Safe Sanctuary Training

Safe Sanctuary

God's Call

We, the congregation of FUMC Natchitoches, want to thrive to be a safe place, committed to the physical safety and spiritual growth of all who come under our care.

We will do all we can to protect our children, youth and vulnerable persons from the devastating effects of abuse.

SCREENING

Each paid staff member or volunteer will be carefully screened.

WORKING WITH CHILDREN & YOUTH

For everyone's protection, please follow the following procedures

TRANSPORTATION

&

OVERNIGHT PROCEDURES

The two unrelated adults rule need to be observed as well at all times, in each vehicle.

Bathroom Procedures

For everyone's protection, please follow the following procedures

CHILDREN IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Two adults at all times

SPACE

TODDLERS

Safe Touching and Appropriate Behavior

May go by themselves to the restroom.

An adult should monitor from the classroom door.

• Conduct your meetings in a public space or in spaces that are easily observable by others at all times.
• If no windows, leave the door open.

• If only 2 adults, they must be unrelated
• The "floater" rule when it is not possible to have two adults in each room.
• RATIOS
• Infants 1 to 6
• Toddlers 1 to 8
• Children/youth 1 to 10

Toddlers are to use the restroom directly adjacent to the classroom.

* Touching

Elbow

Shoulder

Hand

* Use text messaging, social media and snap chat in an appropriate manner. Counseling is OK, flirting is not.

INFANTS

Age requirement

Use the diaper changing areas and follow the safety and sanitation procedures

• Five years or older than the group they will supervise.
• Minimum 12 years old or in 6th grade.
• Seniors who just graduated have to sit out a year and join our college ministry for growth before joining the youth staff as a volunteer.

Safe Sanctuary

Conclusion

INCIDENT REPORT

APPLICATION

CONFIDENTIALITY

PAID STAFF and VOLUNTEERS

Transportation

will do all in their power to educate parents on procedures, share the SS procedures and recognize, report and prevent any misconduct or abuse.

Volunteers will have been active for at least six months.

Volunteers will complete a volunteer application and provide two references.

All paperwork will remain confidential and be kept in a locked cabinet by the church's Safe Sanctuary chair

Field trip and Overnight

Our congregation is committed to demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ so that every child of God will be "surrounded by steadfast love,... established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal" as stated in our Baptismal Covenant.

Background Check

Safe Sanctuary Training

• Signed permission slips and medical/liability release forms
• Know where everyone is at all times
• Pink and blue, no purple
• Two unrelated adults rule

• Wear seat belts
• Obey all traffic rules
• No dialing or texting while driving
• Driver needs to be 25 or older, have a valid and current license and proof of insurance
• Second adult needs to be 5 years older than the group of students who are traveling.
• Each child/youth needs a medical and liability release form and a signed permission slip

Volunteers will undergo a background check, and agree to execute the volunteer covenant statement.

Volunteer and paid staff will complete the Safe Sanctuary Training once a year.

• We must report suspected abuse to the proper authorities as well as to the pastor and/or the Safe Sanctuary Chair
• 855-4LA-KIDS (855-452-5437) toll free 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
• "Good Faith" is protected by law
• Confidentiality is required but reporting must be done.