SAFE SANCTUARY TRAINING

SAFE SANCTUARY TRAINING
Christ UMC

Purpose of a Safe Sanctuary Policy
To provide an environment that is as safe as possible for children and youth who participate in any Christ UMC Ministry To protect those working/volunteering in a Christ UMC Ministry from false accusations or suspicions The policy and procedures are not based on a lack of trust in Workers but instead are intended to protect our preschoolers, children, youth, workers, employees, our volunteers, and the entire church body

SAFE SANCTUARY DEFINITIONS

Definitions of Abuse Verbal Abuse
Any verbal act that humiliates, degrades or threatens any child or youth

Definitions of Abuse Physical Abuse
Any act of omission or an act that endangers a person’s physical or mental health

Definitions of Abuse Sexual Abuse
The sexual exploitation or use of a child or youth for satisfaction of sexual drives

Definitions of Abuse Sexual abuse includes, but is not limited to…
Incest Rape Prostitution Romantic involvement with any participant Any sexual intercourse, or sexual conduct with, or fondling of an individual Sexualized behavior that communicates sexual interest and/or content Examples: Displaying sexually suggestive visual materials Making sexual comments or innuendo about one’s own or another person’s body Touching another person’s body, hair or clothing Touching or rubbing oneself in the presence of another person Kissing Sexual intercourse

Definitions used in this Policy
Director: the person in charge of a Ministry For the following areas of Ministry, the Director is identified as: Family Ministry: Jori Kennedy Youth Ministry: Will Agnor Music Ministry: Rev. Don McAvoy Media Ministry: Zach Castillo **Clergy shall be an acceptable substitute for a “Director” who is not available

Ministry(ies): shall mean on campus, or church sponsored off-campus activities or programs, involving Protected Persons, including but not limited to those related to child care, pre-school, district and conference events, mission trips, Sunday school, and Bible studies.

Protected Person(s) children and/or youth, under the age of 18, participating in any Ministry

Worker(s): a person in a “position of trust” with Protected Persons such as any clergy, staff, Sunday School leader or teacher, employee, program director, youth counselor, and any other person in a leadership or volunteer position, who is at least eighteen (18) years old and involved in a ministry

SAFE SANCTUARY Part 1 Appropriate/Inappropriate Behavior

Q&A Section Explanation
At the end of each section, you will find several slides of questions The purpose of the questions is to help you understand the concepts and how each one applies in ministry One slide will pose the question Decide on your answer, then you can check yourself by going to the next slide

Prohibited Behavior Do not under any circumstance…
Participate in behavior outlined in the definitions of abuse Threaten or intentionally inflict emotional or physical injury Commit any sexual offense or engage in any sexual contact Make any kind of sexual advance or make a request for sexual favors Engage in verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature, e.g. back rubs Give massages, kiss, or any similar contact Use physical discipline such as spanking

Appropriate Touch Touching to comfort or affirm a Protected Person in an age-appropriate manner is permitted. Appropriate touching need not be completely avoided, but is acceptable only in public. Workers shall be aware of how it looks and how the person being contacted may interpret the contact.

QUESTION If a child misbehaves is a Worker allowed to spank him/her?

ANSWER If a child misbehaves are you allowed to spank him/her?
NO. The Director of the ministry will assist you in the appropriate disciplinary actions/policy for the age level

QUESTION If a young child comes and hugs you
are you allowed to hug him/her?

ANSWER If a young child comes and hugs you
are you allowed to hug him/her? YES. As long as you are in public and the hug is not sexual in nature

Is it appropriate to rub a kid’s back?
QUESTION Is it appropriate to rub a kid’s back?

Is it appropriate to rub a kid’s back?
ANSWER Is it appropriate to rub a kid’s back? Maybe. It could be appropriate when comforting a child/youth. It could also be appropriate in “circle back rubs” when everyone in the group may be participating. Be sure you are in public, there are other adults around and it does not appear in any form or fashion to be sexual in nature. If you are in a situation which you are unsure, better to be safe than sorry.

be allowed to sit in your lap?
QUESTION Should a K-6th grader be allowed to sit in your lap?

be allowed to sit in your lap?
ANSWER Should a K-6th grader be allowed to sit in your lap? This age group will most likely naturally outgrow wanting to sit in your lap. In the younger age group it would be appropriate for a child to sit in your lap while reading a book. Always be in public and think about how it will be viewed by parents and other children.

Are side hugs, high fives and pats on the back appropriate?
QUESTION Are side hugs, high fives and pats on the back appropriate?

Are side hugs, high fives and pats on the back appropriate?
ANSWER Are side hugs, high fives and pats on the back appropriate? Yes. We want to encourage and affirm our children and youth. Side hugs, high fives and pats on the back are good ways to do this.

QUESTION If you volunteer to help in a ministry in which your child is participating, are you allowed to spank your own child?

ANSWER If you volunteer to help in a ministry in which your child is participating, are you allowed to spank your own child? No. You must adhere to Safe Sanctuary guidelines during any church ministry.

SAFE SANCTUARY Part 2 Volunteer Application and Screening

Application & Screening
Requirements to Volunteer: Complete the training Pass a confidential criminal background check yearly

Training Safe Sanctuary training is good for two years from the date of training.

Approval/Disapproval
The Ministries of Christ UMC only occur because of the dedication and service of our volunteers. It is our intention to allow as many people as possible the opportunity to serve; but it is most important to maintain the safe environment for all activities.

The determination of whether a particular crime is serious enough to result in Christ UMC disapproving an applicant shall be made by Christ UMC in its sole discretion. Without in any way limiting those crimes which Christ UMC may determine to be serious, the following examples are guidelines.

Persons having a criminal history of any of the following types of offenses shall not be allowed to serve in any ministry with children and youth: • Child abuse, whether physical, emotional, sexual, or neglectful • Violent offenses, including murder, rape, assault, domestic violence, etc. • A drug related conviction within the five (5) years immediately prior to application DUI or DWI conviction within the five (5) years immediately prior to application shall not be allowed to act as a driver

Other offenses, depending on how recent, the frequency, and nature may also preclude an applicant or Worker from serving in a Ministry. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the Director.

QUESTION May a person with a drug related conviction serve as a volunteer with children or youth?

ANSWER May a person with a drug related conviction serve as a volunteer with children or youth? Not within 5 years following the conviction. The Ministry Director must also feel very confident that this person is clean and healthy enough to serve.

QUESTION May a person with a DUI or DWI conviction serve as a volunteer with children or youth?

ANSWER May a person with a DUI or DWI conviction serve as a volunteer with children or youth? This person will not be allowed to volunteer as a driver within 5 years of a conviction. As with a drug conviction or any other conviction, it will be the Ministry Director’s discretion as to whether any person is ready to serve.

QUESTION What are the three things everyone must do in order to qualify to volunteer with children and youth?

ANSWER What are the two things everyone must do in order to qualify to volunteer with children and youth? Complete Safe Sanctuary Training Pass a confidential criminal background check yearly

SAFE SANCTUARY Part 3 General Policy Supervision

2 Worker Rule Workers shall observe the “2 Worker Rule” (2 workers per classroom, 2 workers within line of sight when outdoors or large meeting areas) Exceptions to this rule include: Escorting Protected Persons between on-campus buildings or in hallways Monitoring the arrival or departure of Protected Persons In cases of emergency care

2 Worker Rule There may be times when you will need to combine groups or help recruit more volunteers in order to ensure the “2 worker rule” is in place at all times

Please instruct children/youth to use the buddy system at all times

Clear Sight Lines Clear Sight Lines - There should be unobstructed visibility to all activities where children and youth are present If the classroom door does not have a window, keep the door open One-to-one mentoring or consulting shall be conducted in sight of another leader Understanding that there is safety in numbers, one leader can be in contact with multiple protected persons when they are in sight of the other leaders

Supervision A Director may obtain parent permission on a case-by-case basis for situations not covered specifically in the Safe Sanctuary Policy

Supervision Violations
To keep everyone safe… If at any time you see that proper supervision is not in place immediately report it to the Director If at any time you observe supervision rules being broken immediately notify the Director

Driving Workers shall be 21 years old or over to drive with a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance A copy of a current Operators Driver’s License and proof of insurance must be on file in the Church office A Worker may “pick up” or “drop off” a youth at his/her home provided permission has been given by the parent Drivers shall: Not drive more than eight (8) hours in a twenty-four (24) hour period Have complete charge of passengers regarding the proper observance of rules of safety and conduct Consent to a random drug test if requested When one vehicle is used for an event, the two-adult rule applies When multiple vehicles are used for an event, a single Worker may drive if all the vehicles travel together Occupants of vehicles shall wear seatbelts

Overnight & Trip Rules The two-adult rule shall be followed throughout the trip If the group of Protected Persons contains both males and females, there shall be at least one (1) female Worker and one (1) male Worker on the trip At events that require overnight accommodations: Workers shall sleep in separate rooms from children/youth Or if necessary for children/youth to share a room with a leader, leaders shall sleep in separate beds from children/youth Any one leader shall not be alone with any one child/youth

Additional Policies with Youth
Planned one-on-one Worker/youth lunches: Hold in public places, or at church during other calendar events Obtain the parent’s permission Notify the youth director Take separate transportation

Diaper Changing and Bathrooms
Diaper changing shall be done in the open and not behind closed doors For rooms that have attached bathrooms, a Worker may assist a Protected Person in the bathroom, while keeping the door at least partially open, while having due regard for the privacy of the Protected Person Workers shall periodically check the bathrooms

QUESTION Is it okay for a Worker to sleep in a hotel room or camp cabin with more than one child or youth?

Yes. A Worker may not, however, be alone with any one child/youth.
ANSWER Is it okay for a Worker to sleep in a hotel room with more than one child or youth? Yes. A Worker may not, however, be alone with any one child/youth.

QUESTION Is it okay for a leader/volunteer to be the only adult in a vehicle with one child?

ANSWER Is it okay for a leader/volunteer to be the only adult in a vehicle with one child? No.

QUESTION Is it okay for a leader/volunteer to be the only adult in a vehicle with several children?

ANSWER Is it okay for a leader/volunteer to be the only adult in a vehicle with several children? Yes. ONLY IF there are multiple cars traveling together. If you are the only car going to a destination, you need to have 2 Workers.

QUESTION Is it okay to walk a child from point A to point B on the church campus?

Yes. Be sure to stay in public areas.
ANSWER Is it okay to walk a child from point A to point B on the church campus? Yes. Be sure to stay in public areas.

If only one nursery worker shows up, can child care be provided?
QUESTION If only one nursery worker shows up, can child care be provided?

If only one nursery worker shows up, can child care be provided?
ANSWER If only one nursery worker shows up, can child care be provided? We must have 2 Workers in order to provide child care. If a safe sanctuary approved volunteer is available he/she may be recruited to help. If a second worker cannot be found we cannot provide child care.

QUESTION If a child needs help in the bathroom does a second adult have to observe the adult and child? Does the door need to remain open?

ANSWER If a child needs help in the bathroom does a second adult have to observe the adult and child? Does the door need to remain open? No. A second adult is not necessary. You will need to leave the door open and stand in such a way to protect the child’s privacy.

QUESTION How many workers should be in each room during Sunday school or any other event where children break up into age-level or small groups?

ANSWER How many workers should be in each room during Sunday school or any other event where children break up into age-level or small groups? At least TWO.

QUESTION If you are teaching a Sunday school class and the second worker does not show up, what should you do?

ANSWER If you are teaching a Sunday school class and the second worker does not show up, what should you do? 1. You may find a substitute (possibly a parent of one of the children in the class). Be sure this person is Safe Sanctuary approved. 2. Or combine with another class. 3. Or have 2 classes meet in a common larger room (such as the youth room, BiG House, or the Fellowship Hall, etc.) so that multiple leaders are within clear sight lines.

QUESTION If there is an emergency in a classroom, can one worker stay in the classroom?

ANSWER If there is an emergency in a classroom, can one worker stay in the classroom? Yes. In the case of an emergency the workers may temporarily be alone with children/youth in order to handle the emergency appropriately.

QUESTION How old do you have to be in order to drive children/youth during a church event?

ANSWER How old do you have to be in order to drive children/youth during a church event? Drivers must be 21, have a valid driver’s license and proof of current auto insurance.

Can you drive a child/youth to an event or home from an event?
QUESTION Can you drive a child/youth to an event or home from an event?

Can you drive a child/youth to an event or home from an event?
ANSWER Can you drive a child/youth to an event or home from an event? Yes, as long as you have the parent’s permission. Be sure to talk to the parent yourself as opposed to a child/youth saying, “My mom said it’s okay.”

What is the policy for changing diapers?
QUESTION What is the policy for changing diapers?

What is the policy for changing diapers?
ANSWER What is the policy for changing diapers? Change the child’s diaper in the open, not behind close doors. Do stand in such a way to provide privacy for the child.

QUESTION A youth volunteer invites a youth to a planning lunch at a local restaurant. Can they go?

ANSWER A youth volunteer invites a youth to a planning lunch at a local restaurant. Can they go? Yes, if… 1. A parent gives permission 2. The Youth Director is notified 3. They take separate transportation

QUESTION When the Boy Scouts use the youth room at Christ UMC, does Safe Sanctuary apply?

ANSWER When the Boy Scouts use the youth room at Christ UMC, does Safe Sanctuary apply? Yes. Outside groups who use Christ UMC facilities must sign that they are in compliance with Safe Sanctuary or they have a similar policy in place.

SAFE SANCTUARY Part 4 Reporting an Incident

Reporting an Incident If you observe a violation of Safe Sanctuary Policy, you are required to report the incident to the Director If the incident involves the Director you may report the incident to his/her supervisor

Reporting an Incident The Director (or Supervisor) will help you complete an Incident Report (Appendix D of the Safe Sanctuary Policy) If the incident includes suspected or visible abuse, we are required to call Child Protective Services ( ) Document the date and time of all conversations on the Incident Report The Director will forward the Incident Report to the Senior Clergy and the Lay leader, who will follow the Safe Sanctuary Investigation Guidelines

QUESTION If you suspect the Safe Sanctuary policy has been violated, to whom do you report the violation?

ANSWER If you suspect the Safe Sanctuary policy has been violated, to whom do you report the violation? The Ministry Director or if the violation involves the Director, report to the Director’s supervisor.

QUESTION How do you document a violation of Safe Sanctuary policy or suspected abuse?

ANSWER How do you document a violation of Safe Sanctuary policy or suspected abuse? You will fill out an Incident Report Form. You can get a form from the Director or any staff member. The form is Appendix D of the Safe Sanctuary Policy.

SAFE SANCTUARY Part 5 Responding to Suspected Abuse

Responding to an Incident
Take all suspected abuse, allegations or reports of abuse seriously and do not prejudge the situation. The following slides will direct you on how to respond in the case of suspected abuse.

Responding to the Victim
First: Asses the physical needs of the child/youth. As needed, provide emergency healthcare 1. First aid 2. Emergency services 3. Hospital emergency room Second: Notify the parents or other legally responsible adult Third: Offer and provide pastoral resources as needed. Show care and support to prevent further hurt

Responding to the Victim
When a child/youth shares an incident with you a good immediate response is... “Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me.” or simply, “Thank you for telling me.” Do not try to investigate or counsel the victim! Be sure the child is safe, report the facts to the Director and file an Incident Report Whether an incident happens during a ministry event or a child tells you about an incident in the past or at a non-church event, we are required to report ANY suspected abuse

Responding to the Accused
First: Secure the safety of the child or youth Second: Remove the accused from any further contact with children or youth. Treat the accused with dignity and support. Third: Refer him/her to one of the pastors to provide pastoral care to the accused and his/her family.

Protecting all involved
If an incident occurs, people will talk and they will want to know what happened. PLEASE respect and protect the victim and the accused from the “rumor mill”. Gossip and rumors will harm the victim and the accused. It may also impede the investigation. We must keep the Incident Report CONFIDENTIAL!

Protecting all Involved
Think this way… If you were being accused or if your child was a victim, how would you want others to handle the situation? Confidentiality is absolutely imperative!! For all those involved and for the integrity of the ongoing investigation

Responding to the Media
If the Media requests a statement or information… Refer them to the Senior Pastor This is to protect you, the victim, the accused and the church community.

QUESTION In the event of an incident while you are volunteering, what is the first thing you should do?

ANSWER In the event of an incident while you are volunteering, what is the first thing you should do? Tend to the physical needs of the child/youth. Is he/she physically hurt? Does he/she need first aid? Does someone need to take the child to the hospital or does someone need to call 911?

QUESTION What should you do about the accused? How should you treat the accused?

QUESTION What should you do about the accused? How should you treat the accused? 1. Be sure the accused does not have further contact with children/youth. 2. Treat him/her with respect and dignity. 3. Do not prejudge the situation.

Thank you!! The ministry of Christ UMC cannot happen without you.
Thank you for taking the time to do this training and even more so for serving to make a difference in a child’s life. Safe Sanctuary can be tedious, but remember it is all to ensure a safe environment for our children, students, and YOU.

Safe Sanctuary Authorization
You have now completed the training! Congratulations! Please print out the next slide, sign and date and return to Christ UMC.

Safe Sanctuary Certification
I have completed the Christ United Methodist Church Safe Sanctuary training. I further state that I fully understand the policies of Safe Sanctuary in the foregoing document and I will abide by these policies and procedures while performing any duties for Christ United Methodist Church. __________________ ________________ Signature Date ______________________ Printed Name

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