Safe Sanctuary Policy Statement

By /

YATES BAPTIST CHURCH

SAFE SANCTUARY POLICY STATEMENT

Adopted by the Church July 24, 2013

Purpose

To assure a Safe and Nurturing Environment for Children, Youth, and Sonshine Class Adults.

The Church Environment We Envision

Yates Baptist Church has a long tradition of providing sound teaching and activities directed toward faith and character development in our children, youth, and Sonshine adults. This is a central part of our ongoing mission and ministry. To be most effective and accountable, providing optimal assurance of safety and security of environment, we can enhance how we practice stewardship for these special groups.

Jesus was clear about his concern for children as he counseled the disciples to “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them: for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 19:14 RSV). At Yates we believe that this teaching applies to all of these groups for whom we have a protective responsibility. We also want to ensure that parents can attend worship services, participate in Bible study, and engage in ministry opportunities with the assurance that their children, youth, and Sonshine adults are being well cared for in a safe and loving environment and are themselves receiving biblical instruction.

As a church, therefore, we covenant to ensure safety and security in our midst. We will:

  1. Help to ensure that at all times we are providing a safe and nurturing environment for all persons in our facility, particularly children, youth, and our Sonshine Class members.
  2. Facilitate an atmosphere of confidence among our volunteers, leaders, and the parents and caretakers of those involved in our ministries.
  3. Ensure there are safeguards in place to protect leaders and volunteers from unwarranted accusations of misconduct.

Policy Statements

  1. Yates will develop specific guidelines for all volunteer leaders working with children, youth, and Sonshine Class and other identified groups to ensure safety and adherence to this policy.

The guidelines will include but are not limited to the following: a. A pre-service criminal background check and periodic re-screening thereafter. b. Completion of a pre-service volunteer application. c. Regular involvement in the activities of the church for six months prior to assuming a position of leadership. d. Pre-service training in Yates’ Safe Sanctuary–related policies.

  1. Working with all identified groups will require a minimum of two unrelated adults present at all times who have met all required standards.
  1. Ministers working with these groups will be responsible for following up on and investigating all concerns raised by volunteers regarding safety.
  1. Should any incident occur within a church setting that is deemed suspicious or concerning, the appropriate minister will contact the parent or responsible person for the child, youth, or Sonshine Class member regarding the incident.
  1. If, after investigating and thoroughly examining any report of an incident of concern, it seems clear that an incident of abuse or neglect may have occurred, the responsible staff person— in communication with the parents and volunteer leaders—will make a report to the appropriate public entity (local law enforcement or Department of Social Services).
  1. The church staff will provide or arrange for training needed to ensure ongoing compliance with Yates Safe Sanctuary policies and expectations.
  1. The church will adopt a set of specific policies and procedures consistent with this policy statement and ensure that the policy is followed, making Yates a safe sanctuary for children, youth, Sonshine Class members, and all vulnerable persons with whom we minister.
  1. Facilities will be constructed, maintained, and utilized in ways that promote the safety of children, youth, and Sonshine Class members.
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