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.  

The Sexual Ethics Committee, is the conference level body responsible for policymaking, training, accountability, and crisis response, will be formed this fall. In the meantime, this page of information is offered to provide resources to local churches, districts and conference ministries.

2011 Safe Sanctuaries Resolution

Click here for the entire document.

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 Sexual Ethics Committee regarding Safe Sanctuaries matters.

Click here for more information.

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

*Check back soon for more detailed instructions!

Walsh Duffield Companies, Inc. is pleased to announce a new partnership with Trak-1 Technology effective October 22, 2012. Trak-1 Technology is a premier provider of nationwide employment screening, resident screening and volunteer screening data and related background software since 1996. Trak-1 Technology currently provides screening solutions for nineteen other United Methodist Church Conferences throughout the country and offers an easy and affordable option to thoroughly evaluate the people you depend on.

The Upper NY Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church will access the services of Trak-1 Technology by going to: http://www.walshins.com/Resources/UpperNYConference and following the instructions provided. Each Church is encouraged to have their Federal Tax ID Number (FEIN) and Church credit card information available during the initial registration process. For any Churches who do not know their FEIN, “99-9999999” can be entered instead to keep the process moving. Your dedicated service contact at Trak-1 Technology for assistance is Ji Kim and she can be reached at 918-779-7000 or ji.kim@trak-1.com.

For those Churches who wish to continue utilizing the services of LexisNexis, you may do so by going directly to their website located at: https://volunteer.lexisnexis.com/pub/. The agreed upon pricing for the Upper NY Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church will remain in force and can still be secured by using promo codes “WIG” and “SN311” where applicable. For any questions on a LexisNexis account please continue to contact Sy Stupart at LexisNexis at 678-694-4381 or Sy.Stupart@LexisNexis.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.

Resources:

Safe Sanctuaries: The Church Responds to Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of Older Adults, published in 2012. It is available from the Upper Room Bookstore:

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-22882.htm

Safe Sanctuaries Anniversary Edition (Reducing the Risk of Abuse in the Church for Children and Youth – 2008 edition) by Joy Thornburg Melton. This resource outlines basic procedures for recruiting, screening and hiring workers; basic procedures for safe ministry for children and youth; safe sanctuaries for vulnerable adults and a section on internet safety. Also included are implementation strategies, model for training, sample forms and much more.

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=686384

Safe Sanctuaries for Ministers (Best Practices and Ethical Decisions – 2009 edition) by Joy Thornburg Melton. This book explores three areas of special concern to clergy: Counseling and the potential improprieties within the counseling relationship, Finances and the potential improprieties related to church finance, and Sexuality and the potential for sexual misconduct. An excellent resource not just for pastors but also for Staff Parish Committees and those who work with pastors.

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=749060

Safe Sanctuaries for Children and Youth DVD to use for training - 2004 edition (Joy Thornburg Melton).

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=519420

Reporting:

The New York State Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-342-3720 Toll free phone number to call in a report of suspected child abuse.