Safe Sanctuaries is more than guidelines, policies and procedures implemented to create an environment in which children, youth and the adults who work with them have boundaries of safe space. Safe Sanctuaries is an overt expression of a congregation in making a congregation a safe place where children and youth may experience the abiding love of God and fellowship within the community of faith.
In 1996 The General Conference of The United Methodist Church adopted a resolution aimed at reducing the risk of child sexual abuse in the church.
Aldersgate's (AUMC) Safe Sanctuaries Policy:
o AUMC will provide a nurturing environment where young people will be treated with respect and will know Christ through word and deed.
o All AUMC representatives (Staff and volunteers) will represent AUMC in a manner above reproach protecting the young people placed in their charge and protecting the reputation of AUMC.
I. General Requirements
A. Adult Oversight of Infants, Children and Youth It is the intent of Aldersgate United Methodist Church (AUMC) to assure that infants, children and youth will be supervised by two people at all times while participating in AUMC sponsored activities.
One adult (minimum) shall have the direct responsibility for supervision of infants, children, youth and, as needed, where developmental disabilities exist, with the exception that for those evening activities which are held in the church building, there will be two responsible sitters from the youth nursery sitting staff.
1. An "Adult" is defined, for the purposes of this document, as any person over the age of 18.
2. The adult responsible for any group shall be a minimum of 4 years older than the oldest child for which he or she is responsible.
3. Unless otherwise specified, volunteer and/or paid staff may provide additional help for all of AUMC ministries. The minimum age for these helpers is 14 years.
4. The adult responsible for any AUMC ministry has the authority and responsibility to cancel any planned activity if adequate supervision is not present.
5. If the necessity for one-on-one interaction between adults and children, youth or disabled persons arises, the interaction should occur in an unenclosed area and with the knowledge of another adult. This interaction shall occur within sight and/or sound of another adult if at all possible.
6. If adults responsible for an AUMC activity find themselves in a situation where they are one-on-one with an infant, child or youth, other than their own child, they shall avoid isolated areas (classrooms, cars, etc). Immediately, if possible, they shall notify a member of the AUMC pastoral staff or the volunteers coordinator of the situation. (Example: If an adult needs to take a child home, the adult shall notify a member of the pastoral staff or the volunteers coordinator before departing.) A list of the current pastoral staff and the volunteers coordinator and phone numbers is found in the appendix of this AUMC Safe Sanctuary Policy.
7. When activities involve children or youth of both sexes, there should be both male and female sponsors. Where possible, the two adults should not be of the same family.
B. Screening employees and volunteers.
All teachers, helpers, aids, and any other person that has contact with the infants, children, youth or those with developmental disabilities, that are involved in AUMC ministries or activities, shall complete the "Volunteer Information Form" acknowledging their awareness of, and agreement with the AUMC Safe Sanctuary Procedure.
1. The director of each program shall develop and maintain a list of "AUMC Approved" volunteers who have met the requirements of this document. If a trained and "AUMC Approved" leader/volunteer is not available, an AUMC representative shall make every effort to assure that the intent of this document is met.
2. All people supporting AUMC ministries are encouraged to complete community training in CPR and First Aid.
C. Church members who could be a threat to "Safe Sanctuary"
Our goal is to provide protection and safety to everyone who enters. As such, it may be necessary to take special measures when a person involved in any AUMC program (Child or adult) has demonstrated tendencies toward violence or has a criminal record.
1. When this comes to the attention of the church, it shall be the responsibility of the Senior Pastor or designated agent to establish any special provisions or requirements to assure that this person poses no risk to infants, children, youth or anyone with developmental needs.
2. Anyone with concerns about specific individuals or has information regarding questionable behaviors, should discuss their concerns or information with the Senior Pastor or designated agent.
3. It shall be the responsibility of the Senior Pastor or designated agent to assure that all appropriate ministries are notified of special provisions or requirements implemented to protect the infants, children, or youth.
D. Reporting of Incidents
It is the responsibility of all adults to watch for, and follow-up responsibly on all incidents of abuse or inappropriate behavior. At AUMC, it is requested that all incidents, or suspected incidents be reported to the Senior Pastor, or designated agent, for follow-up.
E. Transportation of children and youth
1. Anyone operating one of AUMC's vehicles, or transporting children or youth, as part of any AUMC program shall have a valid Driver's License. Program directors shall have the authority and responsibility to randomly verify driver's licenses.
2. Anyone operating one of AUMC's vehicles, or transporting children or youth, as part of any AUMC program shall be 21 years old minimum.
3. Prior to transporting any children or youth as part of any AUMC or United Methodist Church program, the driver shall be approved by an appropriate representative of AUMC. The driver shall provide their driving record, which may be obtained by contacting the appropriate state Drivers License Bureau. The cost of this record is the responsibility of the driver.
4. All employees and volunteers who are approved drivers, shall report driving convictions to AUMC. The state driving record for all employees and volunteers shall be updated yearly. These records shall be maintained in the appropriate office file.
5. Any person operating an AUMC vehicle, or other vehicle for AUMC, shall have in their possession a valid operator's license or commercial drivers license (CDL). No one shall be permitted to operate a vehicle on behalf of AUMC on public streets or private property without proper state license.
6. Personal vehicle - The parent of an infant, child, or youth involved in an AUMC program may transport their child with the expressed knowledge and approval of the event coordinator. Other parent's children may be transported only with the written permission of the child's parent or guardian and the expressed permission of the event coordinator. A recommended form shall be prepared and maintained by the AUMC office. Copies are to be available upon request.
7. Personal vehicle - Youth under the age of 18 shall be transported by AUMC. Adults 18 -21 years old may be authorized to use their own transportation but shall not transport other youth.
8. Notice: Any unsafe condition, or safety/mechanical issue with one of the AUMC vehicles, shall be reported immediately to the AUMC office. No one is to transport children or youth in this vehicle until the condition/issue is resolved.
F. Off-Site Activities
1. In all cases there shall be two people present with the responsibility for the security, safety, and protection of the children/youth involved in the off-site activity.
2. The following shall be obtained and maintained in a file to be in the possession of the adult responsible for the group while on any off-site activity. (A copy shall also be maintained in the office.)
a. Permission slip for each child or youth, signed by parent or guardian.
b. Information form including parent/guardian names, addresses, phone numbers, emergency contacts insurance, and any other information pertinent to child or youth.
c. "Consent to Treat" forms
d. Transportation logs with names of those involved in activity.
G. Lost Child/youth
In the event a child or youth is lost, the adult responsible for the group shall immediately notify "2nd person" and make a thorough search of the area. If the immediate scan of the area does not result in locating the lost child/youth, the police and parent/guardian shall be notified.
H. Severe Weather
Response to severe weather during AUMC programs shall be the responsibility of the program directors.
I. Building Safety
1. AUMC shall prepare and maintain emergency evacuation maps in appropriate locations.
2. The responsible adult for each program shall do a walk-through of the specific facilities to be used by the infants, children, and/or youth, looking for hazards such as uncovered outlets, broken furniture, broken toys, trip hazards, objects in danger of falling, frayed electrical cords, etc.
3. Any hazards shall be immediately mitigated before infants, children, or youth may occupy the space.
4. If the hazard mitigation is not permanent, the hazard shall be reported to the AUMC office for follow-up as appropriate.
J. Health Issues
1. The responsible adult shall maintain an awareness of anything that might constitute a health danger to infants, children, or youth. This includes any unusual odors, food or candy of unknown origin, etc.
2. If the issue cannot be mitigated, infants, children or youth must be relocated to another area until the facility is safe.
3. If any child has visible signs of illness, the child shall be returned to the parent or guardian.
4. If the responsible adult learns that children in his/her charge have been exposed to a communicable disease, the AUMC office shall be notified immediately. AUMC shall make every reasonable effort to notify the parents or guardians of the exposure.
FYI - Above was taken out of Aldersgate's Safe Sanctuary policy book used to train adult volunteers and staff. Above doesn't include all policies that are directed towards Kid's world, children's, and Preschool ministries.
For a copy of the complete policy, contact church office at (816) 537-7233.
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