Safe Sanctuaries Policy
CHRIST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH recognizes the responsibility
of the church to do all in its power to assure the safety and
spiritual growth of children and youth
who come to the church.
All persons paid and volunteer who work with children and/or
youth, shall sign a form consenting in advance to possible fingerprinting
and background check in the future.
We will work to ensure that no harm comes to children and youth
by doing the following:
- Having at least two (2) adults (preferably not related) present
in the room where children/s events, classes, etc. are occurring.
When this is not possible, a "roamer" will visit
the room periodically.
- No worker/s under the age of 18 will have sole responsibility,
nor be alone with, any children.
- We will have eye level windows in classrooms, or doors will
be kept open.
- The nursery will have a "Dutch" door and the top
portion of the door will be kept open. The main part of the
door will be locked from the outside, allowing entrance only
from the inside door handle or key.
- For new volunteers and/or paid workers, we will implement
a screening process which includes references, interviews and
applications OR they should be related to the congregation
for at least six (6) months before they work with children
and youth.
The Senior Pastor, Director of Education and Lay Leader will
oversee the implementation of this Safe Sanctuaries policy and
provide the safekeeping of consent forms at the church. The Education
Task Force, staff and lay leader will review the policy at least
annually, so that all will be reminded of the rules and so that
any needed modifications may be made to the policy.
This policy is in effect for anyone using any Christ United
Methodist Church building or grounds, in part or in whole.
Additionally, anyone using these facilities is responsible
for enforcing this policy while using the church.
This congregation is committed to showing and sharing the love
of God through Jesus to all who come to the church, including
children and youth.
Additional Rules
- Middle or Junior High and High School age teenagers and pre-teens
can provide minimal assistance for teachers and leaders during
VBS and WOW Church.
- Recent High School graduates can only assist with the permission
of the Senior Pastor, Education Committee and Director of Education.
- Additionally, there will be a "5-year rule" for
18 - 21 year olds. That is, they can only work with teenagers
and pre-teens that are at least 5 years younger than they are.
Nursery Procedure
Since we are having many visitors, there is a need to develop
some special nursery procedures. These regulations are to keep
all our children safe. We recognize the need for some flexibility
in our nursery during this time of transition Exceptions to these
rules are made only by the Director of Christian Education, Nursery
Coordinator, Senior Pastor, Lay Leader, and, as last resort,
the Nursery Worker.
- All children will need a card that specifies allergies, special
procedures and the names of adult persons who can pick them
up.
- All children will be signed in by a parent or guardian and
will need a designated person to pick them up. Once again,
no child will be given to anyone who is not listed on the card.
- No child will be given to any minor once they are signed
into the nursery.
- Children over age 4 are allowed in the nursery only at the
discretion of the Director of Christian Education or Nursery
Coordinator. If they are not available, the Pastor or Lay Leader
may designate. Upon last resort, the Nursery Worker will make
the decision.
Reporting Suspected Abuse
Anyone observing anything suspicious involving a child on CUMC
property should contact the Director of Christian Education or
Senior Pastor as soon as possible. If they are unavailable, or
if the event is not an official church sponsored activity, the
person observing the situation should use their best discretion.
Additionally, parents, grandparents and other guardians should
be discreet when disciplining their children at a church event.
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