St. Paul’s is
a Safe Church!
St. Paul’s Safe Church Policy sets out guidelines for all clergy, volunteers, and other staff members who participate in pastoral care or youth education. Everyone who regularly works with children takes Safe Church Training about keeping appropriate boundaries, when to refer or get aid from someone else in problematic situations, and how to build safeguards into gatherings to avoid even the opportunity for misconduct. An important component of our Policy is to perform criminal record background checks on all staff and volunteers who participate regularly in youth education or who provide pastoral care to the elderly or individuals with disabilities. Individuals who have been convicted of a crime or violence or abuse against another living being will not be permitted to participate in these ministries.
A complete copy of the Safe Church Policy is available in the Church Office .
A brief sample of prevention practices:
- Parental permission slips in written form are obtained for participation by a child or youth to all off-site planned events or trips. The permission slips are date and event specific.
- Two adult rule: we intentionally structure our activities so that at least two adults are always present and a single adult is never left alone with a child.
- All offices and/or classrooms have an open door or window.
- Meetings do not take place in secluded areas.
- Volunteers and employees have an open-door policy that encourages parents and/or guardians to stop in at unscheduled times.
- Whether overnight events are on church property or elsewhere, separate sleeping areas are provided for boys and girls.
- Two or more adults stay with all children/youth at the conclusion of an activity until every child has been picked up. A child is never left alone waiting for a ride.