The information contained in this application is correct to the best of my knowledge. I authorize any references listed in this application to give you any information (including opinions) that they may have regarding my character and fitness for children or youth work. I authorize the release of the information contained in this application, on a confidential, need to know basis, to any Ministry at West Ridge Church in which I seek a position (volunteer or compensated). In consideration of the receipt and evaluation of this application by West Ridge Church, I hereby release any individual, church, youth organization, charity, reference or any other person or organization, including record custodians, both collectively and individually, from any and all liability for damages of whatever kind or nature, which may at any time result to me, my heirs or family, on account of compliance or any attempts to comply, with this authorization. To uphold the confidentiality of the references, I waive any right that I may have to inspect any information provided about me by any person or organization, but I may contact West Ridge Church to inquire about information provided about me.Should my application be accepted, I agree to refrain from unscriptural conduct in the performance of my services on behalf of the Church.Also, I hereby request and authorize the release of any information which pertains to any record of convictions contained in law enforcement files or in any criminal file maintained on me whether local, state or national. I hereby release local, state and national law enforcement agencies from any and all liability resulting from such disclosure.I understand that should any of this information change I will be responsible for notifying the church leadership. This type of information may include: criminal convictions or accusations, mental illness, or other information that could pose a safety risk to serving with kids or students. I further state that I HAVE CAREFULLY READ THE FOREGOING RELEASE AND KNOW THE CONTENTS THEREOF AND SIGN THIS RELEASE AS MY OWN FREE ACT. This is a legally binding agreement, which I have read and understand.

The Child Protection Program at West Ridge Church 1.) CPP Objectives The program is based on Matthew 18:1-10 in which Jesus is very clear that no one should harm the children and woe to anyone who does. The program was created in order to: A) Protect the Children - Children (and parents) need to know that kids in our church are well looked after in a safe and secure environment.B) Protect the Adults - By completing the character checks that we do and developing appropriate guidelines and boundaries, we may be in a better position to ward off false accusations.C.) Ministry Support – The completion of the CPP process enables a ministry to know the level of accessibility to children that each volunteer is given. It helps ministries gain a level of trust in each volunteer, which permits them to focus on their calling from God and to put boundaries in place to insure safety for children.D.) Protect the Church - God calls us to be good stewards of the resources that He has given us. We believe that God is asking us to use His resources to expand our current ministries and to create new ministries, so that we can reach even more lost people and bring them to know Christ.2.) The Two “Adult” RuleThis rule has been established for the protection of everyone, for volunteers and staff, of any age. The rule simply says that, whenever possible, an adult should not be alone with a minor. Guidelines for you are as follows:A.) It’s wise to not be alone with an adult you serve with, unless your ministry staff person says it’s OK. Everyone your age and older that you serve with should be cleared through the Child Protection Program, but check with your staff person to make sure.B.) If you are not sure, and your staff person is not around, ask another person to join you with your task. A group of three or more is always a good idea whenever possible.3.) Physical Contact Rules about physical contact work both ways. Make sure people are appropriate with you and also that you are appropriate with other people. Guidelines are as follows, but please ask your staff person if you have any questions.A.) Appropriate touching would come as an expression of affirmation such as a non-demanding, gentle touch on the shoulders, hands, arms, head or back.B.) Examples of inappropriate touching would be kissing, demanding kisses or hugs, touching of the chest, waist, stomach, bottom or private areas, sitting on someone’s lap (sitting on one knee is OK), piggy back rides or anything that makes you (or the other person) feel uncomfortable.C.) Any touching used to express power or control over another person is inappropriate, such as grabbing a person’s arm or wrist, punching, slapping, poking a finger into a person’s chest to make a point.4.) Reporting If you are aware of someone in your ministry who you think is being abused (or who has been abused), even if it didn’t happen at the church, let your ministry staff person know about it. No one should ever be abused and we want to be able to help these children. The church has people who are specially trained to handle situations like this, should they ever need to.REMEMBER: You will never be in trouble for reporting possible abuse!YOUTH VOLUNTEER COVENANT FOR YOUTH (HIGH SCHOOL AGE AND YOUNGER) WHO ARE SERVING1. I understand that in my serving role I am doing work for the Kingdom of God. I agree to conduct myself in a manner that will be pleasing to Jesus Christ.2. I understand that as a young volunteer, I am here to assist in carrying out the mission of the ministry that I volunteered to serve with. I understand that considerable responsibility comes with providing a safe and enjoyable time for people involved in this ministry, as well as for people attending church wide events or ministry functions.3. I understand that once I am assigned to a serving team, this will be my team for the duration of the ministry season, unless discussed with my ministry leader. I understand that as a young volunteer, I am a vital part of the team; therefore, the adult leaders must be able to count on me.4. I understand how important it is to contact my ministry leader to notify them if I will not be able to serve. I understand that leaders need to know two days prior to my serving time that I will be absent, unless my absence is due to illness or unexpected change in family plans, then I will contact my leader as soon as possible.5. I understand that as I help in my ministry, I am expected to treat others as Jesus would treat them if He were here in my place. This includes leaders, parents, children and other young volunteers. When new or difficult circumstances arise, I will ask myself “What would Jesus do?” I understand that the adults in this ministry are there to assist me and if I need help discerning which the appropriate way to proceed is, I am committed to seeking their assistance.6. I understand the importance of being fed spiritually, emotionally and relational. I know that learning the principles in the Bible and growing more like Jesus is important to my growth. I understand that the best way to achieve this growth is through regular attendance in a small group through Revolution, Reckless or the ministry I am serving with. I will do my best to attend.7. I understand that my ministry leaders will provide me with additional training and coaching intended for growth of my abilities in the areas of service and relationships.8. I understand that if at any time my conduct becomes less than what is expected of me, corrective action steps will be taken. These steps may include verbal warning with instruction on how to conduct myself, written warning, parental notification and, if necessary, dismissal from the ministry.I understand the expectations that WRC has of me as a Young Volunteer according to the previous page and I am committed to doing my best to fill these expectations.

I understand the commitment that WRC expects of my son/daughter according to the previous page and I accept the responsibility of keeping him/her accountable in fulfilling these expectations. I understand that should any of this information change I (parent) will be responsible for notifying the church leadership. This type of information may include: criminal convictions or accusations, mental illness, or other information that could pose a safety risk to serving with kids or students.

Adults over the age of 18 - PLEASE NOTE: Once you click submit you will be taken to Protect My Ministries to complete the final portion of the process which is a background check authorization form. You will be asked for your basic information again. In addition, you will need to give your social security number. PLEASE NOTE: You must fill out this next form so that we can complete the process.