Child Protection at East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church

At East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church, we are committed to creating a safe and healthy environment for children and youth.
Read a summary of our Child Protection Policy.

All adults who desire to work with children/youth less than 18 years of age must become “approved adults.” This includes, but is not limited to: pastors, all paid ECSMC staff, Sunday School teachers, MYF/Youth & Jr. Youth leaders & teachers, mentors, nursery workers, children’s church leaders, and ushers.

In addition to attending a congregation-authorized training, all those desiring to become approved adults must obtain:

• Report of criminal history from the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP)
  Free for Volunteers
  https://epatch.state.pa.us/Home.jsp
  Click on yellow button “New Record Check” (Volunteers only) and you will be guided through the form – you will need to input your social security number. Be sure to save/print your results and email or turn in to Shannon/Church Office (typically just takes a minute for the results to be generated).
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• Child Abuse History certification from the Department of Human Services (Child Abuse)
  Free for Volunteers
  https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home
  Click on “create individual account” and go through the process. Most difficult part here is remembering all your addresses since 1975. The results for this check should also come through quickly electronically. Save/print and email or turn in to Shannon/Church Office.
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• A fingerprint based federal criminal history (FBI) submitted through Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent (unless the volunteer has been a continuous resident of Pennsylvania for the past 10 years).
  Requires Fee
  http://www.pa.cogentid.com/index_dpwNew.htm
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Also required is a “Approved Adult Covenant and Personal Information” form. Submit to Shannon/Church Office.

Help keep kids safe. Learn the possible signs of abuse and how to report suspected abuse.