Background of the Policy
· General Conference mandate of 1996 requires all United Methodist Churches to implement policies and procedures to make sure no harm comes to those under the age of 18 or adults who cannot care for themselves while they are in our care and ministry. Mount Carmel began planning and implementing out policy in 1997.
What our church should do to be a Safe Sanctuary Church
· As a Christian community of faith and a United Methodist congregation, you should:
1. Screen paid and volunteer workers including but not limited to:
Sunday School teachers, VBS volunteers, Youth leaders, Nursery workers,
preschool workers, scout leaders and any adults that lead programs that
use the church facility involving children and/or youth.
2. Implement prudent operational procedures in all programs and events.
3. Train all paid and volunteer workers regarding policies and procedures.
4. Report suspected incidents of child or vulnerable adult abuse immediately
according to Georgia state law.
Our Purpose
Mount Carmel’s purpose for establishing the Child Abuse Prevention Policy and accompanying procedures is to demonstrate our absolute and unwavering commitment to the physical safety and spiritual growth of all our children and youth and vulunerable adults.
Statement of Covenant
Therefore, as a Christian community of faith and a United Methodist congregation, we pledge to conduct the ministry of the gospel in ways that assure that the safety and spiritual growth of all of our children and youth as well as workers with children and youth and vulunerable adults.
¨ We will follow reasonable safety measures in the selection and recruitment of workers.
¨ We will implement prudent operational procedures in all programs and events.
¨ We will educate all workers with children and youth regarding use of appropriate policies and methods.
¨ We will have a clearly defined procedure for reporting a suspected incident of abuse that conforms to the requirement of state law.
· Suspected incidents of abuse are reported immediately to one of the following persons: Safe Sanctuary Coordinator, Senior Pastor, Children’s Director
· Incident is documented
· Department of Family and Children’s Services is notified.
· North Georgia Conference is notified of incident
Mount Carmel United Methodist Church
Participation Covenant Statement
The congregation of Mount Carmel United Methodist Church is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all children, youth, vulnerable adults and volunteers who participate in ministries and activities sponsored by the church. The following policy statement reflects our congregation’s commitment to preserving this church as a holy place of safety and protection for all who would enter and as a place in which all people can experience the love of God through relationships with others.
1. No adult who has been convicted of child abuse (either sexual abuse, physical abuse, or emotional abuse) should volunteer to work with children or youth in any church-sponsored activity or program.
2. Adult volunteers with children and youth will observe the “Not Alone Rule” at all times. The “Not Alone Rule” means that an adult volunteer will not be alone in a room with an individual child or youth at anytime with the door closed. If circumstances require a private conversation with an individual child or youth, another adult should be present.
3. Adult volunteers with children and youth shall attend regular training and educational events provided by the church to keep volunteers informed of church policies and state laws regarding child abuse.
4. Adult volunteers are required by law to immediately report to the Safe Sanctuary Coordinator or a Church staff member any behavior that they think is abusive or inappropriate.
5. Adult volunteers will consent to a criminal background check.
I have read Mount Carmel United Methodist Child Abuse Prevention Policy and Participation Covenant Statement , and I agree to observe and abide by the policies set forth therein.
Signature of Adult Volunteer______
Print full name______
Date______