Child Protection Policy

I. Introduction of Resurrection Church

Resurrection Church is a growing, missional faith community located in multiple strategically significant areas across Lebanon.

The mission and vision of Resurrection Church is to love God and our neighbors, and to make disciples for Christ in the Arabic-speaking world.

II. Scope of the Policy and its Documents

The Child Protection Policy of Resurrection Church will be adhered to by all those who are in leadership in any entity or ministry of Resurrection Church, whether paid or not. All staff members, short-term and long-term volunteers, and visitors/partners with Resurrection Church will also abide by the policy at all times.

This policy includes all current and future ministries and events under Resurrection Church and those who use the facilities of Resurrection Church such as, but not limited to:

• Church, ministries, and life groups in all Resurrection Church campuses.
• All church camps for individuals under 18 years of age.
• GROW.

III. Purpose of the Child Protection Policy

Our purpose as believers in Christ is to seek dignity and respect for all people, including children. We believe:

• All children are created in the image of God and therefore have intrinsic value and worth.
• God Himself is concerned with the care and development of children.
• Every child is born equal in the sight of God and has unique gifts and talents to honor Him with and serve others.
• We are called to protect children.
• A Child Protection Policy guides us as a church family to do all we can to safeguard children and to act in ethical and appropriate ways. We take this responsibility seriously.

This policy will help protect children.

Implementing a policy does not offer complete protection for children; however, it will minimize the risk of abuse and exploitation of them.

This policy will help protect staff.

As a church family, it is important to have common standards of practice when relating to children, so that no confusion occurs with respect to them. It also safeguards staff when they become suspicious or are witnesses to child abuse or inappropriate behavior. It provides clear guidelines of action and where to turn to for help.

This policy will help protect the church.

This policy is a statement of intent that demonstrates Resurrection Church's commitment to protect children from harm. Unfortunately, sometimes people intend harm. Educating ourselves and setting standards of conduct also protects the reputation and ministry of Resurrection Church.

IV. Commitment to the Child Protection Policy

We take this responsibility seriously. We are therefore committed to:

• Listening, believing, and acting for all children, seeking to protect them from harm.
• Using the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child as a basis for which to understand the rights of children globally.
• Working toward the best for all children irrespective of their race, religion, abilities, and/or family backgrounds.
• Agreeing and abiding by this policy from Resurrection Church's ministries and pastoral leadership, staff, and all volunteers or visitors who are involved with children.
• Reviewing this policy, at a minimum, every 3 years.

V. Lebanese Law Concerning Protection of Children

Lebanon became a party to the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1991, and to the Optional Protocol on the sale of children, child prostitution, and child pornography in 2004. On February 11, 2002, Lebanon signed (but has not yet ratified) the Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict.

Applicable Children and Family Laws include Law Number 422 of 2002, art. 26, which gives the judicial authority the power to interfere sua sponte (on its own accord) whenever a child's interest is at risk. The following situations may trigger a judicial action for imposing protective or corrective measures whenever a child:

1. is in an environment exposing them to exploitation or adversely affecting the child's health, safety, morality, or upbringing;
2. is exposed to sexual or violent corporal attack beyond the customary non-harmful disciplinary measures; or
3. is found in a state of mendacity (acting as a beggar) or vagrancy (homelessness).

In any of these situations, the judge has the discretion of taking whatever measures deemed necessary for the protection of the child, including rehabilitative measures when appropriate.

VI. Definitions of Policy Terms

For the purpose of this Child Protection Policy, all references to:

• "child," "children," "youth," "teenager," and "adolescent," whether singular or plural, are used interchangeably and refer to those under the age of 18.
• "CPP" or "Policy" refers to the Child Protection Policy and Procedures.
• "CPO" refers to the Child Protection Officer.
• "CPT" refers to the Child Protection Team.

VII. Definitions of Terms Regarding Child Protection

Child abuse is an action(s), verbal or non-verbal behavior(s), or inaction by someone towards a child that causes physical, psychological, or emotional harm to the child's wellbeing and development. This policy describes some of the ways children may be abused, but it is not an exhaustive list.

A child who has or who may be experiencing abuse may show behavioral, emotional, or physical signs of stress and abuse. Often, one instance of abuse will involve other abusive areas.

Definitions of Abuse

Neglect

Occurs when a child's basic necessities of life are not met and their health and development are affected.

Bullying

Occurs when someone has power and strength over another and uses that to intimidate, humiliate, and harm the other.

Cyberbullying

Occurs when bullying takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behavior.

Emotional Abuse

Also known as psychological abuse. When a parent or a caregiver is constantly maltreating or neglecting a child emotionally, which can involve deliberately trying to scare or humiliate a child, or isolate them, or ignore them. Emotional abuse is when social, emotional, cognitive, or intellectual development is threatened or impaired.

Spiritual Abuse

Occurs when a person of religious standing uses their faith practices to manipulate, control, or force another to do what they want, causing abusive harm to the other.

Physical Abuse

Occurs when a child has suffered, or is at risk of suffering, non-accidental harm or trauma.

Sexual Abuse

Occurs when an adult, stronger child, or adolescent uses their power or authority to engage a child in sexual activity.

The following tables outline examples, physical signs and symptoms, and changes in behavior that may indicate each type of abuse. These lists are indicative, not exhaustive.

VIII. Code of Conduct

Because Resurrection Church is a church family, all those who come in contact with children must abide by the Code of Conduct. If at any time there is a breach of the policy by leadership, staff, or volunteers, allegations will be reported to the CPT, and disciplinary action will be taken. Depending on the severity of a breach, appropriate legal and medical services will be sought.

Our intention is to protect and bless children to grow and develop in a safe and flourishing environment. We also know that not everyone is psychologically or emotionally equipped to live by this policy. We do, however, hold that transformation must occur within our family to ensure healthy relationships with children. Therefore, we will educate and offer support to any and all, within our means, for a vibrant family that honors and respects children.

All persons involved with children should:

1. Treat children with dignity at all times and use age-appropriate language that is encouraging and respectful.
2. Respect each child's boundaries and privacy, including not taking photos or videos and posting them on social media without parental and CPO approval.
3. Let children initiate physical contact, and ensure appropriate touch within appropriate boundaries.
4. Reward good behavior; use positive discipline — such as warnings and time-outs — and involve parents in case of inappropriate behavior.
5. For every 20 children, assign 2 supervisors who have been approved by the CPT and ministry leader, and who have read and signed the Code of Conduct. Youth volunteers may assist under the direct supervision of an approved adult floor manager, and may count toward the required adult-to-child ratio. When the number of children exceeds 20, one additional approved supervisor is required for every additional 8 to 10 children.
6. Always be visible to other adults when talking with children.
7. Ensure that on overnight trips, girls and boys sleep in separate accommodations with 2 adults of the same gender as that of the children.
8. Be committed to a culture of openness and mutual accountability so that all Child Protection issues or concerns can be raised and discussed, and any potentially abusive behavior can be challenged.
9. Read and comply with the procedures for responding to and reporting any allegation from a child.
10. Read and comply with the policy for photographs and media.

All persons involved with children should not:

1. Give personal gifts privately or make promises of any kind of material or financial support. Gifts and the meeting of needs should come, openly, from a person designated by Resurrection Church's leadership who has signed the CPP. This prevents any appearance of "grooming," coercion, or manipulation.
2. Spend time alone with children or invite them to a place where they will be alone with them.
3. Send a child to travel unattended in a vehicle or on another mode of transportation. Whenever Resurrection Church entities provide transportation, they must provide adults who have been approved by the CPT. If a taxi must be supplied, an adult must accompany the child/children.
4. Name children or share any personal details that may enable anyone else to locate a child (e.g. tags in social media, email addresses, schools, locations) when using social media.
5. Accept or initiate "friend requests" on social media from children associated with Resurrection Church, nor engage in private messaging or texting with a child on any communication platform unless supervised by parents.
6. Share stories from Resurrection Church entities involving children without the permission of the CPT and parents.
7. Use any kind of physical abuse or punishment, or words intended to shame, humiliate, threaten, or embarrass children — such as name-calling, profanities, and sexual language — in order to control behavior.
8. Touch children inappropriately — a general guideline is not to touch children in areas such as mouth, chest, genitals, and buttocks.
9. Excuse or participate in behavior with children that is illegal, unsafe, or harmful.
10. Favor particular children while excluding others.
11. Do things of a personal nature for children aged 5 and above that they can do for themselves (e.g. cleaning after toilet use, bathing, dressing). For children under 5, where parents are absent, 2 adults must be present whenever things of a personal nature are involved.
12. Engage in games that encourage humiliation, rough play, or inappropriate touch.

Supervision of Short-Term Volunteers, Visitors, and Partners

We are grateful for the many short-term volunteers, visitors, and partners who pray, support, and encourage our Resurrection Church family. Because we want to ensure safe and healthy ministry to children, those who supervise short-term volunteers, visitors, and partners are obliged to:

1. Ensure that these entities are briefed on the Code of Conduct and our CPP before arrival to Lebanon.
2. Ensure that all short-term volunteers, visitors, and partners working with children or visiting ministry sites have signed a statement confirming they have read the CPP and Code of Conduct and will abide by them, understanding that any breach will result in appropriate action.
3. Be aware of situations that may present risks with regard to Child Protection and manage them accordingly.
4. Ensure that visitors to project areas will not be unsupervised.
5. Ensure that visitors are not left alone with children without a Resurrection Church representative present.
6. Ensure that visitors do not initiate physical contact with children.
7. Ensure that visitors do not give individual and personal gifts.
8. Ensure that photographs are discreet and taken by a designated photographer who knows the parameters and permissions of the children involved.

IX. Recruitment and Hiring at Resurrection Church

Guidelines for recruiting adult volunteers, as well as hiring staff, will include the following:

1. Volunteers may be younger than 18 years old provided that an adult floor supervisor is present.
2. Hired staff must be 18 years of age or older.
3. Read the CPP, review it with the CPO, and sign an agreement to abide by it.
4. Give a photocopy of passport and/or ID card to the CPO.
5. Submit a background check if asked.
6. Agree to give references, including questions about relationships with children in previous work settings.
7. For foreign staff and volunteers, agree to give references from organizational leadership, background checks when requested, and references from any group where children are involved.

X. Media Policy Regarding Children

At Resurrection Church, we recognize the value of using media to share the life, mission, and ministry of our church. Photos and videos are powerful tools that help us celebrate our community and communicate with those beyond our walls. However, we are equally committed to protecting the dignity, safety, and privacy of all children and youth under the age of 18 who are involved in our ministries. In light of this commitment, the following principles and procedures will guide all media use involving minors:

1. Consent and Notification

Resurrection Church adopts a community-based opt-out model for media involving children. Families are informed that photos and videos may be taken during church events, services, and programs. If a parent or guardian does not wish for their child to be photographed or appear in any media, they must proactively notify the Communications Team Leader or a designated member of the media team — either verbally or in writing. Our team will do its best to honor such requests with care and discretion.

2. Permissible Use of Media

All photos and videos of children will be used exclusively on official Resurrection Church platforms, including social media accounts managed by the church, church websites, internal communications and printed materials (e.g., brochures, newsletters), and event coverage and digital content related to ministry life. Photos or videos of children may not be used on personal social media accounts, photographers' personal portfolios, or any external third-party platforms. This restriction applies to all staff, volunteers, and contractors.

3. Photography and Videography Practices

To ensure the respectful and secure representation of minors: group photos will be prioritized over individual child portraits; when photographing individuals, we aim to capture side or back angles unless there is a specific ministry need and the child's identity is protected; children must be modestly and appropriately dressed, and photographed only in public or ministry-appropriate settings; and images will avoid situations that could be misinterpreted or deemed inappropriate (e.g., crying, bathing, sleeping, suggestive posture).

4. Cultural and Security Sensitivity

When possible, the media team will prioritize photographing services and events with lower risk of persecution or exposure, such as the second service, where more local Lebanese families attend. This is to safeguard the identity and well-being of children and families from sensitive backgrounds.

5. Oversight and Approval

All media content featuring children must be reviewed and approved by the Communications Team, under the leadership of the Communications Team Leader. No image or video may be published without going through this internal approval process.

6. Media Team Responsibility

Only members of the official Resurrection Church media team are permitted to photograph or film children at church events for public use. These team members are trained in ethical and safe media practices and are accountable to church leadership. Volunteers, attendees, or visitors may not publicly share images or videos of children involved in Resurrection Church activities unless explicitly approved by the Communications Team.

XI. Responding to Allegations and Incidents

How a person responds to a child's allegation of an incident is crucial for the child's safety and restoration. Therefore, those listening to a child who is concerned about someone's behavior toward them, making a direct allegation, or telling of an incident should do the following:

• React calmly.
• Show acceptance of what the child says.
• Reassure the child that they did the right thing in telling you.
• Look at the child directly.
• Tell the child you will need to let someone else know — never promise confidentiality; be honest.
• Take what the child says seriously, even if it involves someone you feel sure would not harm them.
• Be aware that the child may have been threatened or bribed not to tell anyone.
• Do not judge the child.
• Do not lay blame — even if the child has broken a rule, they are not to blame for the abuse.
• Listen to what you are told, even if it is difficult to believe.
• Never push for information — avoid leading questions. If the child decides not to tell you after all, accept that, and let them know you are always ready to listen.
• Ask just enough to clarify your understanding of what is being said, so that you can pass the information on.
• Ensure that the child is safe.
• If the child needs urgent medical attention, make sure that the doctors or medical staff know that it is a Child Protection issue.
• Make a written record of the conversation as soon as possible (preferably within an hour of being told), and keep all handwritten notes even if they are typed subsequently.
• Do not contact parents or other childcare providers until advice and guidance has been sought from the CPO.

Reporting Procedure

Leadership, staff, and volunteers are required to report to the CPT in any of the following circumstances:

• When a child discloses abuse.
• If abuse is observed or suspected.
• When an allegation of abuse is made.

The CPT will inform the CPO and the Legal and Executive Leaders.

In all cases

• The safety and well-being of the child is to be the paramount consideration at all times.
• All Resurrection Church leadership, staff, and volunteers have a duty and right to report a suspected incident of child abuse. Any disclosure of sexual or severe physical abuse must be reported within 24 hours; other incidents must be reported within one week.
• All disclosures and allegations are to be recorded using the "Reporting Child Abuse Form," which should be completed by the CPO, a member of the CPT, or the person reporting the incident.
• Whenever possible, the child's parents/caregivers should be informed of allegations and involved in the process of ensuring the child's safety (except when doing so puts the child at increased risk).

Sexual abuse, or abuse at an unacceptable level of risk

• The child should receive adequate medical and emotional care within 24 hours of the incident where possible.
• The CPO should alert the Legal and Executive Leaders, and the case should be referred to the police, social services, or relevant child protection actor/NGO within 24 hours for very extreme cases, and otherwise within one working week.
• No undesignated member of Resurrection Church should carry out any investigation into allegations or suspicions of sexual abuse. The CPO will collect exact details and provide this information to the Legal and Executive Leaders and to child protection agencies who have legal powers to investigate.
• This should be done with the knowledge and consent of the child's parents/caregiver where the parent is not the alleged perpetrator. Where the child's parent is the alleged perpetrator, the non-abusing parent should be involved if possible.
• Check to see that the situation has been followed up.

Concerns involving non-staff on Resurrection Church premises

Where concerns relate to abuse occurring within Resurrection Church ministries, entities, or premises by actors who are not Resurrection Church staff, leadership, or volunteers: it is not the responsibility of staff to decide whether a child has been abused, but it is their responsibility to refer all concerns of potential child abuse to the CPT. If a member of the CPT is implicated, the matter must be referred by the Legal and Executive Leaders to the Senior Pastor of Resurrection Church. When a member of the CPT receives a concern, they should collect and clarify the precise details of the allegation or suspicion and take appropriate action.

Cases not involving sexual abuse or immediate significant risk

It is recognized that the boundaries of what represents significant harm are difficult to define in the context of widespread violence against children in society, and that the capacity of legal and social services to protect children, while growing, remains limited in Lebanon. As such, in some cases it can reasonably be determined that it will be in the child's best interests to begin by working with the child's family (e.g. use of physical violence as discipline, or emotional or verbal abuse). In such cases:

• The social worker will visit and/or meet with the child and the parents/caregivers and assess the situation and level of risk to the child.
• The case will be discussed confidentially within the CPT.
• If support within Resurrection Church's capacity is likely to enable the family to care for and protect the child, a plan will be put in place and reviewed regularly, which may involve counseling sessions with the child, regular meetings with the parents, home visits, family counseling, anger management training, and parenting classes.
• If at any point it becomes clear that the situation is severely putting the child's life and wellbeing at risk of serious harm, the procedure for sexual abuse or unacceptable risk (above) should immediately be followed.

Concerns about ministry leaders, pastors, staff, or representatives

Resurrection Church and its entities are committed to being places where adults and children can voice genuine concerns or suspicions without fear of reprisal. Staff will not be disciplined or dismissed for reporting suspicious behavior even if those suspicions are not found to be justified, so long as those reports are truthful and made in good faith. It is never acceptable for a Resurrection Church leader, staff member, or volunteer to harm or abuse a child, and all breaches of the Code of Conduct will be taken seriously. A concern relating to another staff member should be reported to the CPO and the Legal and Executive Leaders, who in turn inform the Senior Pastor. The first step will be an initial internal investigation, but this will never substitute an external investigation where deemed necessary. Where allegations concern sexual abuse and have been sufficiently substantiated, legal measures will be taken, and investigations will be undertaken by appropriate local authorities in coordination with Church Leadership.

Summary of the Reporting Procedure

You must report if: a child says they have been or are being abused; you observe or suspect abuse; or an allegation of abuse is made.

1. All staff, volunteers, and church leadership will have the CPT contact numbers. They are not to seek information from the person reporting an allegation; this is the responsibility of the CPT.
2. If someone witnesses a breach of the CPP by staff or volunteers, they must contact the CPO, who involves the Legal and Executive Leaders. If the breach is by the CPO, Legal Leader, or Executive Leader, they must contact the Senior Pastor directly. If by the Senior Pastor, they must report to the Board of Elders. All of these must be reported within 24 hours.
3. If someone witnesses an incident from within the larger church body, a member of the CPT is to be notified immediately within 24 hours.
4. Do not talk about this to other people. You may talk to the CPT only. Gossip is harmful and does not help ascertain guilt or offence.
5. Do not confront the accused. This will be for the CPT or authorities to handle.

XII. Acknowledgements

Resurrection Church would like to acknowledge the works of the following organizations, which helped shape our CPP: VIVA, Tahaddi, Arab Baptist Theological Seminary, and Keep the Children Safe. Information was also drawn from the Queensland Government (Department of Communities) resources on protecting children.

Appendices

Appendix 1 — Agreement to Abide

Every person serving with children signs the following agreement:

"I have read the entire Child Protection Policy. I will abide by the policy in its entirety. I understand that if at any time I break the policy, I am obliged to tell the Child Protection Officer or the Child Protection Team. If I break the policy in a way that is detrimental to a child or children, I understand that there will be consequences, and I may lose my job or my standing in Resurrection Church."

The signed form records the person's name, signature, date, and the Child Protection Officer.

Appendix 2 — The Code of Conduct

Appendix 2 is the full Code of Conduct that every person involved with children reads and signs. It is set out in Section VIII — Code of Conduct above.

Appendix 3 — Reporting Form

Allegations and incidents are recorded on the Reporting Form, which captures:

• Name of the person making the report, and the date of the reported allegation.
• Person(s) reporting the allegation.
• Allegation details: person(s) involved, place of the incident, date and time, and a description of the incident(s).
• Medical issues to be noted.
• People notified about the incident(s).
• Action plan.