Safe Sanctuaries Policy: Summary
of Key Points
* This is a summary of key points only. Volunteers and employees should be familiar with and abide by the complete Safe Sanctuaries policy.
Safe Sanctuaries Policy (complete) / Holston Conference Safe Sanctuaries FAQ's
Training
Volunteer or paid workers must complete Safe Sanctuary training prior to beginning work with children or youth. Trainings are provided annually at the beginning of each school year. Supplemental trainings will occur as needed between orientation periods.
Participation Covenant
All workers (volunteer and hired) must agree to and sign a Participation Covenant before volunteering with children or youth.
Appendix A - Authorization and Request for Criminal Records Check (employees only)
Appendix B - Reference Interview Summary Form
Appendix C - Participation Covenant Statement - Volunteers
Appendix D - Participation Covenant Statement - Employees
Two Adult Rule
Two adults shall be present at all times for church-sponsored events involving children or youth. In times of major use, one adult may lead with a floating adult nearby. Married couples may serve together but count as one adult. In the event two adults are not available for youth activities, parents should be notified that only one adult is present. Only one adult, who has undergone a background check, is required for childcare (“babysitting”).
18-Age Limit Rule
Persons hired to work with children and youth must be at least 18. At least one worker in the nursery, preschool or children’s area must be 18. Teen helpers must be at least in senior high. Children are not permitted in the nursery or preschool areas unless they are children of the volunteer or paid worker.
Five Year Older Rule
A worker must be at least five years older than the group with which they work except for workers with senior high youth who must be at least 20 years old.
Van Rule
Van transportation requires two adults age 18 or older with valid driver’s licenses. Drivers must be 21 with a good driving record. When bus transportation is used, at least 2 adults (age 18 or older) must chaperone.
Appendix K - Application Form for Van Drivers
Four-Month Rule
Before becoming an “official” volunteer with children or youth, volunteers must have attended SSUMC for four months (at least once per month). Parents may participate in activities with their children in an “unofficial” capacity at any time.
State Reporting Rule
Any suspected case of child abuse must be reported to the proper authorities. Other serious incidents or accidents should be reported on the Accident and Incident Reporting Forms.
Appendix E - Accident Reporting Form
Appendix F - Incident Reporting Form
Appendix G - Reporting Child Abuse
Appendix H - Report of Suspected Incident of Child Abuse
Appendix I - Holston Conference Abuse Report Form
Appendix J - Types and Indicators of Child Abuse