Purpose of the policy
Improve the safety of children in our congregation’s programs by implementing preventive steps and by providing guidelines regarding appropriate behavior with the children and youth of our congregation;
Provide guidance on how to effectively respond to incidents that may occur, whether during a congregational activity or at other times, and
Through prevention steps, reduce the likelihood that allegations (true or false) will be made against congregation staff or volunteers.
Underlying principles for this policy
Unitarian Universalists have a covenant with one another. Our covenant is not a creed. It does not dictate correct doctrine or belief. It does outline our relationship with one another. It is a voluntary and unconditional agreement to act in ways that express the values of our Unitarian Universalist Principles.
We, the members of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Beaufort believe that our commitment to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person justice equity and compassion in human relations, spiritual growth, and the use of the democratic process within our congregations compels us to create a safe environment that protects children and adults from harm and promotes their spiritual growth.
Child protection and safety
RE teachers or others working with children and youth:
- Will have been a congregant (friend or member) of the fellowship for at least six months, or have a reference from another member or UU church.
- Will have read, understood, and signed the “Code of Ethics.”
- There must be a minimum of two adults present at events involving children and youth of the congregation.
Supervision of Children
Children shall be under the supervision of their parents or guardians at all times when they are not in class. Parents are responsible for the safety of their children when the RE program ends.
Parents need to pick up their younger children (2nd grade and under) from class.
Implementation of the policy
Announcements of the policy will be made in the order of service for two consecutive Sundays and copies will be made available to the congregation
The policy will be included in all new member information packets.
A summary of the policy will be distributed to all members and friends through the newsletter.
The policy will be provided and discussed with all volunteers who supervise or care for the children of our congregation.
The RE committee will include information on this policy and its implementation as part of its annual report to the board.
The Board will conduct an annual review of the safety policy.