Safe Church Policy
A Safe Church
As a community of faith committed to Jesus Christ as Lord, we strive to extend a generous welcome to all who enter our doors and to treat them with the love and dignity that God bestows upon each and every one of us. We want our church to be a safe place for everyone.
Unfortunately, we cannot simply assume that our church is a safe place. We must take intentional and direct actions to ensure that it is safe. The Safe Church Ministry Team wants people of all ages to be able to deepen their relationship with God and each other in an environment that is safe and secure. This includes creating an environment where the vulnerable are protected and opportunities for inappropriate behavior are eliminated.
What is safety?
Safety means that a person’s spiritual, emotional and physical self is protected from injury. For example:
Spiritual safety
People have the freedom to express their faith appropriately
People’s beliefs are treated respectfully.
Emotional safety
- Kindness and civility are the norm.
- People refrain from personal attacks and gossip.
- Confidentiality is honored.
Physical safety
- Keyholders agree to abide by safe church policies.
- Facilities are clean and well lit.
- Exits are clearly marked and free of debris.
- Fire extinguishers are clearly visible and in working order.
- Chemicals and poisons are properly labeled and stored.
- Food preparation areas are clean and health department guidelines for food preparation are followed.
Protection guidelines
Sexual abuse can occur anywhere and removing the opportunity for abuse is a key step in prevention.
Training
All church employees and all adults working with children will be trained in abuse prevention, first aid, and fire safety. In addition, background checks will be conducted on all adults working in leadership and teaching positions.
The two adult rule
Meetings and classes should be planned so that there are always two adults in attendance. No adult should ever be alone with a child who is not their own nor out of sight of other adults and children.
Five-year older rule
Youth leaders must be at least five years older than the oldest participant in the class, group or activity.
Meeting spaces
Meetings with children shall be held in well-lit public spaces. Doors should be unlocked and have windows. If there is a need for a private conversation, the door should be open and the participants visible to others. Children up to grade three will not be released to anyone other than a parent without signed permission.
Overnight events
When a function involves an overnight stay, there shall be at least two adults, one for each gender. Privacy will be provided for washing and dressing.
Language and behavior
Adults should avoid sexual references, jokes and innuendo. Children and teenagers shall be encouraged to refrain from sexual talk.
Discipline
Discipline policies appropriate to each age group may be found in the Christian Education Handbook.
Parental involvement
Parents are always welcome in their child’s classroom. Trips and overnight meetings require written permission and insurance information from parent or guardian for emergency medical treatment.
Reporting abuse
Abuse is a crime that will be reported to the appropriate authorities. Church leaders, teachers and laypersons with any suspicion of abuse occurring at UCC in Medfield or its ministries should contact a Safe Church Advocate. Safe church advocates are available for consultation and to assist in filing appropriate documentation.
Questions may be directed to any member of the Safe Church Ministry Team:
Susan Holbrook
Gail Lopez*, RN
Wendy Ludwig, RN
Pat Mormann
Kathy Thompson*, RN
*Designated Safe Church Advocates.
