The following form is used for churchgoers with a history of sexual sin with a teen or a child.  Please do not use this form until church leadership has been trained. 

The Covenant of Accountability will be administered in a joint session with Keeping Kids Safe staff, church leader, accountability partner and the registered offender.    

CHURCH COVENANT of ACCOUNTABILITY

This church welcomes all people and we are called to reach out to a hurting world.  We are called by God to unconditional love, but we are not called to give trust blindly.  As important as reaching out to those already hurting, is working to provide a safe environment for our children.  Prevention and the protection of children from sexual abuse is a priority in this church.

This covenant is between the church and a person with a background history of sexual sin with a teen or child.  We welcome you to our congregation, but your participation in some church activities will be limited to ensure safety of our children and to avoid future accusations.

This is a spiritual covenant rather than a legal contract.  According to experts in the field of sexual abuser management, accountability, treatment, and supervision are keys for success to prevent re-offending.  We are a church that protects children and it is imperative that you understand trust will not be granted blindly.

COMMITMENTS

The following commitments are designed to promote the spiritual growth of the overcomer (a person with a history of offending) and to reduce the risk of children being sexually abused and to reduce false accusation.  These commitments are to be held to strictly.  If these commitments are not held to, kids are placed in jeopardy.  All parties are responsible to hold one another accountable for living up to these commitments.  Please initial by each guideline as your initials indicate that you understand and will comply with all commitments.  "I" refers to the (Overcomer) with a history of a sexual offense. 

_____The church leaders have appointed covenant partners for support and accountability.  These covenant partners have been selected for their spiritual maturity, their understanding of this covenant, and their commitment to help me stay safe.

_____The church leaders will appoint another covenant partner should one become unable to serve.

_____The church covenant partners have been appointed for both accountability and a support.  The initial covenant partners are ______________________________________________________________________.  

_____I understand that the church leaders have committed to investing in my spiritual growth.

_____I understand that there is a need at times for church leadership to consult with Keeping Kids Safe Ministries, probation officers, case workers, and treatment providers to share information that will be helpful in protecting kids.

­___I understand that the church leadership is committed to my spiritual growth and has an obligation to the safety and welfare of the rest of the congregation.  If I choose to enter this covenant, the facts of my legal history will be shared on a "need to know" basis.  I will be informed of the people this information is shared with.  If I choose not to enter into this covenant, but wish to continue to attend services and activities here, I understand that church leadership will inform the parents of children of my history and my decision not to enter the covenant.  I understand that increased supervision will be provided any time I am in attendance. 

_____I understand that revealing my offense history could be disturbing to some people in the church, particularly parents of small children and survivors of sexual abuse, and could be disruptive to the church.  I will work with my covenant partners and church leadership to plan for this sharing to be done in a way that builds up rather than tears down.

_____I understand that I will be offered a spiritual accountability program.  I will receive periodic feedback from my covenant partner and that Keeping Kids Safe Ministries monitors this process to assist the covenant partner.

_____I will avoid all church activities (on or off church grounds) specifically designed for children or teens.  If a child or teen approaches, I will make every attempt to avoid or escape a potential risk of being in the proximity of children.  I will work with the church covenant partners to identify the safe places to sit for the worship service or other church activities.

_____I understand that I may participate in worship in the sanctuary, adult Sunday school or adult bible study; however, I must use the most direct route from the parking lot to the church activity.

_____I will provide contacts, phone numbers, and a signed release of information of all agencies involved in my management, supervision, and treatment.

_____I will keep the church leaders informed of any list of children that I have been authorized by any agency or authority to have contact with.

_____I understand that even after all treatment or probation requirements expire, I will never be allowed to volunteer or to be involved in any children's ministry programs.

_____I understand that I have limited access to church facilities to minimize the risk of being around children.  Church leaders have given me a map outlining areas of the church which are off limits. 

_____I understand that I should plan ahead to minimize the use of restroom facilities in the church buildings.  I will never enter a restroom with children.  Should the need arise; I will be responsible for getting one of the covenant partners to accompany me.  

_____I understand that anytime my involvement in church becomes a stumbling block to others in the church, I will follow church leadership guidance to resolve the issue.  Example:  A church member (victim of sexual abuse) views the sex offender registry and voices fear or concerns to church leadership.  To avoid being a stumbling block at a worship service, church leadership recommends I temporarily attend another service or men's ministry activities.  Church leadership, in the mean time will work to help the other member work toward feeling safer and work toward my re-involvement.

_____I understand that this church believes that children are safer when sexual sinners are seeking God and growing in Christ-likeness.  I understand that the church will make every effort to attempt to provide for both church safety and the spiritual growth of all its members.

I have read and understand all the commitments in this spiritual covenant.  I will follow and comply with all of my commitments and, any violation of any part of this covenant could jeopardize being part of this congregation.  Any violations to this covenant could result in consulting with other agencies involved in offender management, increased supervision at church activities, or if the threat is serious enough, being asked to leave the church.

_____________________________                                      _______________________

Printed Name of Covenant Applicant                            Signature

_____________________________                                      ________________________

Printed Name of Church Leader                                               Signature

_____________________________                                      ________________________

Printed Name of Witness                                                          Signature