Safe Sanctuaries is a movement in the United Methodist Church to protect children and youth from sexual abuse. Ebenezer United Methodist Church has formed a SAFE team to oversee the church's Safe Sanctuary policies and procedures. SAFE team members may include:
· Pastor
· Pre-School Representative
· Sunday School Superintendent
· Education Ministry Representative
· Youth Ministry Representative
· SPRC Representative
· Trustees Representative
· Health and Wellness Representative
If a complaint is made, the SAFE Team ensures that it will be handled according to state laws governing the report of crimes of sexual abuse.
Safe Sanctuary Policy
The Two Adult Rule: No fewer than two adults will be present at all times during any church-sponsored program or event.
Age Requirements: All teachers and leaders of children/youth ministries will be over 18-years of age and will have completed the church's screening and hiring procedures.
The Five Years Older Rule: Ministry workers will be at least five years older than the oldest child served in the program.
A Window in Every Door: Rooms where ministries for children/youth take place will include windows on the doors or doors will be left open when activities are taking place.
All church-sponsored activities will be supervised by no fewer than two adults at all times.
Procedures
Six Month Rule: Adults/volunteers wishing to work with children/youth need to be in regular attendance at workshop for at least six months.
Covenant Agreement: Adults wishing to work with children/youth need to sign a participation covenant governing how they will relate to the children and the church.
Background Screening: All adults, both volunteers and paid, wishing to work with children/youth need to submit to a background check.
· Pastor
· Pre-School Representative
· Sunday School Superintendent
· Education Ministry Representative
· Youth Ministry Representative
· SPRC Representative
· Trustees Representative
· Health and Wellness Representative
If a complaint is made, the SAFE Team ensures that it will be handled according to state laws governing the report of crimes of sexual abuse.
Safe Sanctuary Policy
The Two Adult Rule: No fewer than two adults will be present at all times during any church-sponsored program or event.
Age Requirements: All teachers and leaders of children/youth ministries will be over 18-years of age and will have completed the church's screening and hiring procedures.
The Five Years Older Rule: Ministry workers will be at least five years older than the oldest child served in the program.
A Window in Every Door: Rooms where ministries for children/youth take place will include windows on the doors or doors will be left open when activities are taking place.
All church-sponsored activities will be supervised by no fewer than two adults at all times.
Procedures
Six Month Rule: Adults/volunteers wishing to work with children/youth need to be in regular attendance at workshop for at least six months.
Covenant Agreement: Adults wishing to work with children/youth need to sign a participation covenant governing how they will relate to the children and the church.
Background Screening: All adults, both volunteers and paid, wishing to work with children/youth need to submit to a background check.