1. A child requests immediate protection
2. A child requests that the police be contacted
3. A child expresses an overwhelming fear or anxiety about returning home with the person who brought him or her (may be in conjunction with other evidence of child abuse)
4. Physical signs that may indicate life-threatening abuse, such as signs of attempted strangulation

In the event that the director or pastor cannot be reached, a paid staff person for that department will be contacted before the end of the activity and before the child leaves with the police. The director or the pastor will be informed within twelve hours that a child abuse report has been filed.

STANDARD CHILD ABUSE REPORTING POLICY

Upon completing the (church's name and location) Suspicion of Child Abuse Form, all departmental paid staff who receive such a report will immediately contact the director or pastor overseeing the department (or his designee) and provide him with the Suspicion of Child Abuse Form and any other pertinent information relating to the child.

If a child abuse report is filed with the Child Protective Services, every effort will be made to remain in contact with the family to provide follow-up support and assistance in any way possible.

All paid and volunteer staff of the (church's name and location) who work in any capacity, directly or indirectly, with children and families will receive training on the detection of suspected child abuse and the implementation of this policy. They will receive a copy of this policy and will sign a statement attesting to familiarity with said policy.

POLICY MAINTENANCE