The congregation of Navarre United Methodist Church is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all children, youth, and volunteers who participate in ministries and activities sponsored by the church.  The following policy statements reflect our congregation’s commitment to preserving this church as a holy place of safety and protection for all who would enter and as a place in which all people can experience the love of God through relationships with others.

1. Any adult who has been convicted of child abuse (either sexual, physical, or emotional abuse) cannot volunteer to work with children or youth in any church-sponsored activity.
2. All adult volunteers involved with children or youth of our church must have attended regularly or been a member of the congregation for at least three months before beginning a volunteer assignment.
3. Adult volunteers with children and youth shall observe the “Two-Adult Rule” at all times so that no adult is ever alone with children or youth.
4. Adult volunteers with children and youth shall be at least four years older than oldest youth in the group with whom they are working.
5. Adult volunteers with children and youth shall attend regular training and educational events provided by the church to keep volunteers informed of church policies and state laws regarding child abuse.
6. Adult volunteers shall immediately report to their supervisor any behavior that seems abusive or inappropriate.

Safe Sanctuary Policies (link to PDF document 16 pages - updated Version 01/12/10)