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| When the disciples tried to keep the children away from Jesus, he was quick to respond, “Let the children come to me.” Jesus taught that children were to be included and provided r within the community of faith. Today, the church may be the only place where some children find the unconditional love they so desperately need to grow and thrive. As Christians, we must take our responsibilities to our children very seriously. We fail in our responsibilities if we neglect to take adequate precautions against abuse in our churches. It is unlikely that we can completely prevent child abuse in every situation, but it is possible for us to greatly reduce the risk by following a thorough practical policy of prevention. This policy is designed to set procedures for the safety of the children and youth of the Wilton-Trinity United Methodist Church (W-TUMC). This is based on our understanding of the widespread problem of abuse throughout our country. Statement of Covenant As a Christian community of faith committed to ministry to and with children, we pledge to conduct all our activities and ministries in such a way that assure the safety and spiritual growth of all children and youth entrusted to us. We will follow reasonable safety measures in the selection and recruitment of workers and we will be responsible in overseeing programs and events and in training our staff, so that they are able and equipped to minister to children in Jesus’ name. We will report and respond to all suspected incidents of abuse as is required by state law and our moral conscience and we will be prepared to minister to the families of both the abused and perpetrator. Requirement of Staff and Volunteers All paid staff and volunteers will be interviewed and written permission will be received for a background check prior to that person assuming the position. Volunteers working with children (birth to 18 years) must attend W-TUMC for 6 months before they are eligible to begin a direct contact care provider position. Individuals may begin the application, background check process and any required training prior to the 6 month grace period.' Volunteers will be required to become familiar with safe sanctuary training Whenever reasonable, the “Two Adult Rule” will require that no fewer that two adults will always be present. This may be the presence of an adult “roamer” who moves in and out of rooms. At least one of these adults should have some training in sanctuary policies and procedures. Emergency situations may arise when the “Two Adult Rule” is not feasible. However, at no time will an adult be one on one with a child in an isolated or closed situation. In emergency situations, childcare will be relocated to a room near a meeting area and the doors will be left open. No person in charge of children’s activities shall supervise a group unless he/she is at least 5 years older than the children with whom he/she is working. No one shall serve the congregation who, in the belief of the leader, sponsoring agency or event director may represent a potential threat of committing abuse or violating this policy. No one shall serve if he/she is known to have been previously convicted of, plead guilty no contest, to any crime arising out of any act or conduct involving sexual abuse, or any act or guilty conduct which is of a sexual, molesting, seductive, or criminally deviant nature, whether or not such conduct involved a child. This includes, but is not limited to, crimes involving pedophilic behavior, incest, rape, assaults involving adults, murder, kidnapping, pornography, and the physical abuse of an adult with special needs. No one shall work or serve as a care provider to children, who has had a verdict or judgment rendered against him/her in any civil action arising out of any personal act or conduct related to sexual abuse of an adult or child. This qualifying rule shall apply no matter how long ago the civil verdict occurred and judgment was rendered. First Aid Kit’s will be available (in the church, fellowship hall, traveling vehicles, etc.) and a plan implemented to keep them stocked. Outside groups will not be screened by W-TUMC and will be asked to sign a user agreement. Outside groups are responsible for ensuring compliance with the Safe Sanctuary policy while using our facility. Screening Process References will be required from all applicants whether staff or volunteer. It will be left to the discretion of the screeners to follow up on these. The interview questions may vary depending on the interviewee and the recipient’s responsibilities within the church. The results of the interview, especially when sensitive areas have been discussed, should be kept confidential and only discussed with those persons needing this information in order to make a decision as to whether the applicant should be accepted as a volunteer. A background check for arrest and convictions will be made for all applicable people, performed by the Safe Sanctuary Team. The maintenance of application, background and other forms shall be maintained and secured by the SPRC. The documents shall reside in a locked file or cabinet in the office of the Pastor. Safe Sanctuary Team Members will be responsible for meeting regularly to review the policy and procedures to compliment the Child Abuse Prevention Policy of the Wilton-Trinity United Methodist Church. Reporting Upon receiving information of abuse, the teacher or individual will report immediately to the pastor or Safe Sanctuary Team Chairperson. The Pastor or Safe Sanctuary Team Chairperson shall call the NYS Child Abuse Hotline and Registry 1-800-342-3720. If the abuse happened on church property, by church volunteers or staff, the person(s) shall immediately be removed from contact with children until the incident report has been resolved. This should be handled in a discreet manner and they shall not be banned from other church ministries. Responding A quick, compassionate and unified response to an alleged incident of child abuse will be initiated. All allegations will be taken seriously, nothing will be covered up. The Media Director of the Troy Conference or his/her designee is the only person/s authorized to make statements to representatives of the media. All requests for statements should be directed to the Pastor. If the allegation is against a staff person or pastor, the District Superintendent will be contacted immediately. Pastoral support will be available to all persons involved in the incident as indicated. Safe Sanctuary Team |
| Trinity United Methodist Church Safe Sanctuary Statement |
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