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Safe Sanctuary

Safe Sanctuary. Wesley Freedom’s Abuse Prevention Policy. The Abuse Prevention Policy is intended to protect three groups of people:. Our Children and Youth Our Church Our Volunteers. Role of Parents and Congregation.

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Safe Sanctuary

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  1. Safe Sanctuary Wesley Freedom’s Abuse Prevention Policy

  2. The Abuse Prevention Policy is intended to protect three groups of people: • Our Children and Youth • Our Church • Our Volunteers

  3. Role of Parents and Congregation • Need our entire community of faith to work together to protect our children and youth. • Parents and congregation are needed to help with activities of children and youth. • For example: greeters, door monitors, snack, chaperones, administration, teachers/leaders • Report any concerns regarding safety.

  4. Initial Requirements for Regular Workers: • 6 months attendance or paired with someone who has attended for 6 months (except employees) Prior to service complete: • Questionnaire • Participation Covenant • Training • 3 Reference Forms • Background check authorization form

  5. Continuing Requirements for Regular Workers Annually complete by September 30 • Questionnaire • Participation Covenant • Training Every 5 years authorize: • Background check 12 month break, complete everything again Wear badge when serving

  6. Background Checks • Once you submit your paperwork and background authorization form, you will receive an e-mail with a link directing you to the Protect My Ministry site. • You will input your own information. • Protect My Ministry will notify WFUMC when you have completed your information. • A background check will be requested and run. • The report will be read and noted in your file. • NO reports are copied and NO identifying information is maintained in your file.

  7. Background Checks • Another option for background checks is going through the Maryland State Police. You must use our authorization number. • Obtain a form in the Education Office. Follow the instructions provided. You will also sign a release that will be maintained in your file. • You will be responsible for the cost of doing the background check. • The results will be mailed to church and will be filed in your folder.

  8. Occasional Workers Prior to service and annually must complete: • Questionnaire • Including contact information for 3 references Must be paired with a Regular Worker Must not be left alone with or in charge of children or youth

  9. Youth Workers Prior to service and annually must: • Have two recommendations from or interviews by non-related adults. • Complete Participation Covenant • Attend training that at least covers how to appropriately interact with children. Must always be supervised by an adult. Must never be left alone with a child or youth.

  10. Who Decides and How • Case-by-case at the discretion of SPRC • Convictions that disqualify a volunteer: Crimes of violence involving a family member or child, abuse or sexual abuse. Crimes requiring registration on or reporting to a sex offender website. • Limited number of staff or volunteers assist. • Strive to maintain confidentiality of personal, sensitive information, but not guaranteed. • Appeals can be made to senior pastor, whose decision is final.

  11. 2 Adult Rule Exceptions: • Emergency • Window/open door and hall monitor • Window/open door for a short time

  12. Sign In and Sign Out • Elementary and Younger: Parent’s sign in and out Permission forms are available for older sibling or designated adult to sign in or out. • Middle School: If requested • High School None It is recommended that youth sign themselves in for all activities.

  13. Offsite Youth Activities • Two Adult Rule Conform as much as possible. Depending on nature, duration, and location of activity • Sleeping No-coed rooms. 2 adults or adults and youth separated. Adults and youth in separate beds. Transgender rooms if requested • Driving Approved workers. 2 non-related adults or caravan. Wait for parents outside vehicle. Cell phones. There will be additional training prior to trips and events

  14. Ratios Recommended adult-to-child ratios: • Infants and toddlers: 1 to 3 • Elementary: 1 to 5 • Middle school: 1 to 7 • High School: 1 to 8 • Community Events: Reasonable supervision. Parents or guardians are expected to provide supervision to the Children and Youth attending the event.

  15. Appropriate Contact • Some physical contact is appropriate and needed. • Appropriate place • Appropriate manner • Especially if child/youth initiates.

  16. Reporting and Responding • State law requires reporting, even if not sure. CC Dept. Of Social Services 410-386-3434 www.dhr.state.md.us • BWC Policy (Para. 2820) • Separate alleged victim and accused. • Notify direct supervisor. • Notify senior pastor, unless he/she is involved. • Incident report and cooperate with investigation. • Maintain confidentiality. *This information will be provided in your leadership materials.

  17. BWC UMC Requirements • Provide signed document yearly verifying compliance. • Check the U.S. Department of Justice National Sex Offender Public Registry Website twice a year. • Maintain records.

  18. Quiz – this is your training documentation • Please take a few moments to complete the quiz. • Be sure you include your name and today’s date.

  19. Thank You • Your service and your love are very much appreciated and very important in the lives of our children and youth. • “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” Matthew 18:5 NRSV

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