Cultivating A Culture That Cares

SAFEGUARDING

Safeguarding PolicySign up to Serve
Our Mission

Protecting our Vulnerable Populations

Our Mission

We focus on eliminating misconduct, assault, or abuse of children, youth, and special needs community. The Safeguarding policy is enforced at any program or event at Houston’s First where children, students, or special needs adults are invited to attend. The policy is a living document that our Safeguarding Department is committed to regularly reviewing and strengthening even further as we continue our commitment to cultivate a culture that cares and provide safe spaces for our most vulnerable populations.

Safeguarding Policy
Start with Safeguarding.

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At Houston's First, our aim is to foster a community of individuals who live abundantly purposeful and joy-filled lives, stepping out in faith to collaborate with God’s work.

PATHMAKERS are the heartbeat of our community, bringing the love and message of Jesus to life in practical, impactful ways.

Completing the Safeguarding process is an essential first step for anyone serving with children, students, or individuals with special needs. By taking this step, you help us cultivate a culture that cares and create safe environments for everyone.

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Safeguarding FAQs

All Houston’s First staff and volunteers will be accountable to our Safeguarding Protection Policy through a five-step screening process and required training.

Screening Steps

  • Application
  • Ministry Safe Standard Sexual Abuse Prevention Training
  • References
  • Interview
  • Background Check

Church Membership and 6 months of active involvement at Houston’s First are requirements for all potential Safeguarding volunteers. Six months of active involvement at HFBC is usually accomplished through regular participation and attendance in a Life Bible Study, however, some additional examples include Equip Classes, Men's & Women's events, or other service opportunities.

Statistics demonstrate that a simple background check alone is not an adequate level of protection. Therefore, our church adheres to these additional layers of protection to properly screen all Safeguarding volunteers. This method allows us to carefully process volunteers who have the right intention in serving with our most vulnerable community.

Staff members at Houston’s First are also required to attend yearly training, provided by experts from our partners at Ministry Safe and Darkness to Light. This training includes topics such as sexual abuse awareness, child sexual abuse prevention, skillful screening, and more. New and existing staff—including pastoral leadership—and volunteers are required to go through the approval process.

Training For Parents

As a parent, we want to make sure you have access to resources you may need to keep your children safe. Ministry Safe has created a training just for parents. This training equips parents with facts and information to recognize how to keep your child safe before they experience anything harmful. For information on how you can access this training, email Safeguarding@HoustonsFirst.org or go to this site to register.

Reminder For Parents

No matter the day, we ask that you always supervise your children and students while on campus unless they are checked into age-specific programming. This includes playgrounds/play spaces, bathrooms, outdoor spaces, dining areas, and elsewhere. Additionally, we ask that you take notice of and comply with all posted signs for closures and spaces where minors are not permitted.

Kids worshipping Jesus at HFBC