Safe Sanctuaries Team
answers frequently asked questions
Below is a list of questions that have come up in the district since our Safe Sanctuaries training events. It is our hope that these will help you in the process of your work developing policy and procedures.
Each month we will respond to new questions in two ways: you may e-mail the district office with questions or concerns and they will be addressed through e-mail and newsletter, or the second Tuesday of each month prior to the District Youth Council meeting someone will be available at 6 p.m. at the District Office to address needs.
Q: What companies can be used to do background checks at reasonable rates?
A: The conference website will begin to post agencies that they have information on. At present the one they have worked through is Castlebranch, based in Wilmington. The contact is Beverly Miller. There is a 6 to 8 hour response time. The number is (888) 723-4263.
Q: What sources of funding are there for background checks?
A: Suggestions include: voluntary payment by individuals, UMM, UMW, fundraiser, line item in 2006 budgets etc.
Q: How many persons have to have background checks and is the clerk of court adequate?
A: If you are doing background checks, then all persons working with children or youth must be checked. The clerk of court may be adequate if persons have lived in that area all their life but it is not for those having moved to the area within the past 3 to 5 years.
Q: Where do we store background checks?
A: A locked cabinet with access available only to pastor and designated person.
Q: How do we present information about background checks and other pieces of Safe Sancturaries?
A: You lay the groundwork through bulletin and newsletter and then through small groups so questions can be asked. This information for newsletter, bulletin and small groups should come through your planning team after they have presented policies and procedures to your church council so that they understand the why before you present it to the congregation. Your presentation to the congregation should be in the form of a worship service to adopt the plan.
(Background checks are not mandatory but strongly encouraged. This provides another layer of protection for your church.)
Q: We don't have enough people to have two adults in every class?
A: This is the ideal. Options include: a person who is available to “roam” and just be aware of needs and that the door remain open or that visiblilty is available of the class.
Q: We can’t have two unrelated adults in every room, everybody is related?
A: Again a person who is available to roam and or a third person to add to your teaching team if possible.
Q: We don't have any children or youth in our congregation. Do we still need a policy?
A: Yes! We plan ahead so thay we are ready for those yet to come. It may be in simple form but a policy is needed.
Q: Does every classroom, including the minister's office, have to have a window?
A: This is recommended but not required. If not possible there are ways to secure an area such as leaving the door open.
Q: What about incorporation?
A: Each church must decide based on legal counsel from their attorney if incorporation is desired. The conference website is simplifying the instructions and forms for the papers. The District cannot recommend a specific lawyer for legal advice. Each individual church must make that decision. The conference chancellor said the cost could be anywhere from up and then there is a cost to file with the state. Subsequent years to renew should cost less than .
Q: Why can the pastor not be the spokesperson to the media to represent the church should an incident occur?
A: The pastor may be the one being accused.
Q: What first aid classes will be offered by the district?
A: Beginning in the summer both CPR and first aid training will be offered each quarter. We will make these dates available to you as soon as possible.
We are investigating a future training/follow up event with the Lexington District and will keep you updated.
Thank you for your work and ministry that all God's children will experience grace and love through all we do!
