Dear River Oaks Folks,
Your Elders, Deacons and Staff have come to an important decision regarding a matter here at River Oaks. Fortunately, this decision is one on which we are being proactive, not reactive. For emphasis let me say clearly and honestly that this decision is not the result of any problem(s) that we have experienced or are experiencing.
What is the decision? The decision is to implement background checks on all officers, staff, those who have regular weekly contact with children and youth, even those who have less than regular weekly contact with children and youth. By law we cannot, however, require background checks on anyone younger than 18.
If the reason for implementing this is not obvious, let me remind you that children and youth are one of our core values here at River Oaks. The number one reason for our coming to this decision is for the protection of the children and youth of River Oaks. There are also obvious benefits to the parent(s) and those who minister to our children and youth.
It is our hope and prayer that River Oaks will embrace this decision and agree that however inconvenient, even possibly seen as insulting to some and regardless of the additional expense to River Oaks that this is a decision whose time has come.
Here’s how this will work. If you are over 18 and have contact with children and youth as a part of your paid or volunteer service at River Oaks, you will be asked to complete the form enclosed with this letter. River Oaks will submit these forms to CheckPoint “Volunteer Select Plus” who will do a National Criminal, Sexual Offender and Motor Vehicle background record check on each individual. River Oaks will assume the expense of this background check procedure at a cost of $16.30 per person.
The Ministry Staff person with oversight over the area where you minister will contact you requesting that you complete one of these forms for processing. These forms will be given to the Church Officer in charge of Background Checks. You will be notified once you are cleared. If for some reason you are not cleared, you will be confidentially contacted by the Church Officer and/or Pastor so that you may have the opportunity to clear your record.
Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation in participating in this voluntary process in order to better serve our children and youth.
Sincerely,
John Montgomery
April 2008
