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SAFE SANCTUARIES:  Reducing the Risk of Child Abuse in the Church

 

In 1999, The West Ohio Annual Conference passed a recommendation that every local church would obtain a copy of the book Safe Sanctuaries in order to develop a policy for their congregation. This book as well as the book Safe Sanctuaries for Youth is available through Cokesbury and for $10.40. Other resources from Cokesbury include Safe Sanctuaries for Children and Youth in VHS or DVD format at the cost of $25. You may contact Cokesbury at 1-800-672-1789 or visit the website at Cokesbury.com.

 

The books provide background, rationale, step-by-step "how to" information, and sample forms for congregations to adapt for their particular setting. 

 

Having a policy is important for the protection of everybody who works with the children and youth in our churches and communities, but especially protection of the children and youth!

 

Each church should have a copy of their policy on file with the District Office.