Safe Sanctuary
United Methodist Temple is a “Safe Sanctuary” congregation. The Temple leadership has worked in conjunction with all program areas to make sure our ministries with children and youth, on campus and on trips, offer a safe environment that truly enables the peace of Christ in the safe-care of children.
What is Safe Sanctuary?
We have established and instituted policies that include screening and checking references for all paid employees and all volunteers. Our paid staff is trained to recognize signs of abuse and is required by state law to report incidents of abuse that they discover. All of our ministries now include minimum standards for adult supervision and watch-care for children and youth.
Our nurseries have staff members who are trained in infant care and attention.
We have developed and are instituting building alteration and usage policies which ensure that children and youth are in visible areas, including having glass panes installed in doors and making sure that our leaders keep all activities in fully visible areas.
You may request a copy of our Safe Sanctuary policy by calling the Church Office at 304-252-6213.
Where can I pick up a volunteer application?
Volunteer applications are available in the Church Office (M-F from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.) and at The Place (M-F from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.).
Every five years, each volunteer needs to update their background check using the 5-year renewal form which is available in the Church Office (M-F from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.) and at The Place (M-F from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
How do I receive training?
The staff person in whose ministry you are a volunteer is responsible for all Safe Sanctuary training. After you receive the Safe Sanctuary training, you will be asked to sign a Signature Page by the staff person conducting the training. That will conclude your training. The staff person will then bring the Signature Page to the Church Office to be put on file.