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In 1996, the General Conference of the United Methodist Church adopted a resolution aimed at reducing the risk of child abuse in the church. It was revised in 2004 and implemented at First Church in 2005. Since that time, First Church has been committed to providing an environment which is as safe as possible for children and youth, and to protecting staff and volunteers from false accusations.
First Church’s Safe Sanctuary Policy requires the following:
• A minimum of two adults will be with all groups of children and youth. If two adults are not available, there will be a designated roamer.
• No adult will ever be alone with a child or youth behind closed doors.
• All classrooms have been outfitted with clear glass windows, and all office and hallway doors have glass panels.
• All adults working with children and youth must have been a church member for at least six months and must undergo a screening procedure. Any information obtained as part of the screening process will be kept strictly confidential.
• A CPR training class is offered each year.
These policies apply any time children and youth are gathered for a church-related activity, including the Nursery, Rainbow Room, Church School classes, Vacation Bible
School, Youth Group meetings, and any church-sponsored trip.
For more information on the Safe Sanctuary policy, contact Director of Christian Education Ruth Zervas at ruth.zervas@umcelmhurst.org.
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