Revised and adopted 6/2023

Bear Creek United Methodist Church

Safe Sanctuary Policy

Safe Sanctuary Policy rev. 6/2023

Safe Sanctuary Policies & Guidelines

EQUIPPING WORLD-CHANGING DISCIPLES

UMCDISCIPLESHIP.ORG

Introduction

The General Conference of The United Methodist Church, in April 1996, adopted a resolution aimed at reducing the risk of child sexual abuse in the church. The following is a reflection on the adopted resolution. (Book of Resolutions, 2016 # 3084)

A central tenet of the Christian faith is the inherent value and worth of all children, youth, and adults. Children, youth, and other vulnerable people are least able to protect themselves in our society and are particularly vulnerable to abuse and neglect. The United Methodist Church is eager to do all it can to protect the youth, children, and other vulnerable people who participate in the life of this congregation.

We believe implementing a policy and adopting procedures to protect our children, youth, and other vulnerable people recognizes that:

Our Christian faith calls us to offer both hospitality and protection to our children, youth, and other vulnerable people. The Social Principles of the United Methodist Church state, "...children must be protected from economic, physical and sexual exploitation and abuse." The Social Principles also state, "...all persons are individuals of sacred worth, created in the image of God."

Tragically, churches have not always been safe places for children, youth, and other vulnerable people. Neglect, sexual abuse, and exploitation occur in churches, both large and small, urban and rural. The problem cuts across all economic, cultural, racial, and ethnic lines. God calls us to make our churches safe places, protecting children, youth, and other vulnerable people from abuse.

Abuse prevention and ministry protection policies and procedures are essential for congregations, not only for the protection and safety of our children, youth, and other vulnerable persons, but also for our volunteers and staff working with them.

The Gospel calls us to be engaged in ministry with children, youth, and other vulnerable persons (Safe Sanctuaries: Reducing the Risk of Abuse in the Church for Children and Youth, page 10).

Jesus taught, "Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me" (Mark 9:37 NRSV) and "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 NRSV).

We should not allow possible risks to undermine or stop our ministry. Rather, we must:
Acknowledge the risks and develop a practical plan to address these issues;
Take steps to prevent harm to our children, youth, and other vulnerable persons; and
Continue to answer the Gospel's imperative to be in ministry with children, youth, and other vulnerable persons, thus making a difference in their lives. (adapted from Safe Sanctuaries: Reducing the Risk of Abuse in the Church for Children and Youth, page 10).
Safe Sanctuaries policies and implementation of practices that reflect those policies seek to fulfill this call for our church.

Volunteer/Staff Selection Policies

All volunteer and paid staff who work with children, youth, and other vulnerable people at Bear Creek UMC will be:

At least 21 years old. Exceptions apply for approved youth helpers.
At least five years older than the oldest child/youth they will be supervising.
A regular attendee at Bear Creek United Methodist Church for at least six months. Rare exceptions may be made in consultation with the pastor in charge for special situations.

All volunteer and paid staff (including clergy) who work with children, youth and other vulnerable people at Bear Creek UMC will:

Complete and sign an application and the related waivers giving permission to check references and background information.
Provide the names and contact information of three personal references.
Undergo a criminal background check if they will have leadership responsibility for children/youth/other vulnerable people. 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, youth or other vulnerable people.
- All applicants must be interviewed for suitability for the work they desire to do. Interviews will be conducted by the leader of the program in which the applicant will work. Church policy and guidelines should be discussed during the interview.

Training

Prior to working in the youth's or children's ministries (or any area including other vulnerable people), workers must undergo child protection safety training. Comprehensive training on issues of child sexual abuse in church settings shall be required for all clergy, paid staff, and volunteers (e.g., youth group leaders) who regularly supervise activities for children, youth, and other vulnerable people. This training should be offered at least annually.

Ministry Supervision Guidelines

Whenever supervising activities involving children and youth at Bear Creek UMC, at least two non-related adults (including at least one screened adult) will always be present.

Children, youth, and other vulnerable people will be checked into and out of a church-sponsored activity by their parent or legal guardian or people authorized by the parent/legal guardian.
Participants will have access to a telephone or cell phone when groups are at or away from the church facility.
One-on-one interactions with children and youth will be with an open door and visible to all. The pastor, parent or guardian, or another screened adult should be aware of any such interactions.
Activities with children, youth and other vulnerable populations should be publicly accessible. Anyone has the right to visit and observe the children's/youth's/other vulnerable person's activity, classroom, or church sponsored program at any time, unannounced as long as the two-adult rule is being followed. Exceptions to this right may be issued at the discretion of church leadership.
All classroom and office doors will have a window or be visible from the hallway, or doors should remain open while the room is occupied.
Windows will be kept free from adornment.
If the two-adult rule cannot be observed, a screened, designated roamer will regularly check on groups with only one adult.
For overnight events at the church and church-sponsored off-premise activities, two or more screened adults must be present. This arrangement must include at least one male and one female if the group is mixed gender.

Whenever Bear Creek UMC transports children, youth, or other vulnerable people away from the church campus,

No youth should drive to/from events.
An adult should never transport a child/youth/other vulnerable person alone.
Drivers of church vehicles should be approved and covered by the church's insurance company.
Drivers should go through the same screening process as all other paid/volunteer staff.

The use of electronics or media communications may be useful tools in supporting ministries with children, youth, and other vulnerable people. However, in such circumstances, the following requirements shall be met:

The volunteer or staff person shall never initiate a connection (friending, following, etc.) on social media.
If a student initiates a connection, the child, youth, or vulnerable person's parent or guardian as well as the pastor in charge shall be notified.
If an adult leader receives a private text from a child, youth, or vulnerable person that seems to be questionable, the adult leader should immediately end the conversation in the virtual space and offer opportunities to have the conversation in person and in compliance with the earlier guidelines for one-on-one conversations. The ministry supervisor and/or parent/guardian should be made aware of the incident immediately.

Note: If an in-person meeting is not possible, those involved will determine the most reasonable alternative in compliance with the earlier guidelines for one-on-one conversations.

Adult leaders should post photos on social network sites only with prior written permission granted by a parent/guardian. When posted, PHOTOS MUST NOT BE TAGGED with names or location indicators. All photos must be appropriate and in keeping with the spirit of the ministry event.
All in-person protection policies apply to online platform meetings like Zoom, Skype, Messenger, and so on. (For example, two unrelated adults should be present in the virtual room just as they would be in a physical room.)
An official church account should be established and used for online activities, not a personal account.
Communication about online meetings should be shared with parents/guardians as well as with children, youth, and other vulnerable people.
Adult leaders and participants should use their real names as usernames.
Attendance of online meetings should be documented.
All electronic communications shall be documented and retained.

Whenever Bear Creek UMC hosts an activity involving children, youth, or other vulnerable people from another church or community organization,

Groups using the church facility will follow Bear Creek UMC's Child, Youth, and Other Vulnerable People Protection Policies and procedures.

Bear Creek UMC volunteer and paid staff, including clergy, will be given the opportunity for training about Safe Sanctuaries policies, procedures, and child abuse issues on a regular basis. They will be rescreened every three years.

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

Ensure the safety of the child, youth, or other vulnerable person.
Call the ministry supervisor, pastor in charge, or designee.
Call the appropriate county/state hotline.

Congregational Covenant and Adoption

Bear Creek United Methodist Church's purpose for establishing this Child, Youth, and Vulnerable Person Protection Policy and accompanying procedures is to demonstrate our total and unwavering commitment to the physical wellbeing, emotional safety, and spiritual growth of all our children, youth, and vulnerable people.

We adopt this policy in accordance with the statement we as a congregation make at each baptism-that we will "nurture children and youth in the Christian faith and life and include them in our care." With this policy, we renew our baptismal pledge to "live according to the example of Christ" and surround children, youth and other vulnerable people with a "community of love and forgiveness, that they may grow in their trust of God, and be thus confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal." (Baptismal Covenant II, United Methodist Book of Worship, p.96).

This policy coordinates and supersedes the previous policies used by Bear Creek UMC.

As a Christian community of faith and a United Methodist congregation, we are committed to conduct the ministry of the gospel in ways that assure the safety and spiritual growth of all our children, youth, and vulnerable people, as well as all the workers with the children, youth, and vulnerable people. By this policy and its accompanying procedures, we implement prudent operational procedures in all programs and events.

Training: We will conduct training on this policy and its procedures to assure that adults involved in activities with children, youth, and vulnerable people are aware of these standards and will abide by them.
Screening: All adults and minors above the age of fourteen who have a direct involvement with activities covered by this policy and its procedures will be screened in accordance with Pacific Northwest Annual Conference policy. All people who are subject to this policy will be rescreened every three (3) years.

Any person who was screened but, for whatever reason, has been absent from the

Bear Creek UMC community for more than one (1) year and thereafter returns, will be rescreened.

C. Supervision: All activities covered by this policy and its procedures will be supervised by the appropriate number of screened adults.

Conclusion

In all our ministries with children, youth, and vulnerable people, Bear Creek United Methodist Church is committed to demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ so that each of God's children here will be "surrounded by steadfast love, established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal." ("Baptismal Covenant 11," United Methodist Hymnal, p.44.)

This Child, Youth, and Other Vulnerable People Protection Policy is adopted by action of the Bear Creek United Methodist Church this 5 day of June, 2023.

Appointed clergy and/or supply pastor(s):

Chair, Staff Parish Relations Committee:

Chair, Church Council:.

Sexual Abuse Awareness and Prevention Policy

In accordance with the laws of the State of Washington and the policies of the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Methodist Church, the Sexual Abuse and Awareness policy is added to the Bear Creek United Methodist Church Safe Sanctuary Policy.

Awareness:

All members and staff of Bear Creek UMC who are in direct contact with juveniles or adults who are at risk (physically or cognitively challenged) will pass a background check provided by the PNW Conference, as well as the Sexual Abuse Awareness Training, also mandated and provided by the PNW Conference.

Bear Creek UMC will maintain a log of those who have passed both the background checks and Sexual Abuse Awareness Training, and will update as needed, or as directed by the PNW Conference.

Prevention

The guidelines for prevention of sexual abuse among juveniles are:

Protective Barriers: Providing safe areas for all children that will not allow isolation.
Gatekeepers: Awareness by those who are in charge of children's activities that sexual predators groom both the children and gatekeepers for acceptance and trust.
See something-say something. Availability of staff or SPRC members to listen and take action appropriate to the situation including investigation and reporting to authorities and the PNW Conference if needed. Guidelines provided by the PNW Conference are specific, and are included.
Chapter 9A.44 RCW (Washington State) defines sex offenses, including child molestation. This chapter is inclusive in this policy.
Specific guidelines regarding juvenile contact with adults include

a) Same sex assistance in bathroom for children needing assistance

b) Open door policy for one-on-one contact between adult and child

c) Committee chair/supervisor approval of scheduled activities, to include adequate supervision.

Reporting

The Pacific Northwest Conference has provided specific guidelines for reporting an incident. These guidelines are attached as part of the Bear Creek United Methodist Safe Sanctuary policy.

In accordance with the laws of the State of Washington, and in conjunction with the PNW Conference, reporting to law enforcement agencies will be made if deemed necessary.

Safe Sanctuaries | Reporting An Incident

DO NOT SPEAK WITH ANY MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES!

NOTE: Reporting an incident must be a part of your congregations Safe Sanctuaries practice

Determine if the allegation is serious or frivolous. In most cases, any allegation is considered to be serious unless you have strong reason to believe otherwise. Serious allegations involving the abuse, abandonment or neglect of a minor or vulnerable adult should be reported to authorities allowing them to do the investigation (please see #5). Other allegations should be reported to the pastor, event leader, or safety advocate (please see #4).

In the state of Washington, any person who has cause to believe that a child has suffered abuse or neglect should report such incidents (LINK). In Idaho, all people are mandatory reporters (LINK) when child abuse, abandonment or neglect is suspected.
Procedure for dealing with abuse (please also refer to full guidelines)

Secure safety of child/youth if possible
IMMEDIATELY report incident to pastor, event leader, or safety advocate.
Contact the following with the assistance of the pastor, event leader, or safety advocate:
- Child Protective Services/Law Enforcement (WA-1-866-363-4276; ID - 1-800-926- 2588)
- District Superintendent or Director of Connectional Ministries
- Conference Staff relating to Insurance, camping or youth ministries
- Family, as the situation merits
- The Director of Connectional Ministries or their designate will serve as the liaison with the media. Please direct any media inquiries to this person.
Document all efforts per step #5 and submit a copy to Conference Staff.

Procedure for dealing with other serious allegations of safe sanctuary violations. (please refer to full guidelines)

Behaviors that hinder our mission, undermine leadership/program, and neglect safety should be taken seriously even when such behavior may not be 'illegal.' Reports should be directed to the pastor, event coordinator, or safety advocate. See guidelines re: anonymous reports.
A resolution should be sought via direct or mediated conversation when possible, barring a situation with an egregious violation.
If a resolution between parties is not possible, the event coordinator/pastor shall have the authority to proscribe a resolution. This may include a review of an individual's future involvement in ministries with vulnerable populations.
Document all efforts per step #5 and submit a copy to Conference Staff for situations occurring at, or potentially impacting, camping or other conference events.

Document: In the case of all serious allegations, regardless of whether they require legal intervention, document all efforts in the handling of the incident using the form attached. In the case of an allegation that does not involve abuse, abandonment, neglect or other illegal behavior, you may leave the non-applicable fields blank in those situations.

General Form for Reporting a Safe Sanctuaries Violation

Pacific Northwest Conference of The United Methodist Church

Name of person (paid or volunteer) observing or receiving disclosure of violation: ___________________________________________________________________________

Victim's name (if applicable): ____________________________________________________

Victim's age/date of birth: ____________________________________________

Date/place of initial conversation with/report from victim or witness: ___________________________________________________________________________

Name and Address of Person Responsible (for care, custody, or welfare of child/vulnerable adult - if applicable): ___________________________________________________________________________

Witness/Victim's statement (detailed summary):

___________________________________________________________________________

Name of Person Accused of Violation: ___________________________________________________________________________

Relationship of accused to victim (if applicable | paid staff, volunteer, family member, other): ___________________________________________________________________________

Reported to pastor/event leader/safety advocate: