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Creating Safe Sanctuaries

The Administrative Council of First United Methodist Church, Mays Landing, NJ, approved implementation of a child sexual/physical/verbal abuse prevention policy in October, 2003. The purpose of the policy is to create a safer environment for children and vulnerable adults by reducing the risk of sexual/physical/verbal abuse on church property and at church functions (such as overnight trips and retreats)

To achieve this purpose the following five components will be implemented:

  1. Screening and Selection: Background checks, application forms, screening forms, reference forms, interviews.
  2. Supervision and Procedures: Day-to-day operating procedures, open classroom doors or windows on doors, two-adult rule, nursery log.
  3. Training and Education: Training and education for staff and volunteers, educating the congregation, educating the children.
  4. Reporting: Proper notification of an allegation.
  5. Responding: How to handle an actual case of child sexual abuse.

Screening and Selection of Workers with Children

  • All future employees of First United Methods Church must:
    • complete an application for employment form (with three references).
    • complete a screening form.
    • undergo a criminal background check (name check and fingerprint check).
    • interview with pastor and SPRC.
  • All current staff will be required to:
    • complete a criminal background check (name check and fingerprint check).
    • complete a screening form.
  • All volunteers who currently work with children and youth must:
    • complete background check (name check and fingerprint).
    • complete screening form
  • All future volunteers will:
    • be a member of the church at least six months.
    • complete a background check (name and fingerprint). If a prior background check was completed, a letter certifying such is required. No more than five years must have lapsed between application and last background check.
    • complete a volunteer application.
    • complete a screening form.
    • complete interview with pastor and ministry team person.

Supervision and Procedures

  • Two-adult rule. Adults are those 18 years of age or older. Two adults (whom we strongly suggest are not related) must be present everywhere children are gathered for worship, education, games and recreation, arts and crafts, and other activities. This will include our nursery, Sunday school classes, youth programs, and any other activities where children are present.
  • Five-Years-Older Rule. All counselors and volunteers working with our youth must be at least 22 years of age.
  • Bathroom Procedure. A child needing to use the toilet shall be escorted by an adult to the bathroom. The adult is to remain in the hallway while the child uses the toilet. If assistance is requested by the child, then the adult may enter and assist. Each time an adult needs to assist a child using the bathroom facilities it will be logged into the nursery log (or other) with the following format : “time, name of child who requested help, provider who gave assistance”. At the end of Sunday school the parent or guardian will be informed that bathroom assistance was requested by the child and provided.
  • Nursery Log. All children, infants and toddlers using the nursery must be signed in and out by a parent or guardian.
  • Diapers will be changed only by a guardian or parent.
  • Open Door Counseling.
  • Windows on classroom doors.
  • Parental Consent Forms for overnight activities at the church and activities off church property.

Training and Education

Three-tier training and education process:

Tier One: Staff and Volunteer Workers with Children

All staff and volunteers must attend a mandatory training workshop. The purpose of the workshop will be to equip workers to:

  • define abuse in all its forms.
  • recognize the signs of abuse.
  • become familiar with the causes of and consequences of abuse.
  • understand the Safe Sanctuary Policy (how to respond to and report allegations).

All staff and volunteers will sign a consent form that they have read and understand the Safe Sanctuary Policy, and will abide by the requirements of the policy.

Tier Two: The Congregation

  • Use a special Sunday and develop worship around Safe Sanctuary Theme.
  • Preach the importance of children in worship and the life of the church.
  • Resources from DYFS on abuse will be available.
  • Workshops on Safe Sanctuaries.
  • All parents and guardians who have children under the care of the church will be given our Safe Sanctuary Policy. They will be asked to read the policy and sign a consent form that they have read the policy and understand the procedures.

Tier Three: Children

  • Teaching tools for children (age level curriculum that deals with educating children on the topic of abuse).
  • Use a special Sunday to educate children during classroom time. Use Social Services person to address entire Sunday School.

Reporting

State law states that everyone who suspects or witnesses abuse has a legal obligation to report it. Failure to do so may result in criminal prosecution.

If suspected abuse occurs while the church worker is on duty, the following actions should take place:

  • The first course of action will be to remove the child/youth from any harmful situation.
  • Report the allegations to the Pastor or Sunday School Superintendent or the person in charge of the event (Youth Counselor, etc.). In the event that the Pastor is involved in the allegation, report to Staff Parish Relations Chairperson.
  • These reports will be held in confidence.
Upon Receiving a Report:
  • Do preliminary investigation and gather facts.
  • Contact the following persons immediately:
    • Cape Atlantic District Superintendent
    • DYFS Hotline
    • Law Enforcement
    • Parents of the alleged victim
If you suspect that abuse that is taking place off church grounds:
  • Contact the Pastor.
  • Call the DYFS hotline.

Responding

Handling allegations of abuse when they occur must be done so with the utmost sensitivity to all those involved. Since an allegation of child abuse is a public event, it is extremely important that the church proceed with an openness that will ensure confidence from both the church community and the wider community at large. What the church does here will bear directly on how the wider community will perceive our actions.

Steps to take immediately following an allegation:

  • Remove child from harmful situation.
  • Document the allegation; take detailed notes at all times.
  • Notify the Pastor.
  • Notify DYFS Hotline.
  • Notify Law Enforcement.
  • Report immediately to Cape Atlantic District Superintendent.
  • Notify Parents.
  • Secure Legal Counsel.
  • Make records accessible.
  • Contact Insurance Company.

ONE person will be chosen to act as our official spokesperson, who will be available to the media to answer questions and to interpret our Safe Sanctuary Policy. The use of a prepared statement with the advice of legal counsel shall be the means by which our Safe Sanctuary Policy will be described to the public. The statement should reinforce that the church is prepared to handle the allegation and to cooperate with all agencies and law enforcement to see that the matter is resolved and justice sought.

Proceed with the care of souls in mind. Do not jump to conclusions but proceed with the investigation by following the guidelines above. A pastoral concern should be given to the victim and the accused. However, the safety of the victim should be the primary concern.