1. Safe Sanctuaries Training
Pleasant View
United Methodist Church

2. Why Safe Sanctuaries?
This policy is written to provide for the safety of children and youth and to protect workers against false allegations of abuse.

3. Our Commitment
To promote the safety and spiritual growth of all of our children, youth and workers.
To implement prudent operational procedures in all programs and events.
To educate our workers regarding appropriate policies and methods.
To have a clearly defined procedure for reporting suspected abuse that conforms to VA state laws.

4. Pleasant View UMC Safe Sanctuaries Policy
Last reviewed November 2015
In compliance with Holston Conference Resolution requiring all Holston Conference churches to implement a Safe Sanctuaries policy.

5. Background Checks
All staff and volunteers must under go a background check.

6. Six Month Rule
Volunteers should be active in the ministries of Pleasant View UMC for six months prior to volunteering with children or youth.

7. Two Adult Rule
There will be at least two unrelated adults in each setting involving children and youth.
A married couple counts as one adult.

8. Eighteen Age Limit Rule
All staff and volunteers will be over the age of eighteen.
There will be a five year age difference between the volunteer and oldest child or youth.

9. Two Way Radios
Two way radios will be used in each classroom during events for volunteers to communicate as needed.

10. Children’s Wing
The outside entrance to the children’s wing is to be locked when children programs are held on the children’s wing.

11. Door Rule
All rooms used by children and youth should have a window in the door.
If there is no window, doors should be left open.

12. Advanced Notice Rule
Parents/ Guardians will be notified in advance and given complete details for any ministry which takes place off site.

13. Two Driver Rule
There shall be a driver and a co-pilot (who is authorized to drive) anytime children or youth are transported in church owned vehicles.

14. Training Requirements
Annual Safe Sanctuaries Training – is to be provided and attended by staff and volunteers.

15. Training Requirements
First Aid/CPR training will be offered annually.
Staff will be required to be certified in First Aid and CPR.

16. First Aid First Aid Kits – located through out church
AED – located in prayer room
Incident Reports – should be completed

17. Safety Threats
In event of a potential threat to safety of children and youth, all areas where children and youth are located will be locked down and 911 will be called.
Volunteers and staff will devote all attention to the situation.

18. Technology
Parent permission – written parent permission must be give to use children and youth pictures or information on websites and other electronic media.

19. Technology Never post children’s or youth’s identifying information.
This includes names.

20. Technology
Electronic communications with children and youth are to be copied to parents or guardians.

21. Recognizing Child Abuse
Refer to handout

22. Reporting Child Abuse
Volunteers and staff are required to report suspected abuse.
Report to Child Protective Services and Senior Pastor.

23. Questions

24. What is Next? Complete Background Check Form
Complete Participation Covenant
Return all forms to HB or Katherine