EMMAUS MINISTRIES, INC. Attendance & Outside Help Policy

Objective

The Attendance & Outside Help Policy is intended to ensure that Emmaus Ministries and its associates work together to create a safe and orderly environment for the youth it serves.

Scope

The carrying out of this policy is the responsibility of all those in affiliation with Emmaus Ministries and those who are in a position of leadership over the attending youth at Emmaus Events, i.e. Emmaus missionaries, present board members, officers, etc.          

Policy

Emmaus Ministries and its events are intended for youth (8th-12th graders with some exceptions being made by leadership). In compliance with this, no individuals over 18 years of age who are no longer high school students and no longer meet the criteria of attendance shall be permitted at Emmaus Ministries events unless they serve a specific purpose within the ministry as it relates to the youth, i.e. Emmaus missionaries, approved legal guardians of attending youth, clergy/religious, board members, speakers, etc. Outside of such roles, efforts should be made to communicate these standards to individuals over the age of 18 who attempt to join an event held by Emmaus Ministries. All adults wishing to attend Emmaus Events in a volunteer capacity must provide necessary personal information and agree to abide by the organization's code of conduct. All adults, both approved and those waiting for approval must be able to show proof of updated completed Virtus training certification. Previously mentioned adults must adhere to treating all youth with respect, refraining from any form of harassment or inappropriate behavior, and following the guidelines set by the organization. If for any reason an adult fails to meet these guidelines, Emmaus missionary coordinators hold the right to ask the adults to refrain from attending Emmaus Events.

Approval

Approval for a special case to allow an outside helper or attendee over the age of 18 should be made by at least two or more Emmaus missionary coordinators and/or board members. If the incident occurs at the time of an Emmaus Ministries youth event and two missionary coordinators and/or board members are not present, a missionary and missionary coordinator may make the decision. The decision will preferably be carried out by Emmaus missionary coordinators to ensure that standards for youth safety and security are upheld. All subsequent Emmaus missionaries and helpers should then be made aware of the exception. Attendance approval is event-specific, meaning that approval for one event does not automatically extend to others. The organization will assess the necessity of adult presence at each event and grant approval accordingly.