Safe Sanctuaries

Safe Sanctuary Policy

Highlands United Methodist Church of Bella Vista, Arkansas

The General Conference of The United Methodist Church, in April 2000, adopted a resolution aimed at eliminating any potential for child sexual abuse in the church. The adopted resolution includes the following statement:

Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes a child welcomes me.” (Matthew 18:5) Children are our present and our future, our hope, our teachers, our inspiration. They are full participants in the life of the church and in the realm of God.

Jesus also said, “If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones…, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6) Our Christian faith calls us to offer both hospitality and protection to the little ones, the children. The Social Principles of the UnitedMethodistChurch state that “…children must be protected from economic, physical and sexual exploitation and abuse.”

Tragically, churches have not always been safe places for children. Child sexual abuse, exploitation and ritual abuse (ritual abuse refers to abusive acts committed as part of ceremonies or rites; ritual abusers are often related to cults, or pretend to be) occur in churches, both large and small, urban and rural. The problem cuts across all economic, cultural and racial lines. It is real, and it appears to be increasing. Most annual conferences can cite specific incidents of child sexual abuse and exploitation in their churches. Virtually every congregation has among its members adult survivors of early sexual trauma.

Such incidents are devastating to all who are involved: the child, the family, the local church and its leaders. Increasingly, churches are torn apart by the legal, emotional, and monetary consequences of litigation following allegations of abuse.

God calls us to make our churches safe places, protecting children and other vulnerable persons from sexual and ritual abuse. God calls us to create communities of faith where children and adults grow safe and strong. (From The Book of Resolutions of The United MethodistChurch. p. 384-386.)

Thus, in covenant with all United Methodist congregations, Highlands United Methodist Church of Bella Vista adopts this policy for the prevention of child abuse in our church.

Purpose Our purpose for establishing this Child Abuse Prevention Policy and accompanying procedures is to demonstrate our total and unwavering commitment to the physical, emotional and spiritual safety of all the children and youth God has entrusted to our care.

Covenant Statement

The Highlands United Methodist Church of Bella Vista hereby pledges to conduct the ministry of Jesus Christ in ways that assure the physical and emotional safety and spiritual growth of all of our children and youth as well as all of our workers with children and youth. We will follow all reasonable safety measures when selecting and recruiting workers; we will implement prudent operational procedures in all areas of programming and care; we will train those that work with children and youth on our procedures and policies; and we will have a clearly defined procedure for reporting any suspected incident of abuse that conforms to the requirements of Arkansas law (copy on file in church office).

Staff Selection Policies

All volunteer and paid staff who work with children and youth at HUMC will be:

At least 18 years old. In some instances youth may serve as volunteers in training with children, but only in the presence of an adult.
At least 3 years older than the oldest child/youth they will be supervising.

In an established relationship with HUMCBV for at least six months.

All volunteer and paid staff who work with children and youth at HUMC will:

Complete and sign an application and the related waivers giving permission to check their references and background information.
Provide the names and contact information of 3 personal references.
Undergo a criminal background check, at no expense to them, if they are to have supervisory program responsibility for children/youth. Individuals who have been convicted of physical or sexual abuse or neglect may not work in any church-sponsored activity or program for preschoolers, children or youth.

Staff Supervision Guidelines

Whenever supervising activities involving children and youth at HUMC:

Two non-related adults will be present at all times (exception: nursery guidelines—will be staffed by one adult with a roaming supervisor checking periodically when there are less than four children-if there are four or more children two non-related adults will be present at all times).
Children and youth will be checked in and out of a church sponsored activity by their parent or legal guardian or people authorized by a parent/legal guardian.
Those supervising will have access to a telephone, cell phone or pager when groups are at or away from the church facility.
One-on-one interactions with children and youth must be with an open door and be visible to all.

Whenever HUMC sponsors an activity involving children or youth:

Parents, legal guardians, other family members and church leaders have the right to visit and observe the children’s/youth activity, classroom, or church-sponsored program at any time, unannounced.
All classrooms and office doors will have a window for allowing visibility from the hallway or remain open while occupied.
Windows will be kept free from visual obstructions.

Whenever HUMC transports children or youth away from the church campus:

No youth will drive to/from events.
Adults must never transport a child/youth by self.
They will be approved and covered by church’s insurance company.
Drivers of children/youth will go through same screening process as prescribed by Safe Sanctuary Policy.

Whenever HUMC hosts an activity involving children or youth from another church or community organization, the groups using the church facility will be required to follow HUMC’s Safe Sanctuary policies and procedures.

HUMC volunteer and paid staff will be required to attend training about Safe Sanctuary policies, procedures and child abuse issues on a regular basis.

If a suspected incident of child abuse or neglect occurs at a HUMC sponsored activity or is revealed to a volunteer/paid staff person at a HUMC sponsored activity, the adult in charge of the activity will:

First insure the safety of the child or youth.
Contact parent/legal guardian.
Call the church pastor or designee.

Church Office 855-2277.

Pastor Rex Darling 855-4375 (home), 899-3320 (cell)

Pastor Michael Callahan 855-7961 (home), 899-2650 (cell)

Assist the pastor or staff in calling the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline (800-482-5964).

Conclusion

In all of our ministries with children and youth, this congregation is committed to demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ so that each child and youth will be “surrounded by steadfast love…established in the faith and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal.” (Baptismal Covenant II, United Methodist Book of Worship, p.96).

Approved by Administrative Council on May 21, 2009