INDEX OF CONCORD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH SAFE SANCTUARY POLICY

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INDEX OF CONCORD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

SAFE SANCTUARY POLICY



PAGE 1 Index


PAGE 2 Basic Background


PAGE 3 Statement of Policy


PAGE 4-5 Children and Youth Abuse Prevention Policy Covenant


PAGE 6-7 Safe Sanctuary Policy


PAGE 8-9 Jessica Lundsford Act Impact on Safe Sanctuary


PAGE 10 Registered Sex Offender Church Participation

Covenant Statement

PAGE 11 Accident Report Form


PAGE 12 Report of Suspected Incident of Child or Youth Abuse

Part 1


PAGE 13 Report of Suspected Incident of Child or Youth Abuse

Part 2






















BASIC BACKGROUND


Safe Sanctuaries was designed by the United Methodist Church to provide safety, protection, and nurturing for children, youth and vulnerable adults AND those who work with them.


  1. Biblical mandate – Matthew 18:1-7.

  2. 1996 General Conference mandate

  3. 2005 WNCC mandate for policy and procedures

  4. Your local church is at risk (Are you incorporated?)

  5. Five children die every day from abuse and 90% know their abuser.

  6. Physical, emotional, sexual, ritual abuse and neglect must be reported to DSS or law enforcement which has local jurisdiction. Document your facts.

  7. Abusers can be male or female, an adult or another child. Offenders are rarely rehabilitated and victims suffer for a lifetime.

  8. Jessica’s Law in North Carolina is currently under appeal. However, criminals have been notified in writing that they are not to be within 300 feet of a place where children gather. Churches are currently NOT exempt from this. Check with local law enforcement as to how they intend to act.




























Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my Name, welcomes me.”


Matthew 18:5



STATEMENT OF COVENANT



for


Concord United Methodist Church

8955 Concord Church Road

Lewisville, North Carolina 27023


336-945-3691



As a community of faith, we will:


  1. Screen all staff and volunteers

  2. Establish regular operating procedures

  3. Train all staff and volunteers

  4. Review and update our policy and procedures annually















CHILDREN AND YOUTH ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY


“Safe Sanctuaries”


for


Concord United Methodist Church

8955 Concord Church Road

Lewisville, North Carolina 27023


336-945-3691


Introduction:

The General Conference of The United Methodist Church, in April 1996, and the Western North Carolina Annual Conference, in June 2004, adopted resolutions aimed at reducing the risk of abuse of children and youth in the church. This would include sexual, emotional, physical, and ritual abuse, and neglect. The adopted resolutions include the following statement:


Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes [a] child…welcomes me.” (Matthew 18:5). Children are our present and our future, our hope, our teachers, our inspiration. They are full participants in the life of the church and in the realm of God.

Jesus also said, “If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones…, 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.” (Matthew 18:6). Our Christian faith calls us to offer both hospitality and protection to the little ones, the children. The Social Principles of The United Methodist Church state that “…children must be protected from economic, physical and sexual exploitation, and abuse.”

Tragically, churches have not always been safe places for children. Child sexual abuse, exploitation and ritual abuse (ritual abuse refers to abusive acts committed as part of ceremonies or rites, ritual abusers are often related to cults, or pretend to be) occur in churches, both large and small, urban and rural. The problem cuts across all economic, cultural and racial lines. It is real, and it appears to be increasing. Most annual conferences can cite specific incidents of child sexual abuse and exploitation in their churches. Virtually

every congregation has among its members adult survivors of early sexual trauma. Such incidents are devastating to all who are involved: the child, the family, the local church and its leaders. Increasingly, churches are torn apart by the legal, emotional, and monetary consequences of litigation following allegations of abuse.

God calls us to make our churches safe places, protecting children and other vulnerable persons from sexual and ritual abuse. God calls us to create communities of faith where children and adults grow safe and strong.

(From The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church-2000; pages 180-81.

Copyright @ 2000 by The United Methodist Publishing House. Used by Permission.)






Thus, in covenant with all United Methodist congregations, we adopt this policy for the prevention of abuse of children and youth in our church.


Purpose:

Our congregation’s purpose for establishing this Children and Youth Abuse Prevention Policy and accompanying procedures is to demonstrate our absolute and unwavering commitment to the physical safety and spiritual growth of all of our children and youth.


Statement of Covenant:

Therefore, as a Christian community of faith and a United Methodist congregation, we pledge to conduct the ministry of the gospel in ways that assure the safety and spiritual growth of all of our children and youth, as well as all of the workers with children and youth. We will follow reasonable safety measures in the selection and recruitment of workers; we will implement prudent operational procedures in all programs and events; we will educate all of our workers with children and youth regarding the use of all appropriate policies and methods (including first aid and methods of discipline); we will have a clearly defined procedure for reporting a suspected incident of abuse that conforms to the requirements of state law, and we will be prepared to respond to media inquiries if an incident occurs.


Conclusion:

In all of our ministries with children and youth, this congregation is committed to demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ so that each child and youth will be “…surrounded by steadfast love, established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal” (From “Congregational Pledge 2, “Baptismal Covenant II,” in The United Methodist Hymnal, p. 44).








Used by permission from Rev. Joy Melton, “Safe Sanctuaries”

(both Youth and Children editions), published by Discipleship Resources.









SAFE SANCTUARIES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH

BASIC ESSENTIAL OPERATING PROCEDURES


For


Concord United Methodist Church

8955 Concord Church Road

Lewisville, North Carolina 27023


336-945-3691


  1. IMPLEMENT A POLICY FOR RECRUITING, SCREENING, HIRING, AND REGULAR TRAINING YOUTH AND CHILDREN’S STAFF AND VOLUNTEER WORKERS. Criminal background checks, as well as previous employment and all references MUST be checked for those in supervisory capacities with children and youth, including but not limited to paid staff. Training sessions for all workers with children and youth will be held annually.

  2. TWO ADULTS: Two (unrelated) adults must be in the room or vehicle at all times. No child or youth should be alone with one adult at any time. Adults working with children or youth must be a church member for at least six months.

  3. AGE LIMITS: Staff and volunteers should be at least 5 years older than the oldest child/youth being supervised. No one under the age of 18 should be given supervisory capacity.

  4. VISIBILITY IN ROOMS: Every room that is used for activities and teaching of children and youth should have a window in the door or a half door, that gives visibility to all areas of that room. The window must be left uncovered. If there is no window, the door must be left open at all times.

  5. OPEN DOOR COUNSELING: Pastoral counseling is expected to be confidential in nature, but it is for the protection of both parties that such sessions take place where other people are nearby even though not within hearing distance. The pastor’s study should have a small glass window in it.

  6. ROVING MONITORS: In the event where there are not two adults in the classroom, you must have a roving superintendent or monitor during the meeting or teaching time, and the door must be left open.

  7. FIRST AID AND CPR: At least one adult present at every church activity should be certified in basic first aid and CPR. The church should offer training annually.





  1. COMMUNICATION AND ADVANCE NOTICE TO PARENTS: Parents should always be kept abreast of the programs their children or youth are involved in, and be given advance notice and information regarding any activity which deviates from the traditional classroom instruction offered at the church during Sunday school, UMYF, Vacation Bible School, or other regular activities at the church. Permission forms with medical information should accompany children/youth for any activity involving travel or extreme sports activity (skiing, etc.). Have a “Safe Sanctuary” training time for the parents and family of your children and youth, with copies of the policy for your church, available.

  2. AGE AND ACTIVITY APPROPRIATE EQUIPMENT: Examine the safety and appropriateness of the equipment you are using in your nursery, classrooms, youth room, play ground.

  3. MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIABILITY INSURANCE COVERAGE for both your activities of the church family, both on and off the premises. Know what coverage your church has for sexual misconduct.

  4. DESIGNATED SPOKESPERSON: Your church should have a designated spokesperson in case of an incident or allegation abuse. You will want to have a prepared statement before releasing any information to the press. Cotact your District Superintendent and the WNC Conference Director of Communications for assistance. All other persons at the church must refrain from speaking to the press. (Page 61 in the Youth edition and page 47 in the Children’s edition of “Safe Sanctuaries”).

  5. TRANSPORTAITON: No youth may drive to any off-grounds church-sponsored event or transport others. Your local church policy must specify the insurance guidelines regarding adults using their personal vehicles. The Trustees will have specific guidelines for drivers of the church van, in agreement with their insurance policy, and will do DMV checks on anyone permitted to drive the church van/bus. (Please be aware of National Hihway Traffic Safety Administration guidelines for operating 15 passenger vans more safely.)











These procedures (and other suggestions) are outlined in detail in “Safe Sanctuaries” by Joy Melton (Discipleship Resources) in both the Youth and in the Children’s editions.


ADDENDUM TO THE SAFE SANCTUARY POLICY FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN RESPONSE TO THE JESSICA LUNDSFORD ACT FOR NORTH CAROLINA, EFFECTIVE 12/1/2008

For


Concord United Methodist Church

8955 Concord Church Road

Lewisville, North Carolina 27023


336-945-3691



1. We, as the church, invite all people to be a part of the worshipping community of faith. However, we must weigh the duty to protect the children and youth of the church with the right of all people to experience God’s redeeming love through worship. In furtherance of our Safe Sanctuary policy and in compliance with North Carolina law, a registered sex offender who wishes to be part of a church community should expect to have conditions placed on his/her participation.

2. No adult who has been convicted of child abuse (including sexual abuse, physical abuse or emotional abuse) shall be permitted to work/volunteer with minors in any church sponsored activity. N.C. Gen Stat. § 14-208. 17(a) (2008)

3. A registered sex offender shall not be in attendance at any church event where children or youth are the primary audience. These events include, but are not limited to, United Methodist Youth Fellowship activities, Vacation Bible School, and scouting activities.

• If a registered sex offender does attend such an event, he/she will be told to leave and a report will be made to the sheriff’s office.

4. A registered sex offender shall not be within 300 feet of any location on the church property intended primarily for the use, care or supervision of minors.

N.C. Gen Stat. § 14-208.18(a) (2) (2008)

5. A registered sex offender shall not be in any area of the property intended primarily for the use, care or supervision of minors, including but not limited to, the nursery, preschool classrooms, children’s Sunday School classrooms and playground. N.C. Gen Stat. § 14-208.18(a) (1) (2008)

6. While on church property, a registered sex offender must be accompanied by an unrelated, same gender adult covenant partner provided by the church.

7. A registered sex offender should identify himself/herself as a registered sex offender to the pastor or the Director of Christian Education. A registered sex offender who wishes to be part of our church community shall read and sign a Church Participation Covenant Statement. This document will also be signed by the pastor(s) and the Chairperson of the Church Council and be kept on file at the church.






































Registered Sex Offender Church Participation Covenant Statement

The congregation of Concord United Methodist Church is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all children and youth. In furtherance of our Safe Sanctuary policy and in compliance with N. C. Gen. Stat. §§ 14-208.17,14-208.18, all registered sex offenders who wish to be part of our worshipping community must abide by the following procedures:

1. As a registered sex offender, I will have and abide by conditions placed on my participation in the church community.

2. While on church property, I will be accompanied by an unrelated, same-gender adult covenant partner. Providing a covenant partner will be the responsibility of the church.

3. I will not be permitted to work/volunteer with children or youth in any church-sponsored activity. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-208.17 (2008)

4. I will not be in attendance at any event where children or youth are the primary audience. This includes, but is not limited to, United Methodist Youth Fellowship activities, Vacation Bible School and scouting activities. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-208.18 (a) (3) (2008) If I attend such an event, I will be told to leave and a report will be made to the sheriff’s office.

5. I will not be within 300 feet of any location intended primarily for the use, care or supervision of minors. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-208.18(a) (2) (2008)

6. I will not be in any area of the property designated for the use, care or supervision of children or youth. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-208.18 (a)(1) (2008). These areas include, but are not limited to, the nursery, preschool classrooms, children’s Sunday School classrooms and playground.



Dated: ______________________

Pastor: _______________________________________________________

Church Council Chairperson: _________________________________

Signature: ____________________________________________________

Printed_______________________________________________________




Yadkin Valley District

Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church

1031 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem, N.C. 271104



ACCIDENT REPORT FORM


(Please Print All Information)


Date of Accident:_______________________________Time of Accident:_____________


Name of Person Injured:______________________________________________________


This Person Is A (Circle One) Child or Youth Adult


Address of Injured Person: ________________________________________________

________________________________________________


Location of Accident:_________________________________________________________


Name of Parent(s) or Guardian(s):_____________________________________________


Name of Person (Or People) Who Witness The Accident:


Name: ______________________________ Phone: ____________________


Name: ______________________________ Phone: ____________________


Name: ______________________________ Phone: ____________________


Describe the Accident:

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Name of Person Making This Report:__________________________________________


________________________________ ________________________

Signature of Person Making This Report Date

Yadkin Valley District

Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church

1031 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem, N.C. 271104


Report of Suspected Incident of Child or Youth Abuse


Part I



Names of Additional Witnesses if Applicable:____________________________

_______________________________________________________________________



________________________________________________________________________


________________________________________________________________________


________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________



_______________________________________________________________________


________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

(Continue to Signature Portion on Reverse Side.)

Report of Suspected Incident of Child or Youth Abuse


Part II


(This Portion To Be Completed By District Staff Member)


________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________


………………………………………………………………………………………………………


_________________________________________ ___________________________

Signature of Person Making This Report Date


_________________________________________ ___________________________

Signature of District Staff Member Date

Receiving Report and Completing Part II


This Form Will Be Kept On File In a Locked Cabinet At the District Office, Accessible Only By District Staff With A Need To Know, Until The Matter Is Fully Addressed Or All Applicable Statutes Of Limitations Have Expired.

Safe Sanctuary Amendments: (2/20/2013)


  1. Playground Safety: It is the sole responsibility of the Parents (Or Guardians) to supervise their own Children/Youth using the Church’s playground facilities.

  2. Posting on Internet: It is the strictest policy NEVER to post photos of children/youth “on line” without parental written permission. It is also in the strictest policy to NEVER identify children/youth on the internet.

  3. Transportation of Children/Youth: Concord United Methodist Church does not transport Children/Youth to any functions, whatsoever. This is the sole responsibility of Parents or Guardians.























































Considerations/Questions:


  1. Contact phone numbers and procedures for reporting emergencies.

  2. Chairman of the Administrative Council must be person who contacts law officials with report of incidents.

  3. The Chairman of the Administrative Council must be the person who gives a statement to news agencies.

  4. What is the current status of those working with children? Have they been screened and their background check been filed?

  5. Do we need help from the District with training? Who handles training? Who needs training now.

  6. Who establishes regular operating procedures?

  7. Background Checks:

    1. Safe Sanctuary requests background checks per Admin Council.

    2. Who receives and reviews? Pastor and Chairman of Ad. Council

    3. Who files?

  8. How often is policy updated.

  9. Do you have to update background checks of volunteers, staff, etc. after so long of time.

  10. Are First Aid Kits where they need to be? The lady said we could call 911 for emergencies and suggested that we really don’t need CPR training. But, the policy says that we “should be”. We will need clarification on this.

  11. Insurance issues that must be addressed.

  12. Has All playground equipment been checked?

  13. Oct. 17th 2012 is the starting date of policy.

  14. Safe Sanctuary Committee to initiate background checks.

  15. We have until November 30th to turn everything in.

  16. Donna Cooke 727-1222 is the lady with the district.

  17. The safe sanctuary policy to be put on Church’s website.

  18. Send Larry Thompson a copy of the safe sanctuary.





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