someone who has made a good faith allegation of prohibited conduct or intentionally provides false information to that effect will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination.