Safe Sanctuary
In June 2005, the Memphis Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church adopted an updated Statement of Policy for reducing the risk of child sexual abuse in churches and church-related activities. The Conference dictated that all churches in the Conference create such a policy for their local church.
Our theological task is to welcome and nurture the child. Our goal is to maintain a safe, secure, loving place where children may grow and where those who care for them may administer to their needs in responsible ways. As caring Christians, we are committed to protect and advocate for children, youth and vulnerable adults participating in the life of the church.
The Administrative Board, staff and members of GUMC recognize that children are entrusted to the care of adults in church programs and activities both on and off the campus, and in educational or recreational programs operated by others on church property. GUMC is committed to maintaining an environment in which children are protected from abuse and in which church staff, teachers, volunteers and other caregivers are better protected from potential allegations of child sexual abuse.
To achieve these goals of preventing any incidents of abuse or the unfounded assertion of such conduct, GUMC has developed the following guidelines for these areas:
1. Selection of staff, teachers, caregivers and others involved with the activities of children and young people.
2. Orientation and training of these individuals
3. Supervision of these individuals
4. Reporting of incidents of child abuse
5. Responding to incidents or allegations of abuse
All staff and volunteers must undergo annual Safe Sanctuary training in order to work with or supervise children or youth under the age of 18. Background checks are performed on all adult volunteers or paid workers serving as authority figures with children or youth 18 hours or more in a year which would include the following:
a. Social Security Number Trace/Social Search Report – To determine all present and past places of residence.
b. County Criminal Court Check – All counties of residence are individually checked at the courthouse level or at the state level where applicable.
c. Motor Vehicle Records – To determine whether church insurance would cover this person’s driving record, according to their standards (only required for church drivers).
d. National Criminal Database Search - Volunteer (NCDS-V) – To be used in conjunction with the Criminal Convictions Check, this search “throws a net” out to check for any conviction that might have occurred in counties or states of non-residence, i.e., while on vacation or just across the state line.
Click here to begin Safe Sanctuary Training.
If you are concerned there may have been an incident of child abuse, please click here
