We, as a faith family, commit to making Grace United Methodist church a sacred and safe place in which all can encounter the love and saving grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

​

Safe Sanctuaries® is a “social structure that is consistent with the gospel” (¶122) allowing our sanctuaries, classrooms, mission encounters, camps and retreats, and all spaces where we gather to worship and serve God to be places of trust. Discipleship Ministries has created a series of videos that can be used to introduce the more difficult aspects of Safe Sanctuaries®, individually to open up conversations in small groups or during training, and as a way to share information with the congregation as a reminder or in the midst of a crisis.

​

And Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, And do not hinder them...”  Matthew 19:14

 

Guidelines for Individuals Involved in Children’s/Youth Ministries

• All will complete an Application for Children’s Youth Ministries.

• Following a training session, each person will read and sign a Covenant Statement for Children’s/Youth Ministries.

• All will attend GUMC for at least 6 months prior to working in Children’s ministries.

• There will be two leaders, one of whom is at least 18 years old, for all classrooms and activities.

• Rooms for children through 4 years of age will be staffed with at least one woman.

• Each person will wear an identifying name tag.

 

Screening Procedures for New Workers with Children’s/Youth Ministries

• Complete application (see above)

• Personal interview

• Reference check

• Criminal background check for all staff & volunteers in the nursery, children and youth ministries.

 

Registration, Sign-in, and Release Policy

• Parents or legal guardian must complete a yearly Children’s/Youth Registration Form for each child or youth.

• Parents, legal guardians or an authorized adult must sign children birth through grade 3, in and out, for all programs.

• Children, grades 4 and older may sign in and out independently as designated by parents or legal guardian.

• If a child has special medical needs, parents must submit a copy of current_emergency health procedures for their child.

​

Notification Procedures

• Teachers will post snack choice when appropriate in a visible place to ensure the safety of children with food allergies.

• Each classroom will have basic first aid supplies. In case of injury, a report will be kept on file.

• Grace United Methodist Child/Youth Protection Policy also contains reporting procedures for Breach of Covenant or suspected abuse.

 

 

Child Assistance Policy

• Two caregivers will be present when children’s diapers are changed

• Children grades 2 and younger will be escorted to restrooms.

• Children grades 3 through 5 will use the buddy system for restrooms.

 

 

“While a church cannot guarantee the safety of every person, every church can be responsible for reducing the circumstances that could lead to harm or injury.”

​

For more information, please visit the links below. If you have questions, please contact Gaye Lynn Loufek, Director of Youth Ministries, at gayelynn.loufek@peopleofgrace.org.