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)
Pastor Jennifer Stamm (Vice Chair)
Rev. Michael Whitcomb-Tavey
Amber Gregory
Rev. Cori Louden
Rev. Anne Canfield
Rev. CJ Rolle
Connie Pilato
Pastor Beverly Davenport
Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens, Ex-Officio

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.