Building Safer Congregations: Creating Your Own Safe Church Policy

Safe Church Resources 

The Grand Canyon Synod recommends that each of our congregations have written Safe Church guidelines. 

  • We recommend a team of congregational members to write your congregation's guidelines.  Keep in mind who should be on the team.  Think about asking school teachers, parents of both children and youth, a church council representative, an older teen/s, and a staff person. 

  • It's very important that you check with your insurance company for specifics that they may require in your policy, as well as, your state laws particularly regarding mandated reporters (who are required by law to report suspected child abuse). 

  • A good book to guide your team is written by Joy Thorton Melton, Safe Sanctuaries, Reducing the Risk of Abuse in the Church for Children and Youth. 

  • Below are some samples for your team to look at. 

  • After your first draft is written run it by your council and other leaders' in your church.  Is this something that we as a congregation can agree with? Guidelines aren't worth the paper it is written on if you cannot or will not follow it.  

  • Once everyone agrees and is comfortable with the guidelines, ask a lawyer to read it and advise. 

  • When completed and the church is in agreement, post in public places in your church so everyone is familiar with your guidelines. 

HELPFUL LINKS 

The childwelfare.gov website will be very helpful to find your state laws. Also check with your state's Department of Human Services or Department of Family and Children Services for additional guidance. 

Each state is different when it comes to locating helpful services, as well as who is required to be a mandatory reporter. Check your state laws when writing your policy. 

To learn more about child abuse, mandating reporting in the state of Arizona, Nevada and Utah check these sites for upcoming webinars and training.   

ELCA Resources on Safe Church, Background Checks, Hiring and Reporting Misconduct 

The following are links to additional resources available from the ELCA: 

ELCA Legal Issues page: 

Additional Sites and Resources 

Downloadable samples and guidelines 

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSynod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT), Youth and Young AdultComment