General Safety/Medical Policies

a. Policies for Adults Working with Children & Youth - All Adults working with children & youth must be a minimum of 18 years old, have been attending Foothills for a minimum of one year, and undergo a background screen through Foothills Unitarian Church contracted screening service. A youth age 15 or older may serve as a classroom assistant in a group for children if working in partnership with an adult. Adults working with middle and high school youth must be a minimum of 25 years old. All groups for children must have a minimum of two adult leaders present for every session. If only one leader is available a Foothills staff person will assist the group or the group will combine with another group to meet the two adult minimum.

b. Welcoming Children/Youth with Special Needs – A primary goal of our Family Ministry program is to welcome every child/youth and family to our church. Our church campus is wheelchair accessible and we work with parents of children with special needs to help make their church experience positive. The Family Ministry staff will consult parents and volunteer leaders to develop a plan for supporting children, including adjusting the classroom environment, or modifying content. We will enlist additional support staff for children with with unique needs if required. 

c. Medical Conditions – We ask that parents whose children are on specific medications or have special medical conditions alert the Family Ministry staff as they see fit. Medical conditions will be communicated to leaders in a confidential manner. 

d. Illness – Please do not bring children to church with fever, flu or communicable illness such as Covid 19, chicken pox, conjunctivitis, etc. 

e. Medical Emergencies – In the event of an accidental or medical emergency, teachers will immediately contact the child’s parents and the DFM and/or FMC, and summon medical help if necessary. 

a. Food Safety – a light snack may be provided during programs for Children & Youth.  Parents will inform the Family Ministry Staff of any food allergies or special dietary needs that a child/youth has when they first attend. Severe food allergies will be posted on their class roster. If your child has food allergies that prohibit them from eating the snack provided, we ask parents to provide an appropriate snack.