FUMC Safe Sanctuaries: Our Policy

SAFE SANCTUARIES

Reducing the Risk of Abuse in the Church

Tragically, churches have not always been safe places for children. Child sexual abuse, exploitation, and ritual abuse occur in churches, both large and small, urban and rural. The problem cuts across all economic, cultural, and racial line. It is real, and it appears to be increasing. Most annual conferences can cite specific incidents of child sexual abuse and exploitation within churches… God call 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.

Preface

God has called us to make our ministries safe, protecting our children, youth and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. God has also called us to create communities of faith where children, youth and vulnerable adults can be safe and grow strong.

Jesus taught that “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me,” (Mark 9:37 NRSV) and “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 NRSV).

The Social Principles of the United Methodist Church state that “…children must be protected from economic, physical, and sexual exploitation and abuse.”

At each child’s baptism, we affirm our responsibility to their safety by our congregational response, pledging:

“With God’s help, we will so order our lives after the example of Christ, that this child, surrounded by steadfast love, may be established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal.” (From The Book of Worship, Baptismal Covenant, Congregational Pledge II)

Building on these foundations, we recognize that our faith calls us to offer hospitality and protection to all children, youth and vulnerable adults, as well as those who are committed to ministering to them as volunteers and employees. Every 15 seconds, a child is abused or neglected. Often, abuse occurs in places where children and youth feel safe – homes, schools, camps, and even churches. In over three quarters of reported cases, the victim was related to or acquainted with the abuser. In light of this, the United Methodist Church has seen fit to outline policy and procedures that can 1) prevent such abuse from happening in our churches; 2) be a place where children can feel safe in disclosing abuse; and 3) protect the loyal volunteers and employees that minister to our children, youth and vulnerable adults.

DEFINITIONS:

“Abuse” means harm or a threat of physical or emotional harm to a child or vulnerable adult or by a parent, guardian, or other person. Abuse includes: (a) the infliction of physical or emotional injury by other than accidental means; (b) the creation of a risk, or allowing the creation of risk, to a child by other than accidental means; (c) committing or allowing to be committed an act of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or prostitution upon the child. (See appendix A for more details on abuse)

"Child" or “children” or “youth” means any person who has not reached his/her eighteenth birthday.

"Exploitation" means obtaining or using another person's resources, including but not limited to funds, assets, or property, by deception, intimidation, or similar means, with the intent to deprive the person of those resources.

"Sexual abuse" includes, but is not necessarily limited to, any contacts or interactions in which the parent, guardian, or other person uses or allows, permits, or encourages the use of the child for the purposes of the sexual stimulation of the perpetrator or another person.

"Sexual exploitation" includes, but is not limited to, a situation in which a parent, guardian, or other person allows, permits, or encourages the child to engage in an act which constitutes prostitution under Kentucky law; or a parent, guardian, or other person having custodial control or supervision of a child or responsible for his/her welfare, allows, permits, or encourages the child to engage in an act of obscene or pornographic photographing, filming, or depicting of a child as provided for under Kentucky law.

“Supervision” means to oversee or direct a ministry or activity.

"Vulnerable Adult" means a person eighteen (18) years of age or older who, because of a mental or physical dysfunction, is unable to manage his/her own resources, carry out the activity of daily living, or protect himself/herself from neglect, exploitation, or a hazardous or abusive situation without assistance from others.

SCREENING PROCEDURES:

Careful screening is one way to prevent the abuse and exploitation of children, youth and vulnerable adults. It can be time consuming and expensive, but well worth the effort in peace of mind that the most reliable, committed and experienced staff and volunteers are in place for every program that involves children, youth and vulnerable adults.

1. All staff and volunteers who have regular and direct contact with children, youth and vulnerable adults shall be required to fill out a Background Screening Form that shall include but is not limited to:

a. Fill out a covenant form that includes but is not limited to: (See Appendix B for Covenant Form)

i. Standard contact information

ii. Experience/qualifications for the position

iii. Voluntary disclosure of past criminal history, including any criminal charges and/or convictions

iv. Listing of 2 non-relative references. This list shall have complete contact information for all references. This portion of the application process is considered incomplete if full contact information for the references is not provided.

b. Waiver of confidentiality allowing the church to secure the background checks and references necessary. (See Appendix C for waiver)

2. Background screening:

a. All volunteers will have a state background check.

b. Any volunteer who will be leading a group solo, or is working in the nursery, or is driving the van, or has lived out of the state will have a National background check.

Note: Clergy serving in the Annual Conference will undergo a background screening upon entrance into the conference and once during each quadrennium when they participate in a mandatory boundaries/safe sanctuaries training sponsored by the conference. This documentation will be kept in the personnel files of the conference.

3. Background checks will be repeated every three years for all staff and volunteers. If a person has had a break from volunteer or paid service for a year or more shall undergo a background check and shall resubmit a covenant form. Old background checks should be kept in a file.

4. All records will be kept in a locked box in the church office. They will be organized and kept perpetuity. Records shall only be assessed by those who are over Safe Sanctuaries and shall only be opened when two or more are present. Confidence is to be kept.

5. Persons shall demonstrate an active relationship with the local church for at least six months and have become members before being allowed to be in a supervisory role in activities for children, youth or vulnerable adults. In the case of new staff hires, references deemed adequate by the hiring supervisor will replace the six-month waiting period.

SUPERVISION:

Supervision procedures are designed to reduce the possibility of abuse or exploitation of children, youth or vulnerable adults, and to protect staff persons and volunteers from unfounded accusations. (See Appendix D and E for more specific Safe Sanctuary policies for children and youth)

1. Training is a requirement for all staff and volunteers working with children, youth and vulnerable adults. An initial educational component of the Safe Sanctuaries programs and policies is required prior to any adult having direct supervision of children/youth/vulnerable adults. Thereafter, the minimum training would include documentation of an annual review of the Safe Sanctuaries policies, procedures for supervision, and current information on how to identify and report child or vulnerable adult abuse.

2. Minimum supervisory standards will include the “two adult rule”. The two adult rule requires that, regardless of the size of the group, there will always be two unrelated adults present. This may include the presence of an adult ‘roamer’ who moves in and out of rooms/ ministry activities (Example: Sunday School Superintendent during Sunday School).

3. No child, youth or vulnerable adult will be left unsupervised while attending a ministry activity/event.

4. All ministry activities should occur in open view. Each room or space where ministry activities/events occur must be open to public view. For example: enclosed spaces such as classrooms shall have a viewing window, a glass panel in the door, a ½ door configuration or an open door.

5. Registration materials should be collected for every ministry event. (See Appendix F for sample registration form)

6. Ministry events involving transportation shall require written/ signed permission from parents/ guardians. (See Appendix F for vehicle waiver form)

7. No person shall supervise an age group unless he/she is AT LEAST 18 years of age or older and is AT LEAST 4 years older than the children/youth being supervised.

REPORTING:

Reporting is required by any staff or a volunteer that personally witnesses an incident of abuse or exploitation, when an allegation of an event of abuse or exploitation is made to staff or a volunteer by a third party and/or when a child or vulnerable adult discloses abuse or exploitation to staff or a volunteer. It is crucial that reporting be immediate and the allegations dealt with as soon in time as possible to the incident or disclosure.

1. The staff person or volunteer who observes alleged abuse or to whom such alleged abuse is reported or disclosed, or who suspects’ abuse is required to report the incident/suspected abuse immediately to the person in charge of the ministry/activity. The Pastor in charge and immediate staff supervisor are to be informed immediately before or subsequent to the making of a report.

2. The person in charge of the ministry/activity in which the alleged abuse was observed or disclosed shall immediately attempt to obtain necessary information such as the name of the alleged victim and his/her address and family information.

3. If the accused is the appointed clergy, supply pastor or a member of his/her family, the allegations shall be immediately reported to the District Superintendent. The District Superintendent shall immediately report to the proper authorities as set forth in paragraph 1 above. The District Superintendent will take responsibility and act according to established rules of The Book of Discipline with respect to claims against a pastor. If the District Superintendent is not available, the incident should be reported to the Bishop’s office in Crestwood.

4. All clergy are included in mandatory reporting as required by The Book of Discipline and state law.

¶341.5

All clergy of The United Methodist Church are charged to maintain all confidences inviolate, including confessional confidences, except in the cases of suspected child abuse or neglect or in cases where mandatory reporting is required by civil law.

5. After the person in charge of the ministry/activity has reported the suspected abuse to the proper authorities, the appointed clergy/supply pastors are to report the incident immediately to the District Superintendent. If the District Superintendent is unavailable, the incident should be reported to the Bishop’s office.

6. The person in charge of the ministry/event must keep a written report of the steps taken by the Church in response to the reported abuse. The report should be brief and contain only factual information relevant to the situation. It should be kept in a secure place. It should be written in ink or typed to prevent it from being changed.

RESPONSE PLAN:

A quick, compassionate and unified response to an alleged incident of abuse is expected. All allegations will be taken seriously. In all cases of reported or observed abuse there shall be cooperation with all official investigating agencies.

1. All media requests for statements should be directed to the Pastor in charge who shall be in contact with his/her District Superintendent. A spirit of cooperation in helping the media find the “official spokesperson” is often helpful.

2. Immediately, yet with dignity and respect for the sacred worth of the accused, remove the accused from further involvement with children or vulnerable adults and advise the accused there has been an allegation of abuse. Details of the allegations of the abuse should not be discussed with the accused at the time of removal. In any removal of a staff member or volunteer from any activity/ministry, care should be taken to handle the removal in a discreet manner, recognizing that there will be an investigation by either state or church authorities, or both.

3. When it has been alleged that a member of the church staff or a volunteer, has committed an act of abuse or exploitation, the staff member or volunteer shall be required to refrain from all ministry activities/events with children, youth and vulnerable adults until the incident has been fully resolved by the appropriate state authorities and/or in accordance with Book of Discipline.

4. Notify the parents of the victim and take whatever steps are necessary to assure the safety and well being of the child or youth until the parent(s) arrive. NOTE: If one or both of the parents is the alleged abuser, follow the advice of the authorities concerning notification of others.

5. Take all allegations seriously and reach out to the victim and the victim’s family. Show care and support to help prevent further hurt. Extend whatever pastoral resources are needed. Remember that the care and safety of the victim is the first priority. Respond in a positive and supportive manner to the victim and the victim’s family. Response team from conference shall be called in if needed.

6. The church should provide a supportive atmosphere to all those who are affected, offering both objectivity and empathy as it seeks to create a climate in which healing can take place.

Appendix A: Abuse – How to recognize Child/ Youth Abuse

Abuse is defined as misuse, mistreat, attack with words, corrupt practice, and coarse or insulting speech. Abuse changes a child or youths life forever. It is something that can not always be prevented but can almost always be stopped if someone will step up and take action.

Signs of Abuse:

Although there are many forms of abuse the following are some initial signs that should put red flags up that something is wrong. They are the following but not limited to:

- poor self esteem

- passive

- lack of initiative

- reoccurring temper tantrums

- aggressive towards themselves and/or others

- difficulty forming close friendships

- lying

- stealing

- skipping school

- trouble with police

- delayed learning

- slower than normal growth

- difficulty concentrating

- poor performance in school

- depression

- anxiety

- self mutilation

- attempted suicide

Types of Abuse:

1. Physical Abuse

2. Emotional Abuse

3. Neglect

4. Sexual Abuse

5. Ritual Abuse

1. Physical Abuse:

Abuse in which a person consciously and intentionally causes physical (bodily) harm to a child. Some examples may include but are not limited to:

1. Violent battery with a weapon (knife, belt, strap, and so forth)

2. Burning

3. Shaking, grabbing, pushing, shoving, shaking, hitting, slapping, biting, pinching, hair pulling, arm twisting, spitting, chocking

4. Withholding food, clothing, sleep or medical care (medicine)

5. Fracturing bones

6. Any non-accidental injury to a child/youths body

Possible Signs of Physical Abuse:

1. Hostile and aggressive behavior toward others

2. Fearfulness of parents and/or other adults

3. Destructive behavior toward self, others, and/ or property

4. Inexplicable fractures or bruises inappropriate for child’s developmental stage

5. Burns, facial injuries, pattern of repetitious bruises

2. Emotional Abuse:

Abuse in which a person exposes a child to spoken and / or unspoken violence or emotional cruelty. Emotional abuse tells a child that they are worthless, bad, unloved and undeserving of love and care. Emotional abuse is very difficult to prove and is devastating to the child or youth. Some examples include but are not limited to:

1. Being locked in a closet

2. Being deprived of any sign of parental affection

3. Constantly being told they are bad or stupid (constant criticism)

4. Insults, put downs, name calling

5. Threats, yelling, sarcasm

6. Sending mix signals

7. Cruel or/and nasty messages

8. Being forced or allowed to consume alcohol or drugs

9. Controlling

10. Threat of abandonment

Possible Signs of Emotional Abuse:

1. Exhibits severe depression and/or withdrawn

2. Exhibits severe lack of self-esteem

3. Failure to thrive

4. Threatens or attempts suicide

5. Speech and/ or eating disorders

6. Goes to extremes to seek adult approval

7. Extreme passive/aggressive behavior patterns

3. Neglect:

Neglect is a form of abuse in which the child’s heath, safety, or welfare is being endangered. This can include but is not limited to: Withholding clothing, medical care, food, education, affection and affirmation. This is the most common form of abuse world wide.

Possible Signs of Neglect:

1. Failure to thrive

2. Pattern of inappropriate dress for climate

3. Begs or steals food; chronic hunger

4. Home environment neglect (unsanitary)

5. Depression

6. Untreated medical conditions

7. Poor hygiene

8. Threat of abandonment

4. Sexual Abuse:

This form of abuse is when sexual contact is made between a child and an adult. Some forms of sexual abuse include but are not limited to:

1. Fondling

2. Intercourse demanded or forced

3. Incest

4. Exploitation of and exposure to pornography or prostitution

5. Sexual jokes or remarks

6. Unwanted touching

7. Stripping a child for spanking

8. Exposing ones self to child or youth

9. Sexually natured talk, comments, or jokes

10. Touching ones self in from of a child or youth

11. “Peeping” in on a child or youth who is getting dressed, showering, or using the restroom

Possible Signs of Sexual Abuse:

1. Unusual advanced sexual knowledge and/ or behavior for age and development stage

2. Depression – cries often for no apparent reason

3. Promiscuous behavior

4. Runs away from home and refuses to return

5. Difficulty walking or sitting

6. Bruised/ bleeding in vaginal or anal areas

7. Exhibits frequent headaches, stomachaches, extreme fatigue

8. Sexually transmitted diseases

In addition children who have been sexually abused at church may exhibit:

1. Unusual nervousness or anxiety about being left in the nursery or Sunday school class

2. Reluctance to participate in church activities that were previously enthusiastically approached

3. Comments such as “I don’t want to be alone with___” in reference to a worker or teacher.

4. Nightmares including a worker or teacher as a frightening character.

5. Unexplained hostility toward a worker or teacher

5. Ritual Abuse

Ritual abuse is abuse in which physical, sexual and/ or psychological violations of a child or youth are inflicted. This is on a regular basis, is intentionally done, and done in a stylized way. This form of abuse may include but is not limited to:

1. Harm to animals

2. Threats to harm child, youth or other persons

Possible Signs of Ritual Abuse:

Disruption of memory or consciousness
Unexplained mistrust and mood swings
Flashbacks
Eating disorders
Fear of the dark, especially at sundown or a full moon
Agitation or despair that seems to occur in cycles
Fear of ministers, priests, or other wearing robes or uniforms
Nightmares or sleep disorders
Any of the symptoms of sexual abuse

Common Traits of Abusers

An abuser does not have a certain look. You can’t pick them out of a crowd of people. They look just like any other person. There are some characteristics that are common in people who are abusers. Some are but not limited to:

- low self esteem

- uncontrolled temper

- possessive and controlling

- intense fear of abandonment

- extreme jealousy

- inability to accept responsibility for own behavior

- quick involvement

- cruelty to animals or others

- wide mood swings

- substance abuse

- violent history

- large number of partners

- history of abuse in home

Appendix B: Covenant Form:

Children and Youth Worker Covenant Form

Name: _______________________________________________________________________

Last First Middle

Are you over the age of 18? Yes____ No ____

Present Address: ____________________________________________________________

City: ______________________________ State: _____________ Zip: _____________

Home phone: _______________________________________________________________

Last school grade completed: __________________________________________________

Qualifications for working with children and/or youth

Previous Work Experience (list employers over the past five years including contact information):

___________________________________________________________________________

Previous Volunteer Experience (list positions, duties performed, contact information and dates of service):

___________________________________________________________________________

Have you ever been convicted of or pled guilty to a crime, either a misdemeanor or a felony (including but not limited to drug-related charges, child abuse, and other crimes of violence, theft or motor vehicle violations)? Yes ____ No _____

If yes, please explain:

___________________________________________________________________________

References:

Please list three individuals who are not related to you by blood or marriage as references. Please list people who have known you for at least three years.

Name: ______________________________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________

Daytime Phone: _______________________________________________________

Nighttime Phone: ______________________________________________________

Length of time you have known reference: __________________________________

Relationship to reference: ________________________________________________

Name: ______________________________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________

Daytime Phone: _______________________________________________________

Nighttime Phone: ______________________________________________________

Length of time you have known reference: __________________________________

Relationship to reference: ________________________________________________

Name: ______________________________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________

Daytime Phone: _______________________________________________________

Nighttime Phone: ______________________________________________________

Length of time you have known reference: __________________________________

Relationship to reference: ________________________________________________

Waiver and Consent

I, ______________________________ hereby certify that the information I have provided on this covenant form is true and correct. I authorize this church to verify the information I have provided on this application by contacting the references and employers I have listed, by conducting a criminal records check, or by other means, including contacting others whom I have not listed. I authorize the references and employers listed in this application to give you whatever information they may have regarding my character and fitness for working with children and youth. Furthermore, I waive any rights I may have to confidentiality.

I agree to abide by and be bound by the policies of the United Methodist Church and to refrain from inappropriate conduct in the performance of my duties on behalf of the United Methodist Church.

I have read this waiver and the entire covenant form, and I am fully aware of its contents. I sign this consent freely and under no duress or coercion.

Signature: _________________________________________________________

Date: ________________________

Appendix C: Waiver for Criminal Background Check

I, ______________________________, hereby authorize the United Methodist Church to request the state of Texas to release information regarding any record of charges or convictions contained in its files, or in any criminal file maintained on me, whether said file is local, state or national file, and including but not limited to accusations and convictions for crimes committed against minors, to the fullest extent permitted by state and federal law. I do release the state from all liability that may result from any such disclosure made in response to this request.

___________________________________________________ ________________________

Signature Date

Print full name: ________________________________________________________________

Print all other names that you have used in the past (Maiden or alias names): ________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Date of birth: __________________ Place of birth: _____________________________

Social Security Number: _________________________________________________________

Driver’s license number: ________________________ State issuing license: ______________

License expiration date: _____________________________

Email address: _____________________________________

Permanent address: _____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Phone number: _________________________________________________________________

Appendix D: Safe Sanctuaries: Youth Ministry

Two – adult rule:

There is to be 2 or more adults for every 1 – 7 youth at all times. If there are not two adults in the room there shall be a roamer who moves in and out of the rooms.

Four – years – older rule:

All adult leaders shall be four years older than the people with whom they are working with. With the exception of if there is a youth helper (no one under 16) there shall be an adult supervising them at all times.

Adult leaders:

All adult leaders shall follow the safe sanctuary policy at all times.
All adult leaders – whether paid or volunteer – will be required to attend an orientation session before working with youth.
All adult leaders shall have a background check and a covenant form on file.

Sleeping arrangements:

Adults will not sleep in the same bed as youth. In a hotel-type setting, if possible, an adult room is to be between two youth rooms. This is also recommended for dormitory and tent settings. If not possible, in a dormitory and tent setting there shall be at least one adult in each room and there shall be more than three in each room. No female shall be allowed in the male sleeping rooms of the males and no males shall be allowed in the females sleeping rooms. With the exception of married couples in which they shall have their own rooms and follow all the same rules as stated above.

Adults shall check in on youth rooms on a random schedule during the entire night.

Minimizing the possibility of danger from within the group as well as from strangers, if possible choose a hotel where the rooms open to the interior of the building rather than to the outside. Pick rooms that are also on the inner part of the hotel away from exits and staircases.

Physical safety issues:

Youth workers should be conscious of safety concerns when leading activities and games. Proper equipment and adequate supervision of the activity should always be in place at all times.

No drugs, alcoholic beverages, weapons or firearms are to be allowed at any youth/children event.

A youth worker who is first aid/CPR trained will be present at all events.

All youth must have a signed parental consent with a medical release form turned in before they can attend the event.

Incident or accident report will be made for any incidents or accidents that happen. Parents will be given a copy and another copy will be put on file for church record. (See Appendix I for Accident Report Form)

Interpersonal boundaries in relationships:

All adult leaders shall be present with the group for all activities.
All adult leaders will present good leadership by modeling appropriate behavior for the youth and other leaders at all times.
Profane language will be refrained from being used.
Practical jokes will not be played on the youth or other adult leaders.
Permission will not be given for any reason for the opposite sex to enter into each others sleeping areas, including adult leaders.
No opportunities or permission given for two youth or one adult and one youth to be alone.
Proper touch will be used; personal space and privacy will be respected. No inappropriate touching that may create the perception that personal space and privacy of the individual has been violated.
No adult at any time should be in the same room of a youth who is showering or changing.

Transportation plans:

No divers under the age of 25 can transport youth to any event.
All drivers must be covered by adequate insurance.
All drivers shall be safe drivers with proper credentials (This includes but is not limited to no DUI’s or excessive number of speeding tickets, etc).
All passengers shall wear their seat belts while vehicle is in motion.
If possible there shall be two adults in the vehicle at all times.
There shall be a cell phone or some other way to communicate in an emergency in the vehicle at all times.

Cell Phone, Computer, and camera/video recording equipment:

No camera phones will be allowed at any youth function.

If brought will be put in a safe place until parents pick youth up from event.

No youth shall use computers during or after youth events without supervision.

All computers will be password protected and passwords changed every six weeks.
If youth is using computer adult must have view of the screen at all times.

No youth will be given access to a camera or video recording equipment without adult supervision.

Counseling:

All counseling that is done with youth shall be done with the door open for the entire session or with another adult leader in the room. In the case of a counseling session outside of the church the counseling session shall take place when the parents are present or in a public place in open view. The senior pastor or another staff member as well as the parents shall be notified of the meeting time and place prior to and following the meeting and proper documentation shall be made.

Discipline:

Youth should be made aware of the expectation of appropriate behavior and gentle reminders should be made when needed. When reminders fail to work then the behavior should be addressed in an appropriate way. Discipline should be done by the designated leader, pastor, or counselor. No physical disciple should ever be used. In all cases of discipline parents should be involved and a record of what was said and done should be made and kept in a secured file.

Youth Volunteers:

Will be required to go through training and to sign a covenant form.
All youth volunteers will be with an adult at all times.
All youth volunteers will obey the four year rule.

For example: a 16 year old can work with 12 year olds and younger.

Appendix E: Safe Sanctuaries: Children’s Ministry

Two – adult rule:

There is to be 2 or more adults for every 1 – 5 children at all times. If there are not two adults in the room there shall be a roamer who moves in and out of the rooms.

Four – years – older rule:

All adult leaders shall be four years older than the people with whom they are working with. They shall never be younger than eighteen years old.

Adult leaders:

All adult leaders shall follow the safe sanctuary policy at all times.
All adult leaders – whether paid or volunteer – will be required to attend an orientation session before working with youth.
All adult leaders shall have a background check and a volunteer application on file.

Youth Volunteers:

Will be required to go through training and to sign a covenant form.
All youth volunteers will be with an adult at all times.
All youth volunteers will obey the four year rule.

For example: a 16 year old can work with 12 year olds and younger.

Sleeping arrangements:

Adults should check in on youth rooms on a random schedule during the entire night.

Physical safety issues:

Leaders should be conscious of safety concerns when leading activities and games. Proper equipment and adequate supervision of the activity should always be in place at all times.

No drugs, alcoholic beverages, weapons or firearms are to be allowed at any youth/children event.

An adult leader who is first aid/CPR trained will be present at all events.

All children must have a signed parental consent with a medical release form turned in before they can attend the event.

Interpersonal boundaries in relationships:

All adult leaders shall be present with the group for all activities.
All adult leaders will present good leadership by modeling appropriate behavior for the youth and other leaders at all times.
Profane language will be refrained from being used.
Practical jokes will not be played on the youth or other adult leaders.
Permission will not be given for any reason for the opposite sex to enter into each others sleeping areas, including adult leaders.
No opportunities or permission given for two youth or one adult and one youth to be alone.
Proper touch will be used; personal space and privacy will be respected. No inappropriate touching that may create the perception that personal space and privacy of the individual has been violated.
No adult shall be in the same room as a child who is changing, showering, or using the restroom. Unless the child is in need of help and if there is another adult present in the room.

Transportation plans:

No divers under the age of 25 can transport youth to any event.
All drivers must be covered by adequate insurance.
All drivers shall be safe drivers with proper credentials (This includes but is not limited to no DUI’s or excessive number of speeding tickets, etc).
All passengers shall wear their seat belts while vehicle is in motion.
If possible there shall be two adults in the vehicle at all times.
There shall be a cell phone or some other way to communicate in an emergency in the vehicle at all times.
No child under seven shall ride the van, unless a parent is present.

Cell Phone, Computer, and camera/video recording equipment:

No camera phones will be allowed at any children’s ministry function.

If brought will be put in a safe place until parents pick youth up from event.

Children will not be allowed to use the computers at any time unless with parent or guardian present.

All computers will be password protected and password changed every six weeks.

No youth will be given access to a camera or video recording equipment without adult supervision.

Counseling:

Discipline:

Children should be made aware of the expectation of appropriate behavior and gentle reminders should be made when needed. When reminders fail to work then the behavior should be addressed in an appropriate way. Discipline should be done by the designated leader, pastor, or counselor. No physical disciple should ever be used. In all cases of discipline parents should be involved and a record of what was said and done should be made and kept in a secured file.

Appendix F: Sample Registration Form with Medical and Vehicle Waiver Form:

Every event will have its own registration form depending on the event and what information is needed. This is a basic registration form with the information that shall be on all registration forms.

Full name of child or youth: ___________________________________________________

Child or youth birthday: _________________________________

Child or youth grade in school and name of school _________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________

Child or youth has been baptized: Yes ___ No ___ If yes when: _____________________

Mailing address: _____________________________________________________________

City, state, zip: ______________________________________________________________

Home phone number: _________________________________________________________

Name of guardians bringing child or youth: _______________________________________

Child or youth will be riding in the church van? Yes ___ No ___ (f yes please fill out a vehicle waiver)

Email address: ________________________________________________________________

Child or youth lives with and can be picked up by? ________________________________

Child or youth may leave without being picked up by parent? (2^nd grd and up) Yes __ No__

Siblings? Yes ___ No___

If yes: name and birth dates:_____________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

List and describe any allergies or intolerances? (Please attach a copy of your insurance card) ________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Is there anything we should know that will help us minister more effectively to your child or youth? _____________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Waiver:

I give permission for the United Methodist Church to share with other volunteers and staff members of the United Methodist Church any medical or other information that would help them minister more effectively to my child.

From time to time, the United Methodist Church or representatives of the local media may want to write about, photograph, videotape or audiotape various activities and people at the United Methodist Church. This is most often done to highlight activities and to provide information about programs of issues related to the United Methodist Church

I give permission for the United Methodist Church to use my child or youth’s name and photos in promotional material (publications, websites, on the local news) and publicly regarding various activities of the United Methodist Church. I hereby waive the right to inspect or approve finished photographs, or the use to which it may be put or the copy of illustrations used in connection therewith.

I give permission for my child or youth to participate in activities sponsored by the United Methodist Church. In allowing my child or youth to participate in the activities I, do hereby release forever discharge and agree to hold harmless the United Methodist Church, its pastors, volunteers and congregation members from any and all liability, claims or demands for accidental personal injury, sickness or death, as well as property damage and expenses, of any nature whatsoever which may be incurred by the participant while involved in the activities including field trips away from the church premises.

Furthermore, I hereby assume all risk of accidental personal injury, sickness, death, damage and expenses as a result of participation in recreation and work activities involved therein.

Further, authorization and permission is hereby given to the United Methodist Church to furnish any necessary transportation (within the limitations of church insurance and the law), food and lodging for this participant. I also hereby agree to pay for any expenses incurred.

I authorize an adult, in whose care the child or youth has been entrusted, to consent to any emergency x-ray examination, anesthetic, medical, surgical or dental diagnosis or treatment and hospital care, to be rendered to the child or youth under the general or special supervision and on the advice of any physician or dentist on the medical staff of a licensed hospital or emergency care facility. I shall be liable and agree to pay all costs and expenses incurred in connection with such medical and dental services rendered to the child or youth. I have attached a copy of my child’s insurance card to this form: Yes ___ No ___

Should it be necessary for my child or youth to return home due to medical reasons, disciplinary action or otherwise, I shall assume all transportation costs and responsibility.

I hereby give permission for my child or youth to ride in any vehicle driven by approved adult chaperone while attending and participating in activities sponsored by the United Methodist Church. My child or youth and I understand that seat belts shall be worn at all times during transportation.

Signature of legal guardian: _______________________________________________________

Date: _____________________

Appendix G: Reporting Form

Name of person who’s observing or receiving disclosure of abuse of child or youth:

________________________________________________________________________

Victim’s Name: __________________________________________________________

Age/date of birth: _________________________________________________________

Date/Place of initial conversation with/report from victim: ________________________
Victim’s statement (give a detailed summary here): ______________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Name of person accused of abuse: ____________________________________________

Relationship of accused to victim: ____________________________________________

Reported to pastor: ________________________________________________________