1. SAFE SANCTUARY TRAINING SAFE SANCTUARY TRAINING Christ UMC

2. Purpose of a Safe Sanctuary Policy   To provide an environment that is as safe as possible for children and youth who participate in any Christ UMC Ministry  To protect those working/volunteering in a Christ UMC Ministry from false accusations or suspicions  The policy and procedures are not based on a lack of trust in Workers but instead are intended to protect our preschoolers, children, youth, workers, employees, our volunteers, and the entire church body

3. SAFE SANCTUARY DEFINITIONS

4. Definitions of Abuse Verbal Abuse Any verbal act that humiliates, degrades or threatens any child or youth

5. Definitions of Abuse Physical Abuse Any act of omission or an act that endangers a person’s physical or mental health

6. Definitions of Abuse Sexual Abuse The sexual exploitation or use of a child or youth for satisfaction of sexual drives

7. Definitions of Abuse Sexual abuse includes, but is not limited to… –Incest –Rape –Prostitution –Romantic involvement with any participant –Any sexual intercourse, or sexual conduct with, or fondling of an individual –Sexualized behavior that communicates sexual interest and/or content –Examples:  Displaying sexually suggestive visual materials  Making sexual comments or innuendo about one’s own or another person’s body  Touching another person’s body, hair or clothing  Touching or rubbing oneself in the presence of another person  Kissing  Sexual intercourse

8. Definitions used in this Policy Director: the person in charge of a Ministry For the following areas of Ministry, the Director is identified as: For the following areas of Ministry, the Director is identified as: –Family Ministry: Jori Kennedy –Youth Ministry: Mike Niswander –Music Ministry: Rev. Don McAvoy –Media Ministry: Zach Castillo **Clergy shall be an acceptable substitute for a “Director” who is not available

9. Definitions used in this Policy Ministry(ies): shall mean on campus, or church sponsored off- campus activities or programs, involving Protected Persons, including but not limited to those related to child care, pre-school, district and conference events, mission trips, Sunday school, and Bible studies. Ministry(ies): shall mean on campus, or church sponsored off- campus activities or programs, involving Protected Persons, including but not limited to those related to child care, pre-school, district and conference events, mission trips, Sunday school, and Bible studies.

10. Definitions used in this Policy Protected Person(s) Protected Person(s) children and/or youth, under the age of 18, participating in any Ministry

11. Definitions used in this Policy Worker(s): a person in a “position of trust” with Protected Persons such as any clergy, staff, Sunday School leader or teacher, employee, program director, youth counselor, and any other person in a leadership or volunteer position, who is at least eighteen (18) years old and involved in a ministry Worker(s): a person in a “position of trust” with Protected Persons such as any clergy, staff, Sunday School leader or teacher, employee, program director, youth counselor, and any other person in a leadership or volunteer position, who is at least eighteen (18) years old and involved in a ministry

12. SAFE SANCTUARY Part 1 Appropriate/Inappropriate Behavior

13. Q&A Section Explanation  At the end of each section, you will find several slides of questions  The purpose of the questions is to help you understand the concepts and how each one applies in ministry  One slide will pose the question  Decide on your answer, then you can check yourself by going to the next slide

14. Prohibited Behavior Do not under any circumstance…  Participate in behavior outlined in the definitions of abuse  Threaten or intentionally inflict emotional or physical injury  Commit any sexual offense or engage in any sexual contact  Make any kind of sexual advance or make a request for sexual favors  Engage in verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature, e.g. back rubs  Give massages, kiss, or any similar contact  Use physical discipline such as spanking

15. Appropriate Touch Touching to comfort or affirm a Protected Person in an age- appropriate manner is permitted. Appropriate touching need not be completely avoided, but is acceptable only in public. Workers shall be aware of how it looks and how the person being contacted may interpret the contact. Touching to comfort or affirm a Protected Person in an age- appropriate manner is permitted. Appropriate touching need not be completely avoided, but is acceptable only in public. Workers shall be aware of how it looks and how the person being contacted may interpret the contact.

16. QUESTION If a child misbehaves is a Worker allowed to spank him/her?

17. ANSWER If a child misbehaves are you allowed to spank him/her? NO. The Director of the ministry will assist you in the appropriate disciplinary actions/policy for the age level

18. QUESTION If a young child comes and hugs you are you allowed to hug him/her?

19. ANSWER If a young child comes and hugs you are you allowed to hug him/her? YES. As long as you are in public and the hug is not sexual in nature

20. QUESTION Is it appropriate to rub a kid’s back?

21. ANSWER Maybe. It could be appropriate when comforting a child/youth. It could also be appropriate in “circle back rubs” when everyone in the group may be participating. Be sure you are in public, there are other adults around and it does not appear in any form or fashion to be sexual in nature. If you are in a situation which you are unsure, better to be safe than sorry.

22. QUESTION Should a K-6 th grader be allowed to sit in your lap?

23. ANSWER Should a K-6 th grader be allowed to sit in your lap? This age group will most likely naturally outgrow wanting to sit in your lap. In the younger age group it would be appropriate for a child to sit in your lap while reading a book. Always be in public and think about how it will be viewed by parents and other children.

24. QUESTION Are side hugs, high fives and pats on the back appropriate?

25. ANSWER Yes. We want to encourage and affirm our children and youth. Side hugs, high fives and pats on the back are good ways to do this.

26. QUESTION If you volunteer to help in a ministry in which your child is participating, are you allowed to spank your own child?

27. ANSWER No. You must adhere to Safe Sanctuary guidelines during any church ministry.

28. SAFE SANCTUARY Part 2 Volunteer Application and Screening

29. Application & Screening Requirements to Volunteer:  Complete the training  Complete a Safe Sanctuary Application online www.christ- umc.org/resources www.christ- umc.org/resourceswww.christ- umc.org/resources  The church will run a confidential criminal background check yearly

30. Training Safe Sanctuary training is only required once. However, we encourage you to review it every two years, or if it has been over a year since you have volunteered. The ministry leaders will review the policy with you periodically as well.

31. Approval/Disapproval The Ministries of Christ UMC only occur because of the dedication and service of our volunteers. It is our intention to allow as many people as possible the opportunity to serve; but it is most important to maintain the safe environment for all activities.

32. Approval/Disapproval The determination of whether a particular crime is serious enough to result in Christ UMC disapproving an applicant shall be made by Christ UMC in its sole discretion. Without in any way limiting those crimes which Christ UMC may determine to be serious, the following examples are guidelines.

33. Approval/Disapproval Persons having a criminal history of any of the following types of offenses shall not be allowed to serve in any ministry with children and youth: Child abuse, whether physical, emotional, sexual, or neglectful Child abuse, whether physical, emotional, sexual, or neglectful Violent offenses, including murder, rape, assault, domestic violence, etc. Violent offenses, including murder, rape, assault, domestic violence, etc. A drug related conviction within the five (5) years immediately prior to application A drug related conviction within the five (5) years immediately prior to application DUI or DWI conviction within the five (5) years immediately prior to application shall not be allowed to act as a driver DUI or DWI conviction within the five (5) years immediately prior to application shall not be allowed to act as a driver

34. Approval/Disapproval Other offenses, depending on how recent, the frequency, and nature may also preclude an applicant or Worker from serving in a Ministry. This will be determined on a case-by- case basis by the Director.

35. QUESTION May a person with a drug related conviction serve as a volunteer with children or youth? May a person with a drug related conviction serve as a volunteer with children or youth?

36. ANSWER Not within 5 years following the conviction. The Ministry Director must also feel very confident that this person is clean and healthy enough to serve.

37. QUESTION May a person with a DUI or DWI conviction serve as a volunteer with children or youth? May a person with a DUI or DWI conviction serve as a volunteer with children or youth?

38. ANSWER This person will not be allowed to volunteer as a driver within 5 years of a conviction. As with a drug conviction or any other conviction, it will be the Ministry Director’s discretion as to whether any person is ready to serve.

39. QUESTION What are the three things everyone must do in order to qualify to volunteer with children and youth? What are the three things everyone must do in order to qualify to volunteer with children and youth?

40. ANSWER 1. 1. Complete Safe Sanctuary Training 2. 2. Submit a Volunteer Application online 3. 3. Email or turn in a copy of your driver’s license and auto insurance to Kay Villasana in the church office

41. SAFE SANCTUARY Part 3 General Policy Supervision

42. 2 Worker Rule Workers shall observe the “2 Worker Rule” (2 workers per classroom, 2 workers within line of sight when outdoors or large meeting areas) Exceptions to this rule include: –Escorting Protected Persons between on- campus buildings or in hallways –Monitoring the arrival or departure of Protected Persons –In cases of emergency care

43. 2 Worker Rule There may be times when you will need to combine groups or help recruit more volunteers in order to ensure the “2 worker rule” is in place at all times

44. Buddy System Please instruct children/youth to use the buddy system at all times

45. Clear Sight Lines Clear Sight Lines - There should be unobstructed visibility to all activities where children and youth are present  If the classroom door does not have a window, keep the door open  One-to-one mentoring or consulting shall be conducted in sight of another leader  Understanding that there is safety in numbers, one leader can be in contact with multiple protected persons when they are in sight of the other leaders

46. Supervision A Director may obtain parent permission on a case-by-case basis for situations not covered specifically in the Safe Sanctuary Policy

47. Supervision Violations To keep everyone safe… If at any time you see that proper supervision is not in place immediately report it to the Director If at any time you observe supervision rules being broken immediately notify the Director

48. Driving  Workers shall be 21 years old or over to drive with a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance  A copy of a current Operators Driver’s License and proof of insurance must be on file in the Church office  A Worker may “pick up” or “drop off” a youth at his/her home provided permission has been given by the parent  Drivers shall: –Not drive more than eight (8) hours in a twenty-four (24) hour period –Have complete charge of passengers regarding the proper observance of rules of safety and conduct –Consent to a random drug test if requested  When one vehicle is used for an event, the two-adult rule applies  When multiple vehicles are used for an event, a single Worker may drive if all the vehicles travel together  Occupants of vehicles shall wear seatbelts

49. Overnight & Trip Rules  The two-adult rule shall be followed throughout the trip  If the group of Protected Persons contains both males and females, there shall be at least one (1) female Worker and one (1) male Worker on the trip  At events that require overnight accommodations: –Workers shall sleep in separate rooms from children/youth –Or if necessary for children/youth to share a room with a leader, leaders shall sleep in separate beds from children/youth –Any one leader shall not be alone with any one child/youth

50. Additional Policies with Youth  Planned one-on-one Worker/youth lunches: –Hold in public places, or at church during other calendar events –Obtain the parent’s permission –Notify the youth director –Take separate transportation

51. Diaper Changing and Bathrooms  Diaper changing shall be done in the open and not behind closed doors  For rooms that have attached bathrooms, a Worker may assist a Protected Person in the bathroom, while keeping the door at least partially open, while having due regard for the privacy of the Protected Person  Workers shall periodically check the bathrooms

52. QUESTION Is it okay for a Worker to sleep in a hotel room or camp cabin with more than one child or youth?

53. ANSWER Is it okay for a Worker to sleep in a hotel room with more than one child or youth? Yes. A Worker may not, however, be alone with any one child/youth.

54. QUESTION Is it okay for a leader/volunteer to be the only adult in a vehicle with one child?

55. ANSWER No.

56. QUESTION Is it okay for a leader/volunteer to be the only adult in a vehicle with several children?

57. ANSWER Yes. ONLY IF there are multiple cars traveling together. If you are the only car going to a destination, you need to have 2 Workers.

58. QUESTION Is it okay to walk a child from point A to point B on the church campus?

59. ANSWER Yes. Be sure to stay in public areas.

60. QUESTION If only one nursery worker shows up, can child care be provided?

61. ANSWER We must have 2 Workers in order to provide child care. If a safe sanctuary approved volunteer is available he/she may be recruited to help. If a second worker cannot be found we cannot provide child care.

62. QUESTION If a child needs help in the bathroom does a second adult have to observe the adult and child? Does the door need to remain open?

63. ANSWER No. A second adult is not necessary. You will need to leave the door open and stand in such a way to protect the child’s privacy.

64. QUESTION How many workers should be in each room during Sunday school or any other event where children break up into age-level or small groups?

65. ANSWER At least TWO.

66. QUESTION If you are teaching a Sunday school class and the second worker does not show up, what should you do?

67. ANSWER 1. You may find a substitute (possibly a parent of one of the children in the class). Be sure this person is Safe Sanctuary approved. 2. Or combine with another class. 3. Or have 2 classes meet in a common larger room (such as the youth room, BiG House, or the Fellowship Hall, etc.) so that multiple leaders are within clear sight lines.

68. QUESTION If there is an emergency in a classroom, can one worker stay in the classroom?

69. ANSWER Yes. In the case of an emergency the workers may temporarily be alone with children/youth in order to handle the emergency appropriately.

70. QUESTION How old do you have to be in order to drive children/youth during a church event?

71. ANSWER Drivers must be 21, have a valid driver’s license and proof of current auto insurance.

72. QUESTION Can you drive a child/youth to an event or home from an event?

73. ANSWER Yes, as long as you have the parent’s permission. Be sure to talk to the parent yourself as opposed to a child/youth saying, “My mom said it’s okay.”

74. QUESTION What is the policy for changing diapers?

75. ANSWER Change the child’s diaper in the open, not behind close doors. Do stand in such a way to provide privacy for the child.

76. QUESTION A youth volunteer invites a youth to a planning lunch at a local restaurant. Can they go?

77. ANSWER Yes, if… 1. A parent gives permission 2. The Youth Director is notified 3. They take separate transportation

78. QUESTION When the Boy Scouts use the youth room at Christ UMC, does Safe Sanctuary apply?

79. ANSWER Yes. Outside groups who use Christ UMC facilities must sign that they are in compliance with Safe Sanctuary or they have a similar policy in place.

80. SAFE SANCTUARY Part 4 Reporting an Incident

81. Reporting an Incident  If you observe a violation of Safe Sanctuary Policy, you are required to report the incident to the Director  If the incident involves the Director you may report the incident to his/her supervisor

82. Reporting an Incident  The Director (or Supervisor) will help you complete an Incident Report (Appendix D of the Safe Sanctuary Policy)  If the incident includes suspected or visible abuse, we are required to call Child Protective Services (800-252-5400)  Document the date and time of all conversations on the Incident Report  The Director will forward the Incident Report to the Senior Clergy and the Lay leader, who will follow the Safe Sanctuary Investigation Guidelines

83. QUESTION If you suspect the Safe Sanctuary policy has been violated, to whom do you report the violation?

84. ANSWER The Ministry Director or if the violation involves the Director, report to the Director’s supervisor.

85. QUESTION How do you document a violation of Safe Sanctuary policy or suspected abuse?

86. ANSWER You will fill out an Incident Report Form. You can get a form from the Director or any staff member. The form is Appendix D of the Safe Sanctuary Policy.

87. SAFE SANCTUARY Part 5 Responding to Suspected Abuse

88. Responding to an Incident Take all suspected abuse, allegations or reports of abuse seriously and do not prejudge the situation. The following slides will direct you on how to respond in the case of suspected abuse.

89. Responding to the Victim First: Asses the physical needs of the child/youth. As needed, provide emergency healthcare 1. First aid 2. Emergency services 3. Hospital emergency room Second: Notify the parents or other legally responsible adult Third: Offer and provide pastoral resources as needed. Show care and support to prevent further hurt

90. Responding to the Victim When a child/youth shares an incident with you a good immediate response is... “Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me.” or simply, “Thank you for telling me.”  Do not try to investigate or counsel the victim!  Be sure the child is safe, report the facts to the Director and file an Incident Report  Whether an incident happens during a ministry event or a child tells you about an incident in the past or at a non-church event, we are required to report ANY suspected abuse

91. Responding to the Accused First: Secure the safety of the child or youth Second: Remove the accused from any further contact with children or youth. Treat the accused with dignity and support. Third: Refer him/her to one of the pastors to provide pastoral care to the accused and his/her family.

92. Protecting all involved If an incident occurs, people will talk and they will want to know what happened. PLEASE respect and protect the victim and the accused from the “rumor mill”. Gossip and rumors will harm the victim and the accused. It may also impede the investigation. We must keep the Incident Report CONFIDENTIAL!

93. Protecting all Involved Think this way… If you were being accused or if your child was a victim, how would you want others to handle the situation? Confidentiality is absolutely imperative!! For all those involved and for the integrity of the ongoing investigation

94. Responding to the Media If the Media requests a statement or information …  Refer them to the Senior Pastor This is to protect you, the victim, the accused and the church community.

95. QUESTION In the event of an incident while you are volunteering, what is the first thing you should do?

96. ANSWER Tend to the physical needs of the child/youth. Is he/she physically hurt? Does he/she need first aid? Does someone need to take the child to the hospital or does someone need to call 911?

97. QUESTION What should you do about the accused? How should you treat the accused?

98. QUESTION 1. Be sure the accused does not have further contact with children/youth. 2. Treat him/her with respect and dignity. 3. Do not prejudge the situation.

99. Thank you!!  The ministry of Christ UMC cannot happen without you.  Thank you for taking the time to do this training and even more so for volunteering to make a difference in a child’s life.  Safe Sanctuary can be tedious, but remember it is all to ensure a safe environment for our children, students, and YOU.

100. Safe Sanctuary Authorization Safe Sanctuary Authorization You have now completed the training! Congratulations! The next slide will direct you to completing the necessary steps.

101. Safe Sanctuary Checklist Training completed Training completed  Application – go to www.christ- umc.org/resources www.christ- umc.org/resourceswww.christ- umc.org/resources - You will find the online Safe Sanctuary Volunteer Application. - The application includes a release of information for the church to run a yearly criminal background check. This requires your driver’s license number - The information received will be held in confidence and used only for Safe Sanctuary

102. Safe Sanctuary Checklist We will need a copy of your driver’s license* and auto insurance on file in the church office. You may either…  Scan your documents and email them to KayVillasana@christ-umc.org KayVillasana@christ-umc.org  Bring a copy of your documents to Kay Villasana in the church office *We must have your driver’s license to run the background check and complete the process.

103. Once again…  Go to http://www.christ- umc.org/#/resources/safe-sanctuary to fill out the Safe Sanctuary Application http://www.christ- umc.org/#/resources/safe-sanctuaryhttp://www.christ- umc.org/#/resources/safe-sanctuary  Scan and email or turn in a copy of your driver’s license and auto insurance  You will not be authorized to work with youth/children until these steps are completed Thank you!

104. Confirmation Email When your file is complete and you have been approved for Safe Sanctuary, you will receive a confirmation email If you do not receive this email, please call Kay Villasana at 690-4673