Pioneers Policy on Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults

Pioneers is committed to making the safety and well-being of children and vulnerable adults a priority by reducing the risk of harm, abuse and neglect. Our comprehensive International Safeguarding Policy defines these terms and our guidelines to protect vulnerable adults and children—both those of our employees and those in the communities where we serve.

Mandates for Pioneers Members

• Pioneers requires all employees to comply with this policy as well as all applicable federal and state laws.
• Pioneers does not employ anyone with a prior conviction for or history of child sexual abuse or related offenses at any time during his or her adult life.
• All employees and volunteers agree to the policy and complete child and vulnerable adult safeguarding training as a condition of their employment with Pioneers.
• Each Pioneers team is required to complete an annual child safety review and bi-annual training in which they review the policy and code of conduct and sign the safeguarding agreement.
• Every Pioneers member is a mandatory reporter and is required to report concerns of suspected abuse, neglect, grooming and exploitation.

Grounds for Termination

Pioneers has a zero-tolerance policy toward those who sexually abuse children or vulnerable adults and will therefore terminate any employee whose behavior toward a child meets our definition of child sexual abuse as determined in the outcome of a response. When permitted by relevant laws, the option to resign will not be offered when a finding of abuse is determined, and no option of future service will be possible.

Reporting Abuse

When necessary, Pioneers involves an external consultant on complex safeguarding responses to ensure situations are handled properly. Reports will also be submitted to the appropriate civil authorities (including law enforcement and child protective services in the employee’s home state and in the state of Florida), and we will make known the cause of dismissal if a request for information or reference is received.

Have a question or concern? Contact the US Gateway Safeguarding Manager.

For further detail, consult our International Safeguarding Policy.

About Pioneers

With more than 3,000 international members serving on teams in 100 countries, Pioneers is an evangelical missions movement that partners with local churches to make disciples of Jesus among people groups with little to no access to the gospel.