I. OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES CONCERNING OUR CHILDREN

Our children are the future of our society. Likewise, they are the future of COUPLES FOR CHRIST (CFC). They will be main bearers in the future of CFC’s torch of evangelization and will continue our Community’s vision of raising families in the Holy Spirit that will renew the face of the earth. 

We love our Young Children and everyone in CFC should work to promote their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Our posture towards Young Children should always be guided by the following scriptural passages, among others: 

Psalm 127:3 – “Children too are a gift from the Lord, the fruit of the womb, a reward.” 

Mark 10:14 – ““Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

Proverbs 22:6 – “Train the young in the way they should go; even when old, they will not swerve from it.”

Matthew 18:10 – “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”

Mark 9:42 – “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe [in me] to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.”

II. PURPOSES

This document was developed for the following primary purposes:

• To help promote the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of Young Children in CFC;
• To help foster a healthy and safe environment for Young Children during any CFC Activity; 
• To promote the well-being of everyone in CFC and those who interact with CFC;
• Encourage every Adult CFC Member to act as a positive role model and avoid putting himself/herself in a risky situation; and 
• To help protect the mission and integrity of CFC. 

III. DEFINITIONS

The listed terms below, as used in this document, have the following definitions:

1. “Adult CFC Member” is a CFC member eighteen (18) years or older who, during any CFC Activity interacts with, directs, supervises, chaperones, or otherwise oversees Young Children. 
2. “CFC” refers to Couples for Christ and its Family Ministries.
3. “CFC Activity” is any activity that is officially under the direction or control of CFC, regardless of its location, where Young Children are participating or are present.
4. “CFC Area Leader” is the top servant-leader in the Area, which could be the Area Head, or the Chapter Head or Unit Head in case of an Area with just one Chapter or Unit group. 
5. “Long-Duration CFC Activity” is any CFC activity that lasts for more than three (3) days. 
6. “Ministry Couple Coordinator” refers to a couple-member of CFC married in the Catholic Church. 
7. “Short-Duration CFC Activity” refers to a weekend activity (e.g., Kids’ Camp, Family Conference, Youth Camp, an annual CFC or Ministry Conference), or other CFC activity that lasts for 3 days or less. 
8. “Vulnerable Adults” refers to an adult person 18 years or older who possesses physical, mental, or emotional infirmity or dysfunction and who is or may be unable to take care of himself/herself.
9. “Young Children” is understood to be children of minor age who are involved in a CFC Activity or who, by reason of their participation or their parent’s participation in a CFC Activity, are entrusted to the care or supervision of an adult CFC member, whether or not the parents of the Young Children are members of CFC.

IV. APPLICABILITY AND SCOPE

The Guidances in this document apply to every Adult CFC member, as defined above, and to every adult individual who may not be a member of CFC: who is involved in a CFC-sponsored activity as coordinator, participant or volunteer; or who is entrusted with the care, pastoring, or supervision of Young Children; or who may have regular, direct or occasional contact with Young children by reason of the adult individual’s  participation in any CFC Activity or CFC program.  

Each CFC member is expected to observe a high sense of responsibility, prudence, professionalism and genuine Christian attitude when carrying out his/her role in any CFC activity especially when interacting with Young Children. 

These Guidances are intended to be embraced by everyone in CFC and discusses the proper attitude and behavior in the presence of Young Children. It covers the following areas:

• appointment of Couple Coordinators for CFC Kids and CFC Youth ministries;
• selection of members of service teams and/or acceptance of volunteers for activities of CFC Kids and CFC Youth ministries; 
• behavior expectations when adults interact with minor children; and
• handling and reporting of violations or suspicions of violation of these Guidances or any inappropriate interaction with Young Children.

V.  APPOINTMENT OF COORDINATORS AND SERVICE TEAM MEMBERS/VOLUNTEERS

It is important that everyone in CFC is aware of his/her role in helping foster a safe and healthy environment for young children in all activities of CFC and at all times that those children are entrusted in our care in relation to such activities. 

A.  Guidances Concerning Appointment of Ministry Couple Coordinators for CFC Kids & CFC Youth Ministries

1. The formation of CFC Kids Ministry or CFC Youth Ministry in an Area should at all times be preceded by an appointment of a Ministry Couple Coordinator. No CFC Kids Ministry or CFC Youth Ministry may be established in any Area, or any ministry activity initiated, without a Ministry Couple Coordinator being appointed first. 
2. The selection, nomination and appointment of a Ministry Couple Coordinator shall adhere to the selection guidelines established by the global CFC Ministry office in the Philippines. The nominee must be at least a current household leader or senior household member. In addition, the appointing CFC leader shall consider for appointment as Ministry Couple Coordinators only those couples who, based on the appointing leader’s prayerful discernment, have shown:

• admirable faith and spirituality;
• desirable marital and family relationships;
• regularity in attendance at household prayer meetings and in CFC teachings and events;
• heart for service; and
• understanding and acceptance of the life, mission and culture of CFC.

3. The local CFC leader making the appointment shall ensure that candidates for the position of Ministry Couple Coordinators are subjected to a criminal background check (including a sex offender registry check). The candidates shall be notified in advance and agree about the need for such background check. The local CFC community shall shoulder the fee required for the background check. The Area may use the same service provider used by its Diocese for the background check.

1. The following types of convictions shall disqualify a candidate from becoming a Ministry Coordinator:
   1. Sexual offenses
   2. Drug distribution or drug possession
   3. Crimes of violence involving physical injury to another person
   4. Child abuse, molestation or other crimes involving child endangerment
   5. Murder or kidnapping
   6. Any other crime involving moral turpitude
   7.  A candidate who is listed on any sex offender registry should not be appointed Ministry Coordinator. 
2. Prior to assuming the role, the appointed Ministry Coordinator shall be required to complete a Virtus or STAND training, or whatever equivalent Safe Environment training is prescribed by the Diocese to which the CFC Area belongs. A Certificate of Completion should be submitted by the Ministry Couple Coordinator to the appointing leader before assumption of role.
3. Additionally, the Ministry Coordinator should be given a copy of these Guidances and required to be familiar with it. 

B.  Guidances Concerning Selection of Service Team Members or Acceptance of Volunteers for a Short-Duration CFC Activity 

1. Members of the CFC service team and/or CFC volunteers who will be entrusted with the care, pastoring or supervision of Young Children during a Short-Duration CFC Activity will need to complete a Virtus or SAFE training, or if an equivalent Safe Environment training is prescribed by the Diocese in which the CFC Activity will be conducted then such equivalent training, prior to their participation in the CFC Activity.  A Certificate of Completion should be submitted by the service team member or volunteer to the CFC leader managing the CFC Activity.
2. Non-CFC members should not be given the responsibility of chaperoning, pastoring, supervising or caring for Young Children during any CFC Activity, except in the case of non-CFC parents as regards their own children or as regards children entrusted to them directly by their parents. 
3. If Young Children are participating in a Short-Duration CFC Activity where they will have to stay overnight or over the weekend in the activity venue, the parent/s or legal guardian will need to give a written Consent, Waiver and Release (in the format shown in the attached Annex “A”) to the CFC leader managing the activity whether or not such parent/s or legal guardian is/are attending the activity with the child/children. 
4. Before the conduct of any Short-Duration CFC Activity, the members of the service team and volunteers shall be oriented about and reminded to comply with the provisions of these Guidances. Each will be given a copy of the summarized version of these Guidances (attached as Annex “B”).
5. Anyone who is listed on any sex offender registry or who had been convicted of any of the crimes mentioned in Section V.A.4 above shall not participate or be allowed to participate in any capacity in any activity where Young Children are participating. However, such person should be assisted by his/her household head, if a member of CFC, in his/her journey to spiritual transformation.   

C.  Guidances Concerning Selection of Service Team Members or Acceptance of Volunteers for Long-Duration CFC Activity

1. A long-duration CFC Activity is one that lasts longer than three (3) days.
2. Members of the CFC service team and/or CFC volunteers who will chaperone or be entrusted with the care or supervision of Young Children to/during a Long-Duration CFC Activity (e.g., CFC Youth Global Adventure Tour, International Youth Conference, International Family Conference) shall be subject to the same background check and training requirements mentioned in Section V.A above. 
3. In the case of the CFC Kids Ministry, children may be allowed to participate in a Long- Duration CFC Activity (e.g., CFC Kids International Family Conference) only when their parents accompany them for the entire duration of the activity who will then be responsible for the care and supervision of their own children. 
4. Before the conduct of any Long-Duration CFC Activity, the members of the service team and volunteers shall be oriented about and reminded to comply with the provisions of these Guidances. Each shall be given a copy of the summarized version of the Guidances (see Annex “B”).

VI. BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS WHEN INTERACTING WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Children are GOD’s gifts and they are precious to us. Young as they are, they are vulnerable and need to be specially cared for and protected. CFC expects every adult member to have a good sense of responsibility over the caring and protection of young children GOD puts in his/her presence. Each one needs to be a positive role model for the children and be their guardian in every CFC Activity. 

A CFC adult member can protect Young Children by behaving appropriately and monitoring the behavior of other adults and participants in any CFC Activity. When interacting with Young Children, a CFC adult should avoid behaviors that could cause harm to them or be misinterpreted.

A. Safeguards and Appropriate Behavior of a CFC Adult

• Every CFC Activity must be supervised by Ministry Couple Coordinators or by CFC adult service team members or volunteers who must have been appointed/accepted as such according to the requirements of Item V above and so are VIRTUS/STAND/Safe-Environment certified. Where feasible, the following adult/children ratio shall be observed in every CFC Activity:

• Do not be alone with a minor child; if one-one-one interaction is required by the Ministry program or CFC Activity, meet in an open, well-lighted area where other adults participating in the CFC Activity can observe the interaction. If the only advisable meeting place is a room, the room must have windows by which the interaction is observable by other adults participating in the CFC Activity. 

• To meet with a minor child outside of the time set for the CFC Activity, the written consent of the child’s parent is required and at least two CFC Activity adult team members or volunteers must be present in the meeting. 

• A needed one-on-one interaction (which should be conducted according to the preceding requirements) should be between a male parent Coordinator and a male child, or between a female parent Coordinator and a female child. 

• Any communication (e.g., emails, text messages, social media messages) sent by the Ministry Couple Coordinator (or a CFC Activity service team member or volunteer) to a minor child should include as recipient one or both parents (or the legal guardian) of the child and should be related to the program or an activity of the CFC Ministry to which the child belongs, or should have an educational or spiritual purpose. The recommended chain of communication is: 
  • CFC Youth Couple Coordinator > Youth Leader > Youth members.
  • CFC Kids Couple Coordinator > Parent/s > Kids
• Information disclosed to a Ministry Couple Coordinator in the course of interaction with a minor child shall be held in the strictest confidence possible and should not be disclosed unless required by law, or if disclosure is necessary to protect the child and/or any other party or to prevent further harm. 
• Do not invite minor children to your home, unless 

1. it is for a legitimate CFC purpose and there is no suitable alternative public place for it;
2. 2 or more people are participating in the gathering;
3. the invite is given through the children’s parents or legal guardian who will need to join their children for the visit or issue a prior written authorization for their children to attend without them;
4. any interaction with any child during the visit must be in the presence of another adult member of the household and must be conducted in the living area or in any open space.

• Avoid touching a child in a manner that could be interpreted by a reasonable person as offensive or inappropriate.
• Abusive conduct of any kind, to whomever directed, should be avoided in the presence of a child.
• No deadly weapon should be carried or displayed by any participant in any CFC Activity. 
• The following are authorized to drive Young Children to or from a CFC Activity:

1. parent/legal guardian of the minor;
2. parent-designated individual;
3. Ministry Couple Coordinator, with express consent of the parent or legal guardian; and
4. any member of the CFC service team or a CFC adult volunteer, with the express consent of the parent or legal guardian.

• If the parent or legal guardian of a minor child could not be reached for consent to drive/convey a minor child back to his/her residence, the Ministry Couple Coordinator should accompany the child back to the child’s residence. 

• When transporting a minor child, more than one adult must be present in the vehicle, except when several minor children will be in the vehicle at all times during the travel.
• When transporting Young Children, they should be seated in the 2nd or 3rd row and not beside the driver. Everyone should be buckled up. If a second adult is present in the car, he/she should be seated beside the driver. 

B. Additional Conduct Guidances for Interaction with Minors

• Appropriate contact between adults and minors constitutes a positive part of CFC’s community life. Examples of appropriate contact with minors in a CFC Activity include, but are not limited to:

1. verbal praise 
2. brief side hugs or arm around the shoulder
3. brief pat on the shoulder or upper back
4. hand-shakes, “high-fives”, knuckle bumps or hand slaps
5. brief touching of hand, face, head, shoulder or arm of minor
6. holding hands while walking with small children for their protection (female to female, male to male)
7. sitting beside small children
8. kneeling or bending down for a brief hug with small children
9. holding hands during prayer
10. an adult patting gently the head of the child to impart a spiritual blessing (this is the recommended greeting of an adult to a minor); or child taking the right hand of an adult and making the latter’s knuckles touch gently and briefly the child’s forehead to ask for spiritual blessing (the latter is a customary Filipino “mano po” gesture towards older people; there may also be other appropriate gestures of young people in other cultures showing one’s desire to be spiritually blessed by an older person).

• Some forms of contact have been used by adults to violate a child’s appropriate and established boundaries. In order to maintain the safest possible environment, other examples of contact with minors that are not to be made include, but are not limited to:
  1. frontal embraces  
  2. kisses on the mouth
  3. holding minors over four years old on the lap or in one’s arms; holding younger minors should only be “as needed” (e.g., for child’s comfort) or at the invitation of the parent
  4. touching knees, legs, buttocks, chests or genital areas
  5. being alone in isolated areas such as closets, private rooms/area or residence.
  6. playing with hair of a minor
  7. being on a bed with a minor (unless a bed becomes designated “seating space” during daytime hours)
  8. wrestling with minors, tickling minors or piggyback rides
  9. any type of massage, whether given by minor to adult or adult to minor
  10. any form of unwanted affection
  11. oral or written comments that relate to physique, body development, expression of overt physical affection and/or involve other boundary violations
  12. providing alcohol, drugs, tobacco or illegal materials to a minor
  13. giving of gifts or money to a minor without the parent’s knowledge and consent

• Furthermore, when adults are supervising minors, prohibited behaviors include, but are not limited to:
  1. swearing or using vulgar language
  2. using, possessing or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs
  3. discussing their own sexual activities
  4. possessing or displaying sexually oriented or morally inappropriate printed or electronic materials (e.g., magazines, cards, videos, films, clothing, Internet sites, etc.)
  5. engaging in any sexually oriented conversations with minors unless the conversations are part of a legitimate lesson and discussion regarding human sexuality (on such occasions, the lessons will convey to the minor the CFC Ministry teachings on these topics; if the minors have further questions, they should be referred to their parents or legal guardians for clarification or counseling)
  6. undressing or being nude
  7. taking a shower with a minor
  8. sleeping in the same bed, sleeping bag or tent with a minor, unless the adult is an immediate family member of the minor

VII. REPORTING VIOLATIONS OF THESE GUIDANCES AND OF RELEVANT LAWS

• Duty to Report

1. Every CFC member must actively work to protect our children from any form of neglect, abuse or any other inappropriate behavior of any party during a CFC Activity. Our children deserve to feel and be actually safe in our midst in any CFC Activity. 
2. Violation of these Guidances must be reported immediately. Likewise, anyone suspecting abuse or neglect or suspecting someone is setting the stage for committing a sexual offense against a minor child during or by reason a CFC activity must report the suspicion. 
3. Note that regulations of a State may also require its residents having information about any incidence or suspicion of abuse or neglect of minor children, or of any other inappropriate behavior towards them, even if unrelated to a CFC activity, to report the same. Such regulations must be complied with   
4. One does not need to witness an actual abuse of a minor child to be able to report it. He/she is not required to make an investigation to validate whether a suspicion is indeed abuse. If there is doubt about whether or not it is abuse, inquiring with the Child Protection Service of the County or State where the child resides, in person or through its hotline, is highly encouraged. The said agency can advise on whether the signs observed in the child are abuse, or whether a particular circumstance requires reporting to the agency or any other government authority.
5. A report in good faith is protected from criminal or civil liability.

• Where to Report

1. Violation of these Guidances and/or relevant laws must be reported immediately to the leader of the CFC Area where the CFC Activity is conducted. The CFC Area Leader must then take immediate steps to stop or correct the violation which should include but is not limited to removing the violating member from his participation in the CFC Activity. Where the violation may also constitute a violation of a law where a report to appropriate government authority is required, the CFC Area Leader and his source of information shall immediately make the required reporting. 
2. Instances or suspected instances of abuse of or inappropriate interaction with a minor child by a parent, legal guardian or a member of CFC must be reported immediately to the police authority and to the CFC Area Leader. 
3. A report has to be made even if the suspected abuser is the parent, legal guardian or relative of the minor child. 
4. If the alleged abuser is not the parent or legal guardian of the minor child, such parent or legal guardian will also have to be informed by the CFC Area Leader. 
5. If it is the CFC Area Leader who is suspected of having committed an abuse or inappropriate interaction, the report must be made to the household head of the CFC Area Leader which could be the CFC Regional Head. Report must also be made to the CFC USA National Council. If the name or contact information of the household head of the CFC Area Leader is not known to the person desiring to make the report, the report can be made to any senior CFC leader in the Area. Such senior leader must then report the matter to the police authority, to the household head of the CFC Area Leader, to the parent of the child, and to the CFC USA National Council. 
6. In some States, there is the further requirement that the abuse, including information about neglect and inadequate care of a child, will also have to be reported to the Department of Social Service, or the Child Protection Service, the police authority and/or other appropriate agencies of the county where the child resides. 
7. The report to the CFC Area Leader (or, in the appropriate case, to the senior CFC leader of the Area), or to the appropriate government authority as herein required or as required by regulations, may initially be made by telephone but should be followed with a written report.
8. Upon receipt of the report or information about the incident, access of the accused person to any CFC Activity and to potential victims should be removed or stopped. 
9. The CFC Area Leader (or, in the appropriate case, the senior CFC leader of the Area) shall gather and safekeep all documents/reports prepared in connection with the alleged violation of these Guidances or with the alleged abuse. Such documents/reports must be treated confidentially.
10. Within the day following his receipt of notification of the violation of the Guidances or of the alleged abuse, the CFC Area Leader (or, in the appropriate case, the senior CFC leader of the Area) must send a report to the CFC USA National Council through its National Director and the Family Ministries Director. The CFC USA National Council then shall help ensure that every relevant CFC member in the Area is cooperating with government authorities in any investigation or prosecution action. 

VIII.    CARE FOR VULNERABLE ADULTS

    The behavior expectations listed in Section VI above should also be observed when  

     interacting with vulnerable adults in any activity of CFC. Violations, or suspicion/information 

     of abuse or neglect or inappropriate interaction of/with vulnerable adults, should also be 

     reported according to the requirements of Section VII.

1. PROTECTION OF RIGHTS OF ALL PARTIES

      Care shall be taken to protect the rights of all parties involved, particularly those of the child 

      reported to have been abused, neglected or given inadequate care, including the person 

      against whom the charge has been made. Any report of child abuse or neglect must be 

      done in good faith. When the accusation has been proven to be unfounded, every step 

      possible shall be taken to restore his/her good name.

ANNEX “A”

CONSENT, WAIVER & RELEASE OF LIABILITY

(Note: Please read carefully! This is a legal document that affects your legal rights.)

I am the undersigned parent and/or guardian of the child/children whose name/s appear below:

Name of Child/Children: ___________________________________ 

___________________________________

___________________________________

___________________________________

hereafter known as “Participant/s,” and I hereby give my consent for the Participant/s to attend the [Name of the Activity, Date and Venue], hereafter called “CFC Activity”

I acknowledge that the CFC activity may include or involve sports and recreational activities (e.g., basketball, volleyball, swimming, cruising/boating, fishing, rock climbing, ziplining, “trust walk”, and similar activities involving among others, team play, test of a person’s physical and mental abilities, etc.) and travelling to places outside of the venue for related activities (e.g., to the Church for Mass or adoration, to orphanages, malls or other neighborhood areas for some volunteer, learning, recreation, or evangelization activities). I further acknowledge that it carries with it the possibility of serious injury, death, or property loss. The risks include, but are not limited to, those caused by facilities, weather, terrain, temperature, dehydration, and the condition of equipment and vehicular traffic, as well as the actions of other people. I hereby assume all of the risks of the Participant/s’ and my participation in the CFC Activity, including (as examples and not by way of limitation): any risks arising from negligence or carelessness on the part of the entity/ies and individuals being released hereby, from defective or dangerous equipment or property owned, controlled, or maintained by them, or because of their possible liability without fault.

I hereby voluntarily release, and forever discharge and hold harmless Couples for Christ (CFC) USA, the local CFC entity or association, and their respective directors/trustees, officers, area leaders, ministry coordinators, event organizers, volunteers, and other CFC representatives,  their successors and assigns (individually and collectively hereafter referred to as “Couples for Christ”), from any and all liability claims, as well as demands of whatever kind or nature, in either law or equity, that arise or may hereafter arise from the Participant’s attendance, participation and involvement in any and all activities during or in relation to the CFC Activity. I understand that this release discharges Couples for Christ from any liability or claim that I or the Participant/s may have against it/them with respect to any bodily injury, personal injury, illness, death, or property damage that may result from the Participant’s or my activities with Couples for Christ.

I understand that Couples for Christ does not or may not carry or maintain medical, health, or disability insurance coverage for participants in the CFC Activity. I am expected and encouraged to obtain my Participant/s’ and my own medical or health coverage.

I hereby grant and convey all right, title, and interest in any and all photographic images and video or audio recordings made by Couples for Christ during the Participant/s’ or my participation, including but not limited to any royalties, proceeds, or other benefits derived from such photographs or recordings. Couples for Christ may use such images and video for any of its purposes (e.g., promotional materials, websites and others) without limit as to time or duration. 

I agree that in the event that any clause or provision of this Consent, Waiver and Release shall be held invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of such a clause or provision shall not otherwise affect the remaining provisions of this Consent, Waiver and Release, which shall continue to be enforceable. This waiver shall be construed broadly to provide a release and waiver to the maximum extent permissible under applicable law.

I certify that I have read this document and I fully understand its content. I am aware that this document is a contractual release from liability and that I sign it of my own free will and I fully and voluntarily agree to the above Consent, Waiver and Release.

__________________________________________________

Full Name and Signature of Parent/Legal Guardian

Date: _______________

ANNEX “B” 

CFC USA 

THE BELOW SUMMARY IS AN EXTRACT FROM CFC USA’S GUIDANCES ON CARING FOR YOUNG CHILDREN IN CFC ACTIVITIES

APPROPRIATE CONDUCT 

• Appropriate contact between adults and minors constitutes a positive part of CFC’s community life. Examples of appropriate contact with minors in a CFC Activity include, but are not limited to:

1. verbal praise 
2. brief side hugs or arm around the shoulder
3. brief pat on the shoulder or upper back
4. hand-shakes, “high-fives”, knuckle bumps or hand slaps
5. brief touching of hand, face, head, shoulder or arm of minor
6. holding hands while walking with small children for their protection (female to female, male to male)
7. sitting beside small children
8. kneeling or bending down for a brief hug with small children
9. holding hands during prayer
10. an adult patting gently the head of the child to impart a spiritual blessing (this is the recommended greeting of an adult to a minor); or child taking the right hand of an adult and making the latter’s knuckles touch gently and briefly the child’s forehead to ask for spiritual blessing (the latter is a customary Filipino “mano po” gesture towards older people; there may also be other appropriate gestures of young people in other cultures showing one’s desire to be spiritually blessed by an older person).

    INAPPROPRIATE CONDUCT

• Some forms of contact have been used by adults to violate a child’s appropriate and established boundaries. In order to maintain the safest possible environment, other examples of contact with minors that are not to be made include, but are not limited to:
  1. frontal embraces  
  2. kisses on the mouth
  3. holding minors over four years old on the lap or in one’s arms; holding younger minors should only be “as needed” (e.g., for child’s comfort) or at the invitation of the parent
  4. touching knees, legs, buttocks, chests or genital areas
  5. being alone in isolated areas such as closets, private rooms/area or residence.
  6. playing with hair of a minor
  7. being on a bed with a minor (unless a bed becomes designated “seating space” during daytime hours)
  8. wrestling with minors, tickling minors or piggyback rides
  9. any type of massage, whether given by minor to adult or adult to minor
  10. any form of unwanted affection
  11. oral or written comments that relate to physique, body development, expression of overt physical affection and/or involve other boundary violations
  12. providing alcohol, drugs, tobacco or illegal materials to a minor
  13. giving of gifts or money to a minor without the parent’s knowledge and consent

• Furthermore, when adults are supervising minors, prohibited behaviors include, but are not limited to:
  1. swearing or using vulgar language
  2. using, possessing or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs
  3. discussing their own sexual activities
  4. possessing or displaying sexually oriented or morally inappropriate printed or electronic materials (e.g., magazines, cards, videos, films, clothing, Internet sites, etc.)
  5. engaging in any sexually oriented conversations with minors unless the conversations are part of a legitimate lesson and discussion regarding human sexuality (on such occasions, the lessons will convey to the minor the CFC Ministry teachings on these topics; if the minors have further questions, they should be referred to their parents or legal guardians for clarification or counseling)
  6. undressing or being nude
  7. taking a shower with a minor
  8. sleeping in the same bed, sleeping bag or tent with a minor, unless the adult is an immediate family member of the minor

Note 1:   The above behavior expectations from adults when dealing with young children   also apply when interacting with vulnerable adults. A “vulnerable adult” is an adult person 18 years or older who possesses physical, mental, or emotional infirmity or dysfunction and who is or may be unable to take care of him/herself.

Note 2:   Report any information or suspicion of violation about sexual abuse or neglect of children (or vulnerable adults), or any other inappropriate behavior towards them, to your CFC Area Head (or, in the appropriate case, to your CFC Regional Head) and to your State’s appropriate government authority. Refer to Section VII of CFC USA’s GUIDANCES ON CARING FOR OUR YOUNG CHILDREN (“Guidances”) for more     specific guidance on how and whom to report such information or suspicion or any   violation of the Guidances.