Safe Sanctuary Policy

The following document is a summary of our work on the Task Force made up of the Staff of the church and the following:

Joe Locke, Chair
Kevin Bobo
Jim Griffith
Margaret Smith
Warren Snead
Mike Woodrum

This group spent several months praying and working on this policy after studying the work of other churches. Then, they submitted it to a lawyer to appraise from a legal view point. After this, they formulated their own policy which was subsequently reviewed and approved by Church Council. We thank all of the above who helped write this policy and all those who will join us in working dilligently to protect the ones among us who are most vulnerable. The larger document is available for anyone who requests it. Below is just a summary of our work. May God bless this work to the good of all.

Bethel United Methodist Church Safe Sanctuary Policy Summary

The General Conference of the United Methodist Church, in April 1996, adopted a resolution aimed at eliminating any potential for sexual abuse in the church. Our purpose for establishing this Abuse Prevention Policy and accompanying procedures is to demonstrate our total and unwavering commitment to the physical, emotional and spiritual safety of all our children, youth and vulnerable adults. This policy excludes the Daycare and After School Child Enrichment Program since they both have established policies

DEFINITIONS

• Approved Adults - An applicant or volunteer who successfully passed the selection process
• Child Protection Representative - Generally a member of the church who is in law enforcement, or clearly understands this policy.
• Roamer - An approved worker who will roam between rooms when there is a shortage of workers

STAFF RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION GUIDELINES

Age: In recruiting and hiring volunteers and paid staff to work with children and youth in any position of authority, they must be at least 21 years of age and at least 5 years older than the age of the persons they are working to serve. Persons not meeting these standards may not serve in a role of authority; however, they may be utilized as assistants to those in leadership positions

6 Month Rule: Bethel United Methodist Church should not use any volunteer for children, youth or vulnerable adults in the church unless they have been an active participant of the church for at least six (6) months

Applicants: Must complete and sign an application and the related waivers giving permission to check references and background information. Note that volunteers currently serving prior to January 1, 2009 will not need to complete a Volunteer Application form

Background Checks: All staff and volunteers must complete and sign the Authority to Release Information form. Background checks should be updated periodically

Selection Criteria: Individuals who have a criminal history SHALLNOT be allowed to serve in any church-sponsored activity or program for preschoolers, children, youth or vulnerable adults. All new applicants must be interviewed for suitability for the work they desire to do

Approved Workers: Once an applicant or volunteer successfully passes the background check, they will have the opportunity to review this policy and asked to sign the Church's Covenant Statement that he/she has read the Bethel Methodist Church's Safe Sanctuary Protection Policy and agree to observe and abide by these guidelines

Confidentiality: The church will keep confidential all information received during this selection process. Selection information will be marked as such and stored in a locked location only accessible by the senior minister or if he/she is not able to within a reasonable time, then the associate minister. The Youth Minister, the Children's Minister, and the Special Education Director will only be advised that an applicant is accepted or denied

Supervisory Guidelines
All meetings of children, youth and/or vulnerable adults affiliated with Bethel United Methodist Church will be governed by the following guidelines

• Where possible, a minimum of two (2) "Approved" adults must be present at all times. This applies to classroom activities, activities away from the church facility and when transporting children and youth. A husband and wife team should not be the only adults present
• Goals for worker ratios to participants: Overnight outings 2:14; Nursery 2:8; Sunday School 2:14; Youth Programs 2:16; Others 2:14
• Nursery Staff caregivers should be infant and child CPRcertified
• A security system for the protection of our children will be used in the nursery where a three-part security tag will be used for each child. Pagers are available so that the guardian can be reached if there is a need
• Open Door Policy - Protection for the participants requires that an open door policy be followed. The guardians of the participants served, the clergy, administrative and professional staff of the church has the right to visit and observe the activity, classroom, or church-sponsored program at any time, unannounced
• Emergency Access - There must be access to a phone, cell phone or pager when groups are at or away from the church facility
• Doors and Windows - When workers are with participants in classrooms and offices, doors will have a window or visibility from hallway or remain open while occupied
• Individual Counseling is sometimes necessary and appropriate but care must be taken that they be conducted in an environment that provides visibility by other adults
• Touch - Physical affection should be appropriate to the age of the child, youth, or vulnerable adult. Touching and affection should only be given when in the presence of other adult workers
• Individuals participating in out-of-town and over-night outings must have written consent and a medical release form signed by a parent. When taking minors outside of the country, written permission by their guardians must also be obtained prior to the trip
• Discipline - No physical punishment or verbal abuse, e.g., ridicule, are to be used at any time. If isolating the individual within the classroom or removal from the room becomes necessary, the situation will be discussed with the individual's parents or guardian as soon as possible
• Gifts - Should not go to individuals without the prior knowledge of the parent(s) or responsible Minister or Leader. Gifts may not be elaborate but should be modest and appropriate to the occasion
• Training - Staff and volunteers must participate in periodic safety training.

Abuse - suspected by, observed by or disclosed to a staff or volunteer, that person shall:

1. Ensure the protection of and tend to the immediate needs of the individual.
2. LIMIT the number of individuals involved.
3. Report the incident immediately, as outlined in Safe Sanctuary Policy Section IX:
   1. Response By Church Workers to Allegations of Abuse, to the proper authorities and follow procedures.