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    United Methodists of Upper New YorkLiving the Gospel. Being God's Love.


    resources

    Safe Sanctuaries®

    Questions about our Safe Sanctuaries® compliance or policy information?
    Contact safesanctuaries@unyumc.org or call (315) 898-2000.

    The June 2011 Session of the Upper New York Annual Conference adopted the resolution creating a Safe Sanctuaries® policy to reduce the risk of abuse of children, youth and vulnerable adults participating in the ministries of our churches, districts, agencies and ministry groups.

    Safe Sanctuaries® Team establishes minimum standards and procedures, provides training programs, and assists local churches and Conference ministry programs in reducing the risk of abuse to church, youth, and vulnerable adults.


    2011 Safe Sanctuaries® Resolution
    UNY Safe Sanctuaries® Contacts
    Minimum Standards
    Background Checks
    Sex Offenders and Reporting
    Local Church Safe Sanctuaries Teams


    2011 Safe Sanctuaries® Resolution

    Click here for the entire document.


    UNY Safe Sanctuaries® Contacts

    The Upper New York Safe Sanctuaries® team serves a four-year term and is appointed by the Bishop. The following individuals were appointed to serve until 2024.

    Pastor Christine Mitchell (Chair)
    Rev. Stephanie Brown
    Karen Butters
    Pastor Jennifer Stamm
    Pastor Dorcus Dunn
    Pastor Michael Whitcomb-Tavey
    Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding


    Minimum Standards

    The Minimum Standards have been established by the Upper New York Annual Conference for all ministries. They are mandatory. They are not inspirational, but set minimum standards to protect children, youth, and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. Without exception, these standards apply to all local churches/charges, district and annual conference ministries, and those who serve within. Click here for more information.


    Background Checks

    Click here to learn more about background checks.

    [If you wish to continue using Trak-1, you may do so.  Here is the link: https://trak-1.com/]


    Sex Offender Registry:

    http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/SomsSUBDirectory/search_index.jsp

    Here one can search the Sex Offender Registry and also sign up for email alerts to be notified whenever a Level 2 or 3 sex offender moves into or out of your neighborhood.

    Reporting:

    New York State Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-342-3720 is a toll free phone number to report suspected child abuse. Adult Protective Services Hotline: 1-844-697-3505 is a toll free phone number to report abuse, neglect, or exploitation of adults.

    Guidelines for Sex Offender Participation in Church activities (including worship):

    Making Churches Safe and Welcoming news article
    Letter to Predator Previously Charged
    Letter to Predator Charges Pending
    Sex Offender Covenant


    Local Church Safe Sanctuaries Teams

    The adopted Conference resolution directs “[e]ach church/charge, district, agency and ministry group shall have a Safe Sanctuaries® committee or team in place no later than December 31, 2011.” This team shall be amenable to the local church’s governing board (Church Council/Administrative Board) and shall have the following responsibilities:

    • Developing the local church’s Safe Sanctuaries policy in accord with the guidelines and standards outlined in the resolution adopted by the annual conference.
    • Overseeing the implementation of this policy in the local church setting.
    • Serving as the linking body between the local church, the district and the annual conference’s Safe Sanctuaries Team regarding Safe Sanctuaries matters.

    Click here for more information.


    With more than 100,000 members, United Methodists of Upper New York comprises of more than 675 local churches and New Faith Communities in 12 districts, covering 48,000 square miles in 49 of the 62 counties in New York state. Our vision is to “live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God’s love with our neighbors in all places."