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Epworth United Methodist Church 2102 Epworth Drive Huntsville, Al 35811
SAFE SANCTUARY/CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
The Church is called to welcome and nurture the child. Our goal is to maintain a safe, secure, loving place where children may grow and where those who care for them may administer to their needs in responsible ways. The 1996 General Conference approved a resolution that called upon local churches and annual conferences to institute policies and procedures to reduce the risk of child sexual abuse in our churches and church-related activities. We, in the North Alabama Conference, accept the nature of this call and seek to expand it to include all forms of child abuse or neglect that could be possible in these settings or that could come to our attention regarding children in our care. We uphold the idea that to report abuse is to be a witness to the world of the love and justice of God and fully recognize that reporting abuse is a form of ministering to the needs of those crying out for help. Simply to report abuse can help to stop existing and prevent further abuse. As caring Christians, we are also committed to protect children from sexual abuse, child molestation, or any type of inappropriate sexual behavior. To achieve that goal, EUMC is committed to advocate for children, youth, and vulnerable adults participating in the life of the church, at all levels of its organization, is entrusted with the responsibility of providing an emotionally and physically safe, spiritually grounded, healthy environment for children, youth, and adults in which they are protected from abuse. Additionally, we care for abused children and their families by offering resources that will contribute to healing. Further, we recognize the grace that God gives in upholding Christian community; and we will look for grace-filled ways of dealing with both the victim and the accused.
C. DEFINITIONS
Also, any sexual activity with a child, whether in the home or by a caretaker, in a day-care situation, in any organized ministry, whether at the main facility (church) or away, or in any other setting, including on the street by a person unknown to the child. The abuser may be an adult, an adolescent, or another child. Violent or non-violent includes fondling; penetration of the oral, genital, and anal areas; intercourse, and rape, verbal comments; any exposure to pornographic materials; inappropriate Internet activity; obscene phone calls; sexualized text messaging; exhibitionism; or allowing children to witness sexual activity.
D. SCREENING PROCEDURES AND POLICIES The policy and procedure set forth below shall apply to all employees of EUMC. Also they shall apply to all volunteers who give supervision or have custody of minors or who have opportunity to have contact with minors in church facilities or church sponsored activities. Screening Procedures. All employees, all active persons who intend to work with children at Epworth-sponsored events must be properly screened and all screening documents kept on file. 1. Complete a confidential application form. If you are under 18 years old, please fill out references and contact information on volunteer application. 2. If you are over 18, complete an agreement authorizing national criminal background check. This background check must be updated every three years. 3. Complete orientation/training on child protection and abuse. Documentation of this training will be kept on file. 4. New employees must be interviewed by the appropriate staff member and references must be checked. 5. In addition to the above requirements, a volunteer must be a member of Epworth United Methodist Church, or regular attendee, for at least six (6) months. A volunteer who does not meet these membership requirements may serve only upon approval of the Pastor. References must be provided and checked. 6. In addition to the above requirements a minor (under age 18) who is an employee or volunteer must also submit a separate certification from his or her parent or guardian that the parent or guardian “knows no reason why the minor should not be allowed to work directly or indirectly with other minors.” Minors should NEVER be allowed to supervise children without constant adult supervision and must be at least five (5) years older than the age group with whom they are to work. E. SUPERVISORY PROCEDURES AND POLICY1. All persons must be at least five (5) years older than the age group with whom they are to work. 2. Six month rule: Any volunteer working with must be a member of Epworth United Methodist Church, or regular attendee, for at least six (6) months. A volunteer who does not meet these membership requirements may serve only upon approval of the appropriate age-group minister. References must be provided and checked. 3. Two Adult Rule: Two non-related adults must always be present with children except in emergency situations and where not reasonably feasible. When the two-adult rule is not feasible, an adult supervisor will be required to spot check and make unannounced visits as necessary. Reasonable effort shall be made to assure that one adult is not left alone with one minor, including transportation of a minor. A husband and wife working the same room will be considered as one adult for purposes of this policy. 4. Doors are to remain unlocked. Doors are to remain open unless equipped with windows. 5. Volunteers are to wear nametags. 6. Employees and volunteers will avoid being alone with a child without being visible to others in the immediate surroundings. If you find yourself alone with a child, you should take the child and move immediately to an area where other adults are present. If you find yourself alone with a child, you should call one of the emergency contacts and ask them to come immediately to stay with you until another adult can be present or the child is picked-up. The emergency contact numbers are located at..... 7. All Employees and Volunteers will be required to comply with all of the Safe Sanctuary Child Protection Policy (SSCPP) policies during any Epworth United Methodist Church sponsored activities. 8. All Employees and Volunteers will be required to comply with all SSCPP during Epworth United Methodist Church sponsored within town activities and /or over-night activities. In addition, all participants should have written parental consent and a notarized medical release form. Consent forms attach may be completed for a one-year period and should be renewed annually. All consent forms will be considered valid until renewed. 9. All Employees and Volunteers shall be required to comply with all of Epworth United Methodist Church policies including, but not limited to, those set forth in this SSCPP during the Epworth Methodist Church sponsored out-of-town activities. In addition, all participants should have written parental consent and a notarized medical release form. Consent forms may be completed for a one-year period and should be renewed annually. All consent forms will be considered valid until renewed. F. POTTY POLICY Nursery – diaper changing procedures –
1. When changing diapers the person changing the child should wear gloves on both hands, and have another adult in visible sight watching the process.
2. Make sure to place a paper liner under the child to protect the changing area and wash both hands after every change. Dispose of the diaper in a concealed container along with wipes that has a covered top with a latch.
3. Preschool age children should be provided as much privacy as possible, but when assistance is needed the child should be helped with another adult watching.
4. Elementary age children should be taken to the bathroom by an adult who stands outside the bathroom within hearing distance. If a child needs to go to the bathroom then more than one child must be escorted or the whole group can travel together.
5. When you are off site in a public area, the bathrooms should be checked by an adult before the children are allowed to go in, and the adult should remain in the bathroom area with the children while providing the children as much privacy as possible.
6. Youth should travel to the restroom together in pairs or groupings. When off site an adult should check the public restrooms before the youth enter the facilities. Adults should keep an eye on the restroom while providing the youth as much privacy as possible. G. RATIOS OF ADULTS TO KIDS 1. Provide manageable ratios of adults to children for a fairly close gender equivalency to participants. One adult to every 5 elementary age children One adult to every 5-7 sixth through eighth grader One adult to every 6-8 ninth through twelfth grader H. TRANSPORTATION OF YOUTH TO EVENTS Whenever possible, an employee should not be alone with a child in a car. If they are transporting children/youth, they need to have a copy of the medical permission form in order to provide that to the doctor in case of emergency. Everyone must wear a seatbelt. No one less than 85 pounds may sit in the front seat. Those adults transporting children and youth to events must submit to a driving record check as well as all other requirements for volunteering with children/youth required by this SCPP. If a charter bus is used, the chartering company must have background checks on their drivers. I. HOTEL AND LODGING: 1. Most youth or children’s areas have a cabin style room with multiple bunk beds. The adults should stay with the youth in this setting because of numerous observers available.
J. OUTSIDE GROUPS MEETING IN EUMC FACILITIES Outside groups using Epworth facilities must abide by this EUMC Safe Sanctuary Policy. In order to use the facility, a representative of that group must review and agree to comply with this Child Protection Policy.
K. SAFE SANCTUARY TRAINING L. MEDICAL Travel with a first aide kit, and attempt to arrange someone who is certified in CPR to be present with the group. Organize a plan of action for an emergency situation. If there is a nurse or doctor present that is your first line of defense followed by 911. Once a nurse and 911 have been located then the supervisor in charge will notify the children’s/youth’s parents. Wait for the ambulance driver to tell you which hospital they are taking the child or you to, and have that information available for the parents. If you are off site identify the nearest medical facility and be aware of people who are able to assist a child or youth in need of medical attention. M. INTERNET POLICY Youth and children have great affinities and knowledge of the newest technology and how to use it! As adults responsible for their well-being, we must be knowledgeable about technology to protect our children. Don’t post photos of the children or youth members without parents' permission. Youth and children should not post pictures from conference events on their social networking sites. A good idea is to have one person responsible for taking photos, then making and distributing CDs for youth group event attendees. Youth and children could possibly manipulate pictures they make in a harmful manner, so responsible adult awareness and supervision is crucial. Get prior written permission from parents to communicate with children or youth by E-mail, cell phone, instant message, or text. If you E-mail your youth, make sure to blind carbon copy and send a copy to the youth's parents. Send messages at appropriate times—youth or children in school shouldn't be distracted by reading your text messages. 1. Online communication with people not personally known should never take place 2. Never give out personal information or identification 3. Stick to web sites you are personally knowledgeable about 4. Tell an adult if someone online makes you uncomfortable or asks to meet you in person 5. Never share your passwords except with your parents 6. Never agree to meet personally with someone you only know from online communication 7. Only accept friends that you know personally on social networking sites 8. Don’t respond to technology contact from strangers 9. Stay out of online chat rooms 10. Alter pictures of yourself so that school uniform, church logo, or any other any identifying information is not visible before posting T. REPORTING PROCEDURESIn keeping with Christian beliefs that children should not be abused or neglected, Epworth will comply with the North Alabama Conference practice of voluntary compliance with the Alabama statute on mandated reporting of suspected abuse/neglect of children and vulnerable adults. We as a faith community encourage voluntary reporting. Observed or reported child sexual abuse or child molestation must be reported immediately to the Director of Children’s Ministries, Director of Youth Ministries or the Senior Pastor. If the Senior Pastor is accused of abuse, the Directors of Children’s and Youth Ministries may directly report the incident to the District Superintendent. Allegations of suspected abuse/neglect will be reported to the Department of Human Resources and local law enforcement except in situations where making such a report would conflict with the Discipline of the United Methodist Church. The District Superintendent, communication department of the North Alabama Conference and the Bishop must also be informed. Nothing in the accomplishment of this policy is intended to call upon a pastor to violate the confidentiality of confession or clergy counseling relationships. Only the District Superintendent should speak to the media about any allegations. U. RESPONSE PROCEDURES1. A quick, compassionate and unified response to an alleged incident of child abuse is expected. 2. All allegations will be taken seriously and church staff will take appropriate action in accordance with the laws of the State of Alabama, insurance policy requirement, and based upon advice of legal counsel. 3. Epworth personnel and members are not to undertake an investigation of the incident. However, in all cases of reported or observed abuse in a children’s activity, the entire staff (paid and volunteer) shall be at the service of all official investigating agencies. 4. The official spokesperson for the church in any of these matters will be the District Superintendent or the Bishop. No other employees, volunteers, or church members shall speak to the media on behalf of EUMC. 5. The church staff will document (in writing, with date and signature) all efforts in the handling of any incident using the attached Incident Report Form. 6. The church staff will not deny, minimize, or blame any individual involved in allegations. Epworth United Methodist Church staff will minister to all involved, as well as cooperate with authorities. V. CONCLUSIONIn view of the fact that people’s lives can be greatly affected, we will keep a Christian perspective on how the church portrays the incident to the community and let the law decide the opinions of truth. We will show respect to both parties and as a community we make a covenant at Epworth UMC to keep these matters private and provide respect and privacy that the accused and accuser both so rightly deserve.
W. AMENDMENT OF POLICYThe Senior Pastor in conjunction with the Chairperson of the Safe Sanctuary Committee may amend these policies upon 30 days notice to the SPRC. X. EFFECTIVE DATEMarch 7, 2010
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