Since 2001, United Methodist churches in the New England Conference have been expected to implement specific strategies and policies (affirmed by the Conference) to protect and safeguard children, youth, and adults. Community United Methodist Church adopted the policies shortly after publication, and in June 2006 reaffirmed and renewed the commitment to these policies. Christian Education is in the process of refining specific procedures and policies which affect our students. This fall, everyone who works with our children and youth will be asked to fill out paperwork for a CORI Check by the Attorney General’s Office (criminal background check). This is standard operating procedure in all schools, Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts, and youth programs. We will continue to meet a “two-adult” rule for work with our students, which will be met (as it is in other churches of our size) with either two adults (over 18) in the room, or a roving adult who checks all classrooms repeatedly throughout class time. We will also continue to utilize the “plus five” rule for work with youth, so that all adults must be at least five years older than the oldest youth.
Students below third grade need to be picked up by the parent/grandparent/guardians in Fellowship Hall, where a Christian Education volunteer adult will be present. Other events/programs for children/ youth also follow the “two adult” rule.
Nursery care for infants and toddlers are provided by experienced adults. All families will be given a nursery pager, so that they may be reached quickly if the nursery adult believes the parent’s presence is needed in the nursery. This includes diaper changing. It is our procedure to ask all parents to change their child’s diaper. Supplies are available in the nursery. The roving adult for Sunday School also carries a pager and will also be paged as needs arise. All infants and toddlers need to be registered, so that the best possible care can be offered to them.
Bathroom time for young children will be supervised by an adult, with all doors open. The child will be encouraged to be as self-sufficient as is appropriate. Adult assistance with clothing will be minimal. Parents will be contacted if greater assistance is needed.
Transportation of any students for any church-sponsored activity will include attention to the following: permission slips, selection of drivers, adult/ student ratios, purpose of the trip, CORI clearance, among others.
All activities within Christian Education are consistent with the six components of the CUMC Christian Education Model: Christian Ethics, Spiritual Growth, Mission, Faith in Action, Leadership, and Community Building. More information about our Safe Church Policies and Procedures can be obtained from Pastor Bruce or Karen Pehrson.