IMPORTANT NOTICE:
These are “Model Policy Templates” – NOT – final policies. Each member must review the templates, discuss the options with your municipal attorney, and finalize the policies that are best suited to your needs. These sample policies and procedures are not intended to be all-encompassing and are believed to conform to current law and practice at the time of preparation. However, municipalities and authorities are cautioned to seek legal advice from a qualified employment attorney before adopting any employment policies and procedures.
Protecting children has always been a major MEL priority, and it is up to all of us to do everything possible to prevent and report child abuse. Child abuse is a major challenge facing many community institutions including churches, sports programs, and organizations providing a broad range of services to youth. All agencies are at risk because they are a major source of youth recreation, daycare, and other direct service programs.
To address this challenge, MEL has developed a model policy and our members that ensures that programs include the safeguards and protections needed when providing services for children.
In addition, the MEL has developed specific training programs for elected officials, managers, supervisors, employees, camp counselors, and volunteers involved in programs serving children. The training assists members in recognizing issues affecting children and understanding their responsibility to act in the child’s best interest.
The video is available below, however, if viewed through the MSI LMS it will record in your learning history.
Our focus on our children is another major step forward in achieving our vision: a culture of safety in all of the communities and organizations we serve throughout New Jersey.
Resources
- Addressing the Protection and Safe Treatment of Minors and FAQ (Model Policy June 2021)
- Protecting Children from Abuse (Video)
- Protecting Children Resource Guide Booklet
- Protecting Children Article in League of Municipalities Magazine
- Legal Decisions: Child Abuse
- Protecting Children Initiative (MEL Letter)
Background Checks Vendors
- CastleBranch, Wilmington, NC – Response Document
- Adam Safeguard & Inquiry Systems Inc., Toms River, NJ – Response Document
- Southern Background Services, LLC – Hazlehurst, GA – Response Document
- Tabb Inc., Chester, NJ – Response Document 1, Response Document 2
- TruView BSI, LLC, Hicksville, NY – Response Document
The MEL Board authorized the release of a Request for Qualifications to qualify vendors able to provide Background Checks. The MEL’s “Protection & Safe Treatment of Minors and FAQ” model policy calls for increased background checks and members were looking for assistance in identifying vendors. We have received submissions from 5 vendors listed above and the results can be viewed here RFQ Results 21-02 Background Check Services.