- Safe Sanctuary

SC Annual Conference link: www.umcsc.org/safesanctuary.html

Safe Sanctuaries Policies Guidelines for Local Congregations

Volunteer/paid staff selection and volunteer/paid staff supervision issues are the basis of a large number of child abuse lawsuits against churches. When developing your local church Safe Sanctuaries policies and procedures, it is recommended they include the following:

Staff Selection Guidelines

1. Age

· 18 years old

· 4-5 years older than the oldest child/youth they will be supervising

2. Six Month Rule

· Membership in the local congregation for at least 6 months

3. Application

· complete and sign an application and the related waivers giving permission to check

references and background information.

4. Reference Checks

· 2-3 references

5. Background Checks

· Criminal background checks for all clergy, paid staff, and volunteers who have

supervisory program responsibility for children/youth

6. Prior Convictions

· Individuals who have been convicted of physical or sexual abuse or neglect may not work

in any church-sponsored activity or program for preschoolers, children or youth.

Staff Supervision Guidelines

1. Two adult rule

· Two non-related adults present at all times

· If a co-ed group, need both male and female sponsors

· If it’s simply not feasible for 2 adults to be present, can have “floater” monitor frequently

2. Check-in/out Procedure

· Need a check-in/checkout procedure

· Only release children/youth to people authorized by parent/legal guardian

3. Open Door Policy

· Anyone has the right to visit and observe the children’s/youth activity, classroom, or

church-sponsored program at any time, unannounced.

4. Outside Access

· Access to a phone, cell phone or pager when groups are at or away from the church facility

5. Doors and Windows:

· All classroom and office doors will have a window or visibility from hallway or remain open while

occupied. & Windows kept free from adornment

6. Individual Counseling:

· One-on-one interactions with children and youth should be with open door and visibility to all

7. Outside Groups

· Outside groups using the church facility need to follow the church’s Safe Sanctuaries

policies and procedures

8. Training

· Staff need to be educated in Safe Sanctuary policies, procedures and child abuse issues

· CPR/First Aid certification

9. Transportation

· No youth should drive to/from events

· Adults should never transport child/youth by self

· Approved and covered by church’s insurance company

· Drivers should go through same screening process as all other paid/volunteer staff

Also need to address:

· Response to injuries and accidents

Response to allegations of abuse

Here are a few links to Safe Sanctuary guidelines and policies established by congregations and other Annual Conferences for resource and suggestions:

General Board of Discipleship: www.gbod.org/ministries/family/safe/default.html

Sample small church guidelines (from Arkansas):

ar.brickriver.com/files/oFiles_Library_XZXLCZ/2007_Small_Church_Safe_Sancutuary_Policy_X7U7HRZ8.doc

Sample medium church guidelines (Arkansas):

ar.brickriver.com/files/oFiles_Library_XZXLCZ/2007_Medium_Church_Safe_Sanctuary_Policy_GN6GCUXY.doc

Sample large church guidelines (Arkansas):

ar.brickriver.com/files/oFiles_Library_XZXLCZ/2007_Large_Church_Safe_Sanctuary_Policy_EKZD4WHX.doc

Church in New Jersey: www.fumccollingswood.org/FUMC_Safe_Sanctuary.html

Church in Pennsylvania: www.stewartstownumc.org/SafeSanctuary.htm

Church in TN: www.hixsonumc.org/doc/67.pdf (recommended site)