
10 Safety Basics
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Sacred Safety (Scripture)
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Background Checks
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Write it Down
(Permission Forms & Policies)
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Sexual Abuse Prevention & Response
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First Aid
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Property
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Technology & Social Media
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Off Campus
(Camp, Mission Trips, Retreats, Events)
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Behavior
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Nursery & Childcare Standards
Getting Started
One of the reasons many churches do not create a safe and sacred space is because it can be very overwhelming and can cost money. Here are some basic important ways to get started.
The Written Word
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Write down the expectations you have for clergy and employees.
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Write down the expectations you have for the adults.
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Write down the expectations you have for the children.
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Get signatures and permission for photos, travel, and technology/social media
Personnel Files for Those Working with Minors (Coming Soon)
Forms that Minors Need to Have Filled Out By a Guardian (Coming Soon)
Adult to Child Ratio
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The standard practice (which should be written down) is that at no point should anyone be in a group smaller than three people. Never. This includes online and other media interactions. Make sure everyone (children included) are aware of this expectation. There should always be two adults in a nursery care setting.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off
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A lot can happen between the car and the room. Work with guardians to create a safe way to have children sign in and sign out with those who are allowed and age appropriate (write it down) to drive and monitor a child. Never let a child go with someone who does not have written permission to take that child. (This includes the nursery. Do not send a child with a sibling, friend, non-guardian parent unless given written permission.)
Contact and Medical Information
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Allergies and behavorial information is very important. Basic medical and contact information is needed for every child on the property even when a parent is present.
Background Checks
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Plus, check the areas around the church.
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The FBI sex offender website (Click here)
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The US Department of Justice, National Sex Offender Search (Click here)
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Insurance Board: Policy Template: This is the best resource out there!
aithTrust Institute is a national, multifaith, multicultural training and education organization with global reach working to end sexual and domestic violence. - See more at:
FaithTrust Institute is a national, multifaith, multicultural training and education organization with global reach working to end sexual and domestic violence. - See more at:
FaithTrust Institute is a national, multifaith, multicultural training and education organization with global reach working to end sexual and domestic violence. - See more at:
FaithTrust Institute is a national, multifaith, multicultural training and education organization with global reach working to end sexual and domestic violence. - See more at:
FaithTrust Institute is a national, multifaith, multicultural training and education organization with global reach working to end sexual and domestic violence. - See more at:
This page was last updated by JK 9/26/14