SAFE SANCTUARIES
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.
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.
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
The Upper New York Conference is offering the upcoming Safe Sanctuaries® training opportunities. Registration for each event opens one month prior to the training date.
SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY
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 OFFENDERS PARTICIPATION IN CHURCH ACTIVITIES
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:
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Developing the local church’s Safe Sanctuaries policy in line with annual conference guidelines.
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Overseeing the implementation of this policy in the local church setting.
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Linking the local church, district, and annual conference Safe Sanctuaries Team.
