• Team Member Application

    Team Member Application

    Background Check Renewal
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  • Personal Situations

  • Applicant Statement

    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.
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  • NEXT GEN MINISTRY

    SEXUAL ABUSE AWARENESS AND TRAINING


    As a leader in our Next Gen Ministry, you are a trusted adult in the lives of kids and teenagers.This guide equips you to recognize, respond to, and report suspected sexual abuse in a way that honors the law and protects those in our ministry.

    Know the STATS
    The stats in our country of child sexual abuse help us understand how important this issue is and how big of a problem it has become. To help fight against it, we must know the stats…
    • 1 in every 4 females will encounter sexual abuse by the time they are 18. 1 in every 6 males will encounter sexual abuse by the time they are 18.
    • The average convicted male abuser who molested boys will average 150 victims before their first criminal prosecution. The convicted male abusers who molested girls will average 52 victims before their first criminal prosecution.
    • The average age of first offense of a male abuser is 13 years old.
    • 90% of sexual abuse cases involve an abuser that the victim knows and trusts.
    • 1 in every 3 reported cases of child sexual abuse are peer to peer issues.
    • Less than 10% of sexual abusers will encounter the criminal justice system, so a background check isn’t enough to protect against sexual abuse.

    Know the Law
    • Mandatory Reporting:
    As a ministry leader, you are considered a mandated reporter. As a ministry, we are legally required to report any suspicion of child abuse or neglect for those under the age of 18 — we do not need proof.
    • Timeframe:
    Reports must be made immediately (within 24 hours) to the appropriate agency or law enforcement.
    • Who to Report To:
    ◦ Your Ministry Coach, who will then report it to our Ministry Staff.
    ◦ Our Ministry Staff will call Child Protective Services (CPS) or local law enforcement
    ◦ Do not investigate yourself or confront the suspected abuser.


    What to Watch For in victims
    • Behavioral Signs:
    ◦ Sudden withdrawal, anxiety, fear of certain people or places
    ◦ Unusual sexual knowledge or behavior for age
    ◦ Reluctance to go home, frequent absences, or running away
    ◦ Lack of interest in things they used to enjoy
    ◦ Dramatic decrease in academic performance
    ◦ Depression, self-harm, substance use
    • Physical Signs:
    ◦ Injuries or complaints related to genitals
    ◦ Trouble sitting or walking
    ◦ Sudden changes in hygiene or appearance


    What to Watch For in abusers
    • Behavioral Signs:
    ◦ Excessive interest in kids/students. These individuals may want to always be with
    them or engage in their activities.
    ◦ Have inappropriate boundaries with kids/ students, such as invading personal
    space or engaging in inappropriate touching.
    ◦ Show grooming behaviors such as giving excessive gifts, providing special attention,
    or exploiting vulnerabilities.
    ◦ Avoid open communication or transparency with parents or authorities
    ◦ Seek to be alone with a kid/student. They may also try to frequently isolate a kid/
    student from their family or peers.

    If a KID or Student Discloses to You
    1. Stay Calm & Listen Carefully
    ◦ Use a calm, non-judgmental tone
    ◦ Don’t pressure for details
    ◦ Believe them — your response matters
    2. Say These Things:
    ◦ “I’m really glad you told me.”
    ◦ “This is not your fault.”
    ◦ “I have to tell someone whose job is to help.”
    3. Don’t Say:
    ◦ “Are you sure?”
    ◦ “Why didn’t you tell someone sooner?”
    ◦ “Don’t worry — I won’t tell anyone.”

    Next Steps for You
    • Document the Conversation
    Write down exact statements the individual made
    • Report this to your Coach
    Your Coach is always your go-to for help, next steps, etc. They will gather the information and pass it along to the ministry staff who will take the appropriate next steps, including making an official report with state and local authorities.

    Final Reminders
    • You’re not alone — your ministry team and church leadership will walk with you.
    • Reporting protects the individual, the church, and you.
    • Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, say something.

     

  • SEXUAL ABUSE AWARENESS
    AGREEMENT FORM


    I have thoroughly read over this Sexual Abuse Awareness and Training material. As a trusted leader in our Next Gen Ministry, I will take these policies and procedures seriously and commit to abiding by them in order to protect the kids and students in our ministry. I will report anything I become aware of that could be signs of abuse to my Coach within a 24 hour period. I will represent West Ridge Church with integrity in the way that I interact with kids and students.

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  • Please Read!

    Please Read!

    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.
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