Safe Sanctuaries Policies
As of January, 2005, Shiloh UMC has adopted the Safe Sanctuaries program as directed by the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church. Child abuse is a serious problem whose physical, emotional, and spiritual effects are felt for generations. Shiloh United Methodist Church is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all children and youth, and the adults who work with them, participating in our programs both onsite and off regardless of their membership status. To meet this objective, Shiloh United Methodist Church will make every reasonable effort to screen volunteers and conduct periodic training events to prevent both child abuse and false allegations of abuse.
Effective 3/1/2005, all staff and volunteers over 18 years old who will interact with children and youth are required to complete the following:
- An initial Safe Sanctuaries training event and additional training as called for.
- Successful completion of a national criminal records check.
- Those who act as drivers must possess a valid Georgia driver’s license, have proof of insurance, and pass a Motor Vehicle records check.
- Sign a Covenant Statement as a pledge to follow all policies and procedures.
Additionally, the following procedures are in effect as of 3/1/2005:
- Six-month rule. Volunteer applicants must have been a church member for at least six months, give contact information for references at previous church, be placed with a “cleared” volunteer or be given a non-contact with children task until the six-month requirement is satisfied.
- Open door/door window rule. All doors must be open wherever children, or youth, are meeting. Doors with windows may be closed so long as they allow unobstructed viewing from outside the room.
- Two-adult policy. Children and youth will be supervised by two adults whenever possible. Another adult will act as a hallway “roamer” to check in on classes and meetings where one adult is present.
- Reporting. We will report suspected incidents of child abuse according to Georgia state law, respond appropriately to both victim and the accused as well as to media inquiries if an incident occurs