Safe Sanctuaries is a policy that has been instituted by our church and the Denomination as a whole to keep children and students safe and also to keep our volunteers and staff members safe.

How This Policy Effects You:

Parents: First off this policy hopefully provides comfort, knowing that we are actively looking out for your child/children. This policy does provide at times for our ministries to take extra steps to keep all parties involved in our ministry safe (extra permission slips, requiring more adult leaders etc).

Volunteers: If you desire to or are currently working with students or vulnerable adults than this policy effects you directly and is a requirement for all of our leaders to participate in. Attendance in our semi annual training is required however, if you cannot make this meeting then please participate in the online version (by. Please be aware that the online version is a little more intense than the classroom version.

Students: This policy is here to protect you, however at times it will seem like a hindrance to "fun" or things of that nature. Understanding that we live in world where this policy is needed is sad but true.

If you have any questions please contact me.

Sincerely,

Phillip Allen

 A downloadable copy of our full Safe Sanctuaries Policy can be found here.

An online version is provided below:

Faith United Methodist Church, Montoursville, PA 17754

CHILD, YOUTH, AND WORKER PROTECTION POLICY

FUMC desires to be a safe place for all children and adults who attend any activity or ministry.  Each year children are victimized by individuals they know and trust.  The church is not immune to the potential for such abuse or neglect of children, either by its members or by those in leadership positions.  Incidents of child abuse or neglect cut across ever racial, social, economic, and religious boundary.  This Child, Youth, and Worker Protection Policy reelect's commitment to protect children from harm.  The policy applies to all volunteer and compensated workers of FUMC.

FUMC will not tolerate child abuse or neglect.  Your cooperation in this policy not only reflects your concern about children’s safety in this society, but also your willingness to take steps toward halting child abuse and its detrimental effects.

For the safety and protection of our children and workers, all people who participate in church-sponsored activities with children will be required to comply with this policy.

“Good touch” is important to each of us.  Children do not grow and thrive without the good touch of others.  Touch was important to Jesus as he healed people and comforted them.  Our Christian tradition shares love with each other through hugs, placing an arm around another’s shoulder or squeezing a hand to say, “You are loved.”

It is imperative that the Christian community not lose the importance of “good touch.”  We need to continue to express Christian love in appropriate ways with children.  To a child who is upset, a warm hug and kind word can be most comforting.  In the midst of our caution, let us not forget that good touch is just that – good!

In this policy the following definitions will apply:

1) Child: Any person under the age of 18.

2) Special Needs Person: Any adult or child requiring direct adult supervision as a result of mental or physical limitations.

3) Adult: Any person age 18 and over.

4) Child abuse as defined under Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law means any of the following:

(i) Any recent act or failure to act by a perpetrator which causes non-accidental serious physical injury to a child

under 18 years of age.

(ii) An act or failure to act by a perpetrator, which causes non-accidental serious mental injury to or sexual abuse or

sexual exploitation of a child under 18 years of age.

(iii) Any recent act, failure to act or series of acts or failures to act by a perpetrator, which creates an imminent risk

of serious physical injury to or sexual abuse or sexual exploitation of a child under 18 years of age.

(iv) Serious physical neglect by a perpetrator constituting prolonged or repeated lack of supervision or the failure to provide essentials of life, including adequate medical care, which endangers a child’s life or development or impairs the child’s functioning. No child shall be deemed to be physically or mentally abused based on injuries that result solely from environmental factors that are beyond the control of the parent or person responsible for the child’s welfare, such as inadequate housing, furnishings, income, clothing and medical care.”[i]

5) Children's activities means any activity or program in which children are under supervision of staff persons or volunteers.

6) Staff person means any person employed by Local church or programs using its facilities who is responsible for children’s activities. This person has regular and direct contact with children, must be 21 years or older and is counted in the 2-adult rule.

7) Ministry Team Member means any person who supervises a children’s activity. This person has regular and direct contact with children, must be an adult and is counted in the 2-adult rule.

8) Volunteer means any adult, who assists in conducting children’s activities under the supervision of a staff person and/or Ministry Team Member, has regular and direct contact with children and is counted in the 2-adult rule.

9) Helper means anyone who aids in ministry and is not counted in the 2-adult rule including youth ages 14 - 18.

10) “Staff person in charge of a children's activity" means the church employee responsible for the conduct of this activity. In the case of non-local church programs operating on church property, the duties of the “staff person in charge of the children’s activity” shall be carried out by the non-local church lead staff or volunteer.

11) Mandated reporter: Any person with responsibility for the care of children is a mandated reporter.  If a caregiver has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been or may be subjected to abuse or neglect, or observes a child being subjected to conditions or circumstances which would reasonably result in abuse or neglect, that person shall immediately report or cause a report to be made to the Department of Children and Family Services (1-800-932-0313).

The following procedures reflect our commitment to provide protective care for all children and caregivers who participate in church-sponsored activities.

1. Volunteer workers must be regular attendees of FUMC for at least six months, or can provide verifiable regular attendance from a previous church by at least 1 member of the senior leadership and one other congregant.
   
   
2. All volunteer and compensated workers must complete the following procedures before participating in any church-sponsored children’s activities.
   
   
   1. All volunteer and compensated workers must complete a FUMC Children and Youth Worker Application form.  References will be checked and provide information necessary to complete PA Child Abuse clearance form and PA criminal history check. If they are a new PA resident, or upon the leaderships request, a FBI check may be required. 
      
      
   2. An interview will be conducted by the staff person/Ministry Leader who oversees the specific ministry.
      
      
   3. All persons working with children must attend orientation/training activities appropriate to the level of the volunteer or compensated worker.
      
      
3. Applicants must sign a written acknowledgement stating they have received and reviewed a copy of the FUMC Child, Youth, and Worker Protection Policy.
   
   
4. All compensated workers shall be screened by a background check for the purpose of obtaining information regarding criminal history or abuse findings.
   
   
5. Any adult member of the congregation, volunteer, or compensated worker who has been convicted of a crime against a child or a violent crime against another adult, shall not provide service in any church-sponsored activity or program for children or special needs persons. This policy can be reviewed and nullified by the senior leadership of the church on an individual basis.   
   
   Those who have been convicted of either sexual or physical abuse can be forgiven for, and cleansed of their sin.  However, sin does have consequences and while such persons may serve in certain other areas of ministry at FUMC, they will be prohibited from serving in the children’s and special needs ministries.

1. All forms and reference reports shall be kept as a part of an applicant’s confidential personnel file. All forms shall be kept in a locked file on church premise. Detailed notes on a designated form shall be for all reference checks, which shall also be included in the personnel file. All applications and related forms must be completed.

1. Non-local church programs shall maintain their own personnel files. The local church reserves the right to obtain an explanation of the non-local church’s record-keeping process and, upon written request of the Lead Pastor, to be given copies of documents applicable to programs conducted at the local church.

1. The staff person in charge of the children’s activity(ies) is responsible for reviewing this policy with each applicant during an interview prior to service.

Children’s Ministries (Birth – Sixth Grade)

1. Appropriate training is required for all staff/leaders/helpers etc.

1. Caregivers shall not engage in any form of physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect.
   
   
2. Every effort will be made to have a minimum of two unrelated adults working together with children.  In a Bible Study or similar teaching environment, it is acceptable to have individual classes/groups with only one adult caregiver provided there are other adults present in the general area.  This protects the children and the adults, as well as providing a safer situation in the event of an accident or emergency.
   
   
3. The windows of classroom doors shall remain uncovered to allow a clear view of classroom activities. When no window exists the door shall remain open.
   
   
4. When possible, children are to be encouraged to take care of their own bathroom needs.  Should assistance be required, another adult or caregiver should be present, or in the general vicinity.
   
   
5. Children younger than 4^th grade shall be released to parents or guardians at the reception counters or classroom doors.  Persons other than the child’s parents or guardians must be authorized to pick up the child.
   
   
6. A positive approach to discipline shall be practiced.  Clear, consistent, age-appropriate limits will be established to help the children function appropriately.
   
   
7. The Pastor and/or Director of Children's Ministries must approve any activities that are held off site.  Parent or guardian permission shall be obtained and there shall be a minimum of two adult caregivers present.
   
   
8. Organized events on or off site (FUMC) shall be staffed with a minimum ratio of 1:10, adult caregiver to child.  Overnight events that are attended by children of both genders must be chaperoned by adult caregivers of both genders.

1. No child will be left unsupervised while attending the local church children’s activity.

1. No person shall supervise an age group unless he/she is AT LEAST 18 years of age or older and is 2 years older than the children being supervised.

1. Accurate participation records shall be maintained for all children’s activities. At a minimum, these records should list the date and hours of the activity, its location, the names of the children participating (including whether any were dismissed early and the times of such dismissals), and the names of the adults involved directly in the activity and other supervisors on site that day.

Youth Discipleship Ministries (Seventh Grade – Twelfth Grade)

1. Caregivers shall not engage in any form of physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect.
   
   
2. Every effort will be made to have a minimum of two adults working together with children or students.  In a Bible Study or similar teaching environment, it is acceptable to have individual classes/groups with only one adult caregiver provided there are other adults present in the general area.  This protects the children and the adults, as well as providing a safer situation in the event of an accident or emergency.
   
   
3. Organized events on or off site (FUMC) shall be staffed with a minimum ratio of 1:10, adult caregiver to child.
   
   
4. Overnight events that are attended by youth of both genders must be chaperoned by adult caregivers of both genders.
   
   
5. A positive approach to discipline shall be practiced.  Clear, consistent, age-appropriate limits shall be established.
   
   
6. It is recognized that certain counseling and ministerial situations may preclude the presence of two adult caregivers and that the general guidelines for supervision of caregivers should not restrict situations where individual counsel and guidance is necessary.  In this case the door must be left open or the window of the door shall remain uncovered or conducted in a public area in plain view of others.
   
   
7. For camps, retreats, or similar activities, two adult caregivers shall work as a team when it is not possible to have two adults in the same sleeping room.  The team approach shall be encouraged and coordinated by the supervisory staff person.
   
   
8. The supervisory staff person shall be aware of and responsible for such activities.

FUMC has determined that it is the responsibility of the Senior Pastor and or the District Superintendent to report all cases of suspected child abuse or neglect to the proper legal authorities with 24 hours of it being discovered.  When it becomes necessary to report suspected child abuse or neglect, the protection of children must be the most important concern.

As a caregiver, you are a mandated reporter of child abuse or neglect.  It is the legal responsibility of a mandated reporter to report all cases of child abuse or neglect they observe, and further, to report visible signs of alleged abuse or neglect.  Failure to report could lead to liability on the part of the church, the observer, or both.  The confidentiality of the pastor/attendee relationship is very important.  Reporting probable cause of child abuse or neglect has the potential for helping individuals receive help for a previous problem and may prevent further harm to self and others.

What is probable cause?  Probable cause means that the available facts when viewed in the light of the surrounding circumstances would cause a reasonable person to believe a child was abused or neglected.  A report based on probable cause does not require proof that abuse or neglect has actually occurred; rather, it is a request for an assessment of the condition of a child.

Because we believe children are our most important concern, FUMC has adopted the following guidelines for reporting suspected abuse:

1. Upon observing or suspecting abuse, the caregiver shall immediately do the following:
   1. Make sure the child’s safety and comfort are secured.
   2. Make sure the suspected abuser is safely away from the children.
2. Report the abuse or neglect promptly to the Pastor or Director of Children's Ministries and/or the Pastor or Leader of Student Ministries.  To preserve confidentiality, it is important to discuss the incident initially only with any of these individuals.

FUMC’s primary function in responding to allegations of sexual abuse or neglect are to attempt to provide pastoral care to all who are affected, to attempt to ensure the safety and protection of persons who have been or may be harmed, to seek healing by providing pastoral care and other needed assistance to all who are affected, and, to the extent possible, to respect the privacy and rights of the parties involved and the confidentiality of communications.

If FUMC receives an allegation of child abuse or neglect, the pastors will respond with the utmost concern to the victim, parent, or other party making such an allegation.  The accused will be treated with dignity and support.  Without clear and convincing evidence to the contrary, FUMC will assume that such complaints are made in good faith.  Persons making such complaints should have no doubt that FUMC takes them seriously and will take appropriate action.

If an alleged abuser contacts the church officials about a complaint, FUMC personnel may confirm that they have received such a complaint only if they are certain the alleged abuser already knows this.  They should avoid discussing the allegations or making any further comments until the proper authorities have an opportunity to conduct their investigation.  They should not identify the alleged victim or compliant during an investigation.

If the media or other parties contact a church official about a pending allegation of child abuse, they should be referred to the Pastor.  Only the Pastor or his designee shall make comments about the allegation.

In accordance with the Church’s position that child abuse and neglect shall not be tolerated, the pastoral staff shall do the following:

1. Take all allegations of child abuse and/or neglect seriously.
2. Document all efforts while handling the incident.
3. Contact the Department of Children and Family Services (216-431-4500) within 24 hours.  Do not attempt an in-depth investigation.  This should be left to professionals who are familiar with these cases.
4. Report the incident immediately to the church insurance company and attorney.
5. Do not try to handle this without professional outside assistance.
6. Notify the parents or guardians.
7. Do not confront the accused until the safety of the child or special needs person is secured.
8. Do not prejudge the situation, but take the allegations seriously and reach out to the victim and the victim’s family.  Showing care and support will help to prevent further hurt.  Extend whatever pastoral resources are needed.  Remember that the care and safety of the victim is the first priority.
9. Treat the accused with dignity and support.  If the accused is a caregiver, that person should be relieved temporarily of his or her duties until the investigation is finished.
10. Use the text of a prepared public statement to answer the press and to convey news to the congregation.  Be careful to safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of all involved.

FUMC Child, Youth, and Worker Protection Policy

Commonly Asked Questions

Is a criminal background check really necessary?

Sadly, the culture in which we live dictates that we must take drastic preventive measures to protect the children and youth whose care we’ve been entrusted with.  Furthermore, there are litigation issues: A church that hasn’t performed background checks faces the risk of catastrophic financial penalties in the event that an allegation of abuse within the church leads to a conviction or out-of-court settlement.

Who needs to submit an FUMC Children’s and Youth Workers Application and a Permission to Obtain a Background Check form?

Any church employee or volunteer who will have direct regular contact with any child or youth (less than 18 years of age), either on or off the church campus, during any church-related ministries must complete both of these forms.

Once I complete and sign these forms, to whom do I give them?

Give your completed forms to the specific Ministry Leader overseeing the area of ministry that is being applied for.

I’m concerned about confidentiality and privacy issues.  Who will see my application and more importantly, who will see the results of my background check?

Only those listed above, along with our church’s administrative support staff, will see your application the results of your criminal background check.  All information will be kept in a secured filing cabinet in the church office.

I am not presently involved in any church volunteer work that involves young people.  Should I submit an application and give permission for a background check?

As our church continues to grow, so do our children and youth discipleship ministries.  Because the addition of programs to minister to these young people is ongoing, the demand for volunteers is always on the increase.  Even though you may not be currently involved in such a ministry, it’s a good idea to go ahead and submit your forms now.  In the event that you do volunteer work at some point in the future, we’ll already have your forms and background check on file.

What is a “US Criminal Record Indicator” database search?

The US Criminal Record Indicator is the most comprehensive and current search available in the United States.  The US Criminal Record Indicator database search examines the Department of Public Safety, Department of Corrections, Administrative Office of the Courts, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and/or the Department of Criminal Justice files and records, and other applicable government agencies where available.  Currently this search includes information from 39 states plus multiple online county records.

Why do I have to list my Social Security Number (SSN)?

A couple of reasons.  The first is that your SSN is the primary key for all databases affiliated with a background check.  The second reason is that your SSN is used to verify the following crucial information:

• whether the SSN is validly issued
• to whom SSN belongs
• in which year and state the SSN was issued
• the current and other known or previous addresses to that SSN.

The SSN Verification process can reveal that the number belongs to another individual, has more than one name associated with it (i.e., produces other aliases) including maiden and divorced names, is associated with fraud, is not a validly issued SSN, belongs to a deceased person, produces additional addresses not stated by the application/request form, or if that individual has other SSN’s.

Anyone can give a false identification by using another person’s Social Security number.  This search ensures that the individual is who they say they are.  The Social Security search is provided in the Basic Search along with the National Criminal Indicator search.

What criteria from the background check will determine whether or not someone is approved for volunteer work?  Who makes that decision?

The background check will cite felony and misdemeanor convictions listed in the National Criminal Database Search.  The most obvious reason that someone is denied the opportunity to do volunteer work in our church is any prior conviction pertaining to an offense against a child.  It’s quite unlikely, though, that a person with such a conviction would even submit an application.  Misdemeanor convictions, and even some felony convictions, would have little or no negative impact in determining a person’s worthiness as a church volunteer.  To put it another way, the only determining factor in evaluating someone’s criminal record is the likelihood of him or her posing a threat to our young people.

In the event a felony conviction turns up on the report, the Leadership Team of FUMC and ultimately the Senior Pastor will decide whether or not to approve the volunteer for work with children or youth.

Some final thoughts…

Please know that the intent of the background check is to protect the young people in our church… period.  Its purpose is not to cause you personal embarrassment by dredging up past mistakes or wrong choices.  Regrettably, it’s impossible to implement a viable screening plan without a bit of scrutiny into some personal background information.

Throughout the entire process of developing the Child, Youth, and Worker Protection Policy for our church, a tremendous amount of concern and sensitivity has been shown in regard to matters of confidentiality.  Much effort has been put into implementing screening procedures that limit the number of people who have visible access to private information.  Please know that as the screening process evolves over the next several years, your Senior Pastor and Staff Persons will remain committed to the task of administering screening procedures with utmost regard to your privacy.