Protection Policies for Minors and Vulnerable Adults
Below are resources provided through The United Methodist Church and the Virginia Conference for protection policies for minors and vulnerable adults. Many of these resources are part of the resources created by The United Methodist Church called “Safe Sanctuaries.” Safe Sanctuaries is an expression of a faith that makes a congregation a safe place for children, youths, seniors and vulnerable adults to experience the abiding love of God. God calls us to make our churches safe places, protecting children and other vulnerable persons from abuse. We are also called to make off-site venues or activities as safe as possible.
We would like to recommend that churches purchase the book Safe Sanctuaries-Reducing the Risk of Abuse in the Church for Children and Youth by Joy Melton. The book is available on Amazon or Cokesbury. The book is a great reference to create policies and procedures for the churches to follow.
Background Checks
The Virginia Conference has partnered with ScreeningOne to conduct volunteer and staff background checks for the conference and United Methodist churches in Virginia. Through this agreement, the conference has established a preferred product package that combines various criminal background searches for an industry-best, pre-employment, criminal history report. Churches can sign up for their own ScreeningOne account with no paperwork and receive exclusive conference rates. There are no minimums and no sign-up fees. For details on the program and any questions, contact the Virginia UMC representative, Paul Craddock, at (919) 533-5005 or [email protected]
Child/Youth/At-Risk Adult Protection Policy (implemented by the Virginia Conference) – pdf
Background Screening Release Form (implemented by the Virginia Conference) – pdf
Basic Safe Sanctuaries Trainers
Below is a list of people who might be available to lead Basic Safe Sanctuaries training in your church. Local Churches resourcing trainers will provide compensation for travel and offer an honorarium for their training services.
Debbie Brown ([email protected] or 540-344-6225, ext. 3) – Roanoke/Roanoke District
Cecelia Short ([email protected] or H: 757-826-3009 or C: 757-254-3505) – Hampton/York River District
Jason Stanley ([email protected]) – Norfolk/Elizabeth River District
Cindy Banek ([email protected] or 757-630-6628) – Williamsburg/York River District
Safe Sanctuary resources available for Children, Youths, Vulnerable Adults and Seniors from Discipleship Ministries:
https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/equipping-leaders/safe-sanctuaries
Discipleship Ministries offers new Safe Sanctuaries videos
Resources available from the Virginia Department of Social Services for Vulnerable Adults and Seniors:
Signs of Adult Abuse – Virginia Department of Social Services
Online Training for Mandated Reporters
For more information
For more information contact 804-521-1139, or email our Learning Ministries Office at [email protected].