Safe Sanctuary Training Zion United Methodist Church We

Safe Sanctuary Training Zion United Methodist Church

• We believe that God intends for us to welcome and protect children, vulnerable adults, volunteers, and employees

Holy Baptism • When a child is baptized we make this promise as a congregation: With God's help we will proclaim the good news and live according to the example of Christ, We will surround these persons with a community of love and forgiveness, that they may grow in their trust of God, and be found faithful in their service to others. We will pray for them, that they may be true disciples who walk in the way that lead to life.

REALITY CHECK 1. There are many cases of abuse in churches 2. The church is not exempt 3. There are many costs involved: Victims, Financial, and Ministry

Updated Statistics (American Psychological Association) • Most children are abused by someone they know and trust • 60% of perpetrators – known to the child but NOT a family member • About 30% are family members • Just 10% are strangers to the child. Child pornographers/Abusers who are strangers may make contact with children via the internet • 23% of reported cases are perpetrated by individuals under 18

Our Policies and Procedures are put in place to: • PREVENT Abuse from happening in our congregation

Our Policies and Procedures are put in place to: • HELP Everyone feel safe in disclosing abuse • PROTECT The volunteers and employees that minister to our children, and vulnerable adults

In Order to Comply With the Provisions of Zion’s Safe Sanctuary Policy: • All volunteers and employees who have regular and direct supervision of children or vulnerable adults will: 1. 2. 3. 4. Complete an application and furnish references Undergo a criminal background check Screening will be repeated at least every 3 years for all Volunteers Will receive training on the Provisions of the Safe Sanctuary Policy currently in force for Zion United Methodist Church You are completing the training requirement right now!

The Provisions of the Safe Sanctuary Policy are designed to: • Reduce the possibility of abuse or neglect of children or vulnerable adults and • Protect volunteers and employees from false accusations

What are the Provisions of the Policy? 1. No child or vulnerable adult is to be left unsupervised while participating in a ministry activity. 2. Each room or space where activities occur must be open to public view, i. e. , visible from hallway with open door or have a window

Provisions, con’t 3. Regardless of the group size, at least 2 adults (not spouses) should be present. When this is not possible an adult “Floater” will move between rooms regularly, checking in on each room. 4. Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age and 5 years older than the children with whom they are working

Provisions, Con’t 5. Ministry events involving transportation will require signed permission/ medical authorization from parents or guardians, with a licensed and insured driver. For overnight stays, two leaders must be present. For a mixed gender group, there must be a male and female leader. Church sponsored programs may be visited by parents of participating children and church staff at any time. Contact info must be made available to a church representative. See Paragraph III (G) of ZUMC Safe Sanctuary Policy.

How Do I Recognize Abuse? • Demonstration of Hostility or Aggression • Exaggerated Fear of Adults • Destructive Behaviors • Bruises, Fractures or Burns • Depression • Withdrawal • Advanced Sexual Knowledge

Types of Abuse • Abuse Can be • Emotional • Sexual and/or • Physical

REPORTING SUSPECTED ABUSE • If you > Personally witness an incident of abuse > Hear an allegation of abuse from a child or an adult > Hear someone admit to having abused a child or an adult IT MUST BE REPORTED TO THE SENIOR PASTOR IMMEDIATELY!

Review of Safe Sanctuary Policy • Please read and review the copy of the Zion United Methodist Safe Sanctuary Policy to complete the training. Thank you for your Christian ministry to the children and adults of our congregation.