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Safe Church Policy Creation Guide

Assist in developing a safe church policy to protect children, staff, and volunteers, respond to abuse, and meet legal requirements. Ensure maintenance, clear expectations, and regular reviews. Guide covers key components and special considerations. Resources and reporting guidelines included.

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Safe Church Policy Creation Guide

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  1. DevelopingSafe Church Policy They will live in safety and no one will make them afraid --Ezekiel 34:28

  2. Team Expectations The Goal: every church has a policy! • Contact church councils re/policy • Assist churches with information & assistance in creating a policy Churches know about Safe Church • Resources / Circle of Grace • Consultation & Assistance • Advisory Panel Process

  3. Rationale For a Policy • To create a safe place in church • To protect children • To protect staff and volunteers • To create an opportunity to talk about abuse • To respond to situations of abuse • To satisfy legal counsel’s request • To satisfy insurance co. requirements

  4. Getting Started • Gain support from leadership/A mandate • Form a committee/Various voices needed • No one policy works well everywhere/each church is unique • It takes time (18 mos.)/Process is helpful

  5. Important Considerations POLICY MUST BE MAINTAINED & FOLLOWED!!! • Keep it simple • Supervision and accountability • Regular review – committee, legal counsel, insurance agent • Annual Training of staff & volunteers

  6. General Policy Components • Philosophy of Ministry – purpose for policy Why do we have a policy? • Definitions – misconduct/abuse What are we talking about? • Who? (Personnel summary) Who is covered under the policy? • General Policies – clear expectations What policies apply to almost all the programs?

  7. Specific Policy Components • Discipline Policy – response to misbehaviorWhat are appropriate discipline techniques? • Transportation Policy – must conform to lawsWhat are the risks involved in transportation? • Supervision Policy – maintain accountabilityWho is accountable? • Screening Policy – Criteria for selectionIs a criminal background check enough?

  8. A Note about Screening Criminal Background Checks: Various kinds of checks are available - Costs and Risks must be weighed carefully Part of an overall selection process - Application, Interview, References, etc… Known Person – someone who has been a part of the congregation for awhile (1 year)

  9. Sex Offender Challenge ?Is it OK for someone with a criminal record of sexual offense to be an elder? ?Should a church hire a janitor with a record of sexual offense? ?What happens at youth group stays here?

  10. Special Considerations

  11. Sexual Predators Think of the African Savannah Various kinds of vulnerability: • Physical – Smaller size, weaker strength • Social – Marginalized, separate • Cognitive – Trust (Grooming) • Emotional – Lacking ego strength • Spiritual – Misuse of Scripture An Elephant Story

  12. Responding to a Disclosure • Take it seriously • Stay calm and reassuring • DO NOT promise not to tell anyone! • It WAS GOOD to tell someone • It WAS NOT his/her fault • DO NOT investigate; LISTEN closely   • Pray & Follow up • Make report – At church and to authorities

  13. Reporting Suspected Abuse When in doubt, report to authorities! Mandated Reporters: • In Canada – everyone over 18 yrs. Old • In USA – certain professionals, varies state to state – clergy need to know! Report can be made anonymously • 1st person recommended • Report only what was seen and/or heard

  14. Resources • Preventing Child Abuse: Creating a safe place by Beth A. Swagman http://www.faithaliveresources.org/Products/ 155243/preventing-child-abuse.aspx • Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Co. www.brotherhoodmutual.com/index.cfm/ resources/ministry-safety/

  15. Questions?

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