About Worthington United Methodist Church

Policies

Safe Sancturary -- Child Protection Policy

Reporting the Incident

1. Any suspected, observed, or reported incident of child abuse occurring at Worthington UMC or at any church sponsored activity involving a volunteer from Worthington UMC must be immediately reported to the senior pastor and one of the following: the chair of Staff-Parish Relations Committee or the chair of Trustees. Any suspected, observed, or reported incident of child abuse involving a staff member must be immediately reported to the chair of SPRC or the chair of Trustees; the SPRC or Trustees will then immediately notify the District Superintendent.
2. The person who suspects or observes abuse must also complete an Incident Report Form. (Appendix D)
3. All Incident Reports will be forwarded to the senior pastor, the chair of the Board of Trustees and the chair of SPRC.
4. The senior pastor, or SPRC, in consultation with legal counsel and in accordance with any statutory requirements, will determine what further investigation and/or corrective actions will be taken.
   
   These actions should include, but are not limited to:
   1. Removing the suspected individual from any involvement with children in church-sponsored activities pending an investigation,
   2. Promptly notifying the appropriate authorities, and
   3. Notifying the child's guardian.
5. Any person found to be involved in a substantiated case of child abuse will not be allowed to volunteer or work in any capacity with children at Worthington UMC.
6. The senior pastor, Staff-Parish Relations Committee, or legal counsel will determine if changes to this policy are warranted.