Safe Sanctuaries Policies
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United Methodist churches have historically worked to assure that children were provided food, clothing, education and an affirmation of value and self-worth. At FUMC LaGrange, we believe all people should be able to find unconditional love and care so we can grow and thrive as faithful people of God.
The Safe Sanctuary policies and procedures of the United Methodist Church were established in 1996 and are updated and re-affirmed at General Conference every four years. The policies aim to ensure protection and safety of all the children, youth & vulnerable adults who walk through our doors, as well as all volunteers and employed workers. |
Procedures at FUMC LaGrange
The “Two Adult Rule”
Screening
Sunday School Teacher Training
Childcare
Sunday School Policies
- We require two adults, preferably unrelated, be present in each classroom/gathering of children or youth.
- When a situation arises where an adult and child/youth are alone briefly in a classroom, we require there to be an uncovered window in the door.
- When a meeting is scheduled between an adult and one youth, it will be with the parent approval and in a public meeting spot.
Screening
- We screen and check references for all paid employees, including clergy, who have significant contact with children and youth, and vulnerable adults.
- We screen all volunteer workers for any position involving work with children and youth, including authorized criminal record/background checks.
- A volunteer must be associated with our church for at least six months before being considered for Sunday School work with children and youth.
Sunday School Teacher Training
- We train all volunteer and paid workers annually to understand the nature of child abuse and their role in reporting.
- We offer CPR training periodically at no cost to all Sunday School teachers and youth workers, as well as to paid employees of our children’s programs.
Childcare
- Children in our childcare room will always be supervised by at least two trained childcare workers.
- Parents will be notified whenever workers are younger than 18.
Sunday School Policies
- We require all classroom doors be locked when classes are held and two teachers are present to prevent entrance by an intruder.
- We require registration forms for each child in Sunday School to be kept in a binder in each classroom for teacher access. These forms indicate where parents can be found in case of emergency during Sunday School times and also list any health issues or allergies.
- A parent, legal guardian or authorized adult must sign out children (4th grade and younger) from all church-related programs (including Sunday School, choir rehearsals and childcare). Infants and toddlers must be signed in as well.
- Youth 5th grade and older are dismissed from Sunday School and youth events to find their parents at a pre-determined location.
With questions, please contact Pastor Cerna ([email protected]), Children's Minister Peggy ([email protected]),
or Youth Minister Hattie ([email protected])
or Youth Minister Hattie ([email protected])