Illinois Great Rivers Conference 2025 Journal-Yearbook
policy does not apply to transportation to and/or from a conference or district sponsored event, when the transportation is not part of the event itself. Where local churches are providing transportation to or from a conference or district event, such transportation falls under the local church’s policy. Drivers providing transportation during events shall: • Possess a valid driver’s license and appropriate insurance. • Drive a legally licensed and insured vehicle. • Not be under the influence of any substance that impairs their driving. • Be at least 21 years of age. • Adhere to applicable motor vehicle laws. All drivers shall be screened in the same manner as other leadership for an event and in addition thereto shall be subject to a review of their driving record abstract. Drivers shall require that seat belts be used at all times (where available), and the number of passengers shall not exceed the number of seat belts. Child safety seats shall be used according to Illinois law (as applicable). Drivers shall not use cell phones or mobile devices while driving and shall not text message while driving. Hands-free GPS may be used. Hands-free cell phone use is allowed when necessary for communication with other drivers in a caravan. Where possible, two screened adults should be present in each vehicle. Where this is not feasible and there are multiple vehicles in a caravan, one adult may drive each vehicle, but the vehicles should stay together. Whenever one adult is driving a vehicle, he or she should never be alone in the vehicle with one child or vulnerable adult. Training The group (board, agency, committee, team, etc.) hosting each conference or district event is responsible for training and orientation of staff and volunteers. No individual will be allowed to serve until he/she has completed the appropriate training. Staff and volunteers for any conference-sponsored event will receive training which will include this policy and accompanying procedures along with site- or event-specific procedures. Before beginning service, each staff member and volunteer will sign a statement that they have read, understand, and agree to abide by this policy and accompanying procedures. Reporting Suspected Incidents Mandated Reporting : The State of Illinois Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act requires “any person who came to know the child through an official capacity or position of trust, including but not limited to health care professionals, educational personnel, recreational supervisors, members of the clergy, and volunteers or support personnel in any setting where children may be subject to abuse or neglect” to report observed or suspected child abuse to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). It is enough to have “reasonable cause” to suspect child abuse. DCFS and not an IGRC supervisor will determine if the information given by the reporter meets the legal requirements to initiate an investigation. Procedure for Reporting Child Abuse : If and when a volunteer or staff person suspects child abuse, whether committed by another volunteer or staff person or by someone else in the child’s life, he/she must report that suspicion immediately to his/her
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