To be a Safe Sanctuary, we as a church will strive to:

          • be proactive about safety;

          • use designated recruiting, screening, and hiring procedures in the selection of workers;

          • include planning for safety in programs and events;

          • educate our workers with regard to appropriate policies and methods;

          • promote congregation awareness of issues with regard to abuse;

          • follow the procedure for reports of injury;

          • follow the procedure for reporting suspected incidences of abuse in conformity with state law requirements;

          • follow the procedure for response to media inquiries if an abuse incident occurs;

          • routinely evaluate Safe Sanctuary policies; make modifications as new circumstances and situations occur.

Jesus teaches us that all are loved and valued in the community of faith. We as a church seek to faithfully live as he taught.

General Safe Sanctuary Policies

· A background check is required for children and youth workers. Applications and results will be screened by the Senior Pastor and results are kept confidential. There should be two non-related workers present with children and youth whenever possible. In the event only one adult, or two related adults are present, an open door policy will be followed with a roaming hall monitor. Adult workers should avoid putting themselves in a situation where they are alone with a child or youth.

· If a child needs help using the toilet, the adult leaves the door open while with the child.

· No one under the age of 18 is allowed to be a worker in the nursery without being accompanied by their parent or guardian.

· Parents should be notified prior to children/youth being taken away from the location in which they are dropped off.

· A permission slip must be signed by the parent or guardian prior to taking the child/youth from the drop off location.

· No child will be released to anyone other than the person who brought them unless otherwise informed by the parent or guardian.

· The environment in which children/youth participate will be checked on a regular basis for reasonable safety and cleanliness by the ministry director or designee.

· Accident or incident reports will be completed, signed by the parent or guardian, the worker, and Children’s or Youth Ministries Director, and kept in the director’s file.   

· Annual training should be offered church wide and required for workers with children and youth.

· Suspicions and allegations of abuse will be brought to the attention of the Children, Youth or Adult Ministry Director and the Senior Pastor and reported to the Department of Social Services immediately. An incident report must be completed immediately upon notification of such abuse.

· Children/Youth should not be left without adult supervision.   The youth ministry is not responsible for youth at times when no youth ministry programs are scheduled.

· Emergency information will be available and accompany groups to off-site events. A participant list will remain at the church office.

· Those working with children and youth should be at least 5 years older than the oldest youth participant for whom they are responsible.

· These General Policies are applicable to all ministries of Pine Valley United Methodist Church. Special situations will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine the best ways to accomplish the intent of the Safe Sanctuary Policies.