Safe Sanctuaries Policy
Almonesson United Methodist Church, Deptford, N. J.
Safe Sanctuaries Policy For All Workers
With Children and Youth
(adopted at the 2005 Church Conference)
The General Conference of the United Methodist Church, in April 1996, adopted a resolution aimed at reducing the risk of sexual abuse of children and youth in the church. We join in covenant with all United Methodist congregations in adopting this policy for the prevention of abuse, and for the safety of the children and youth in our church.
The congregation of Almonesson United Methodist Church is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all children, youth, vulnerable adults, and paid and volunteer staff that participate in the ministries and activities sponsored by the church. The following policy statements reflect our congregation’s commitment to preserving this church as a holy place of safety and protection for all who would enter, and as a place in which all people can experience the love of God through relationships with others.
Matthew 18:5-7 "Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of stumbling blocks! Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to the one by whom the stumbling block comes”.
- All volunteers involved with the children or youth of our church must have been a member of the congregation, or have attended Almonesson UMC, for at least six months before beginning a volunteer assignment.
- All workers with children or youth shall be at least 18 years old and at least 5 years older than the youth that they work with. Junior Youth volunteers must have adult supervision at all times and not be left alone with children.
- All workers with children or youth shall observe the two-adult rule at all times so that no adult is ever alone with one youth. The following ratios are to be observed: age 5-6= 2:10, age 7-8= 2:12, age 9-12= 2:15, age 13-16= 2:20, age 17 and up= 2:30. There shall be a minimum of 3 adults on trips, and at least 2 of each gender on overnight trips.
- All workers with children or youth shall attend regular training and educational events provided by the church to keep informed of church policies and state laws regarding child abuse, as well as other educational opportunities.
- First Aid and CPR training will be provided annually for all workers with the children or youth. A First Aid Kit shall be provided for each Youth Group and will be taken with them on trips.
- Parents will be provided with advance notice and full information about trips and activities. Consent forms will be obtained for any events or activities away from the church grounds, or requiring overnight stays.
- No one under the age of 21 will drive for a church sponsored event. All drivers shall have a valid driver’s license and insurance and have one seat belt or appropriate child restraint device for each child or youth transported in their vehicle.
- All workers with children or youth shall complete a volunteer or paid staff screening form which will be updated annually, and will be kept on file in a secure location in the church office. Paid staff and clergy will also submit to a N.J. State Police background check with fingerprinting.
- Registration forms will be completed annually for all children, and will be kept in the church office. Copies will be made available for the teachers, Youth Group leaders, etc.
- Any complaints regarding behavior that seems abusive or inappropriate will be reported to the Pastor. Complaints regarding paid staff will be reported to the chairperson of the Pastor Parish Relations Committee.
- No adult who has been convicted of child abuse (either sexual, physical, or emotional), or violent offense will be allowed to work with children or youth in any church-sponsored activity.
- Fire drills will be held for the Sunday School/Youth Groups at least 2 times per year. Emergency exit plans and maps will be posted in all rooms of the church.
- This policy, once adopted, is to be reviewed at least annually by the Administrative Council with recommendations made as needed for updates and improvements.