Safe Sanctuaries
The Church, above all institutions, is called to welcome and nurture children and youth. Our goal is to maintain a safe, secure, and loving place where children and youth may grow, and where those who care for them may administer to their needs in responsible ways.
A Synopsis of the “Policy for the Prevention of Child Abuse”
Minimum age
Authority figures working with youth (grades 6th and above) must be 21 years of age or 4 years older than the participants. Authority figures working with children (infant-5th grade) must b a minimum of 18 years of age and judged competent to assist by a FUMC staff member.
Two Adult Rule
A minimum of two adults (18 years of age) are to be present during all programming with children and youth. Where it is impossible to staff two adults per room, an additional adult must serve as a floater with visual and physical access.
Adult/Child Ratios
Ratios will vary depending on the age of the child and the activity. A minimum of two adults must always be present. It is the responsibility of the authority figure to know the ratio for the age group with which they work.
Rooming
With parental consent, children or youth may room together without an adult. In situations where adults with children or youth in a hotel, cabin, tent, or other similar situation, there must be two adults. Adults may not sleep in the same bed with children or youth.
Six Month Rule
All adult volunteer authority figures must be a member of the congregation for six months in order to serve in the area of children or youth. Others may serve as an assistant with an authority figure.
Policy Instruction
ALL volunteer and paid staff must undergo policy instruction and educational training once a year.
Screening
All authority figures, assistants and all employees (including clergy) must be properly screened. Screening includes the following:
- Each person completes and application form
- Each applicant is interviewed
- The church conducts reference checks on all adults and college students
- The church conducts background checks on all adults and college students
- Students under eighteen will complete a modified application form and be interviewed. No background or reference checks will be required.
Reporting Abuse
State law requires volunteers who work with children under the age of 18 to report any type of suspected child abuse to the proper authorities. Any volunteer who makes such a report in “good faith” is protected by law from any form of liability; however, failure to make such a report can give rise to criminal and/or civil liability. Reports may be made anonymously.
- If child abuse is suspected, the Senior Pastor or Staff Parish Relations Chairperson shall be contacted at 731-422-4002.
- If a child is in immediate danger, the Police, Sheriff, or Highway Patrol (911) shall be contacted immediately.
I will bring them back to this place, and I will settle them in safety.”
~ Jeremiah 32:37
Adult/Child Ratios
Nursery/Child Care
- Infants
- (non-handicapped, not walking) 1 adult to 4 infants
- Toddlers
- (non-handicapped, walking) 1 adult to 6 toddlers
- 2 years of age
- 1 adult to 7 children
- 3 years of age
- 1 adult to 9 children
- 4 years of age
- 1 adult to 13 children
- 5 years of age
- 1 adult to 16 children
- 6 years of age and above
- 1 adult to 20 children
Mixed Age Groups
6 weeks to 30 months
- 1 adult to 5 children
- 2 to 4 years old
- 1 adult to 8 children
- 2 1/2 to 5 years old
- 1 adult to 11 children
- 4 to 5 years old
- 1 adult to 16 children
- 2 to 3 years old
- 1 adult to 8 children
- 2 1/2 to 3 years old
- 1 adult to 9 children
- 3 to 5 years old
- 1 adult to 13 children
- 5 to 12 years old
- 1 adult to 20 children
FUMC Events
Grades 1-4
- 1 adult to 8 children
- Grades 5-8
- 1 adult to 10 youth
- Grades 9-12
- 1 adult to 12 youth