Wesley Freedom’s Abuse Prevention Policy Safe Sanctuary Wesley Freedom’s Abuse Prevention Policy

Safe Sanctuary is grounded in Scripture Mark 9:37  “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.” Baptismal Promise Will you nurture one another in the Christian faith and life and include these persons now before you in your care? 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 service to others. We will pray for them, that they may be true disciples who walk in the way that leads to life.

Safe Sanctuary is a “social structure that is consistent with the gospel” (Book of Discipline) allowing our sanctuaries, classrooms, mission encounters, camps and retreats, and all spaces where we gather to worship and serve God to be places of trust. As the church, we want to offer grace, peace and acceptance to all people, and it is vital that we create healthy boundaries and accountability in our congregations.

Safe Sanctuary is intended to protect: Our children, youth and vulnerable adults All workers, paid or volunteer who work with our children, youth and vulnerable adults Our church, church resources and ministries

Role of Parents and Congregation Need our entire community of faith to work together to protect our children, youth and vulnerable adults. 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.

Initial Requirements for Regular Workers 6 month attendance Prior to service complete: Questionnaire Participation Covenant Training 3 Completed Reference Forms Background check authorization form

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

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.

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.

Occasional Workers Prior to serving 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.

Youth Workers Prior to serving and annually must: Have two recommendations from non-related adults or interview with the program director. 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.

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.

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

Sign In and Sign Out Elementary and Younger: Parents 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.

Driving Driving children and youth is a great responsibility. Driver must be at least 25 years of age. Driver must have a driving background check. Driver must have a current license and insurance. Drivers are responsible for letting Safe Sanctuary Administrator, Youth Director or Pastor know if their license becomes suspended or revoked.

Offsite Youth Activities Two Adult Rule 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

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

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.

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.

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.

Guidelines for Cyber Safety Receive parental/guardian permission Never post easily identifiable information online Limit individual communications with children, youth, and vulnerable adults Use safety measures for sharing photos electronically Use safety measures for using social networking sites Don’t post church emergencies using social media

Emergency Procedures For ALL emergencies Keep your attendance with you at all times. Bring sign in sheet or notebook with you. A calm non-anxious presence is needed especially during an emergency Keep children calm and be reassuring DO NOT USE SOCIAL MEDIA TO POST DURING AN EMERGENCY All communication will be handled through the Church Office

Fire Drill/Fire Alarm If the fire alarm goes off, exit the building using the closes exit and go to the cemetery area. Line up with your group/class Take attendance and notify the Director of Children and Family Ministries, The Sunday School Superintendent or Director of Youth Ministries if you are missing anyone, this includes adults and youth. Notify the person in charge if you have anyone extra. Do not re-enter the building for any reason until we have been given the all clear.

Tornado or Weather Event You will be asked to move your group to an interior space: Bathrooms, Music Room, Resource Room, Chapel, the interior basement room in the Youth Center. Follow the attendance procedure. Remain in place until we have been given the all clear.

Lock Down You will be asked to lock down in place. Close the blinds, lock or barricade the door with paper and gather students to an area away from windows. Follow attendance procedure. A staff member will lock down the choir room door, main office door and close and lock both sets of doors in the Education Wing. Remain in place until you are given the all clear.

Lock Down, continued If the danger is inside the building, follow the lock down procedures and use best judgement. There is an Emergency intercom system for the Education/ EYLC Hallway

Evacuation If we are asked to evacuate for a specific emergency (i.e. a gas leak) please use the fire emergency procedure and wait for instructions. We may move to Freedom Church or if necessary walk to St. Joseph’s Do not re-enter the building for any reason and wait until we have been given the all clear.

Quiz – your training documentation Please take a few minutes to complete the quiz Be sure you include your name and today’s date. If you are attending a training, sign one copy to turn in and one copy for your records

Thank You Your service, love and commitment are very much appreciated and very important in the lives of our children, youth and adults.