What is required by all local churches by December 31, 2008?
All churches are to have written and approved its Safe Sanctuary Policy by Dec. 31.
Is the church’s policy the same as the conference’s policy?
The conference policy is a guideline for churches to use in developing their policy. Sample local church policies are also available on the conference website. A local church policy should include these components: recruiting and screening procedures, training procedures, operating procedures, reporting procedures, and response procedures.
What is the cost and does the conference pay for the screenings?
The cost is $6 per background check and $9:00 per motor Vehicle Report. The church or individual must pay for these. Contact the conference office if you choose to have this service.
Who is running the conference’s national criminal and motor vehicle background checks?
ChoicePoint, a LexisNexis company that does comprehensive credentialing, background screening, authentication, direct marketing and public records services to businesses and nonprofit organizations, has been contracted by the conference for this job.
What are the conference’s criteria for ‘approval’?
- No conviction of any crime against a child;
- No conviction of a felony; and
- No DUI within the last 5 years
This criteria is subject to change upon review of the Safe Sanctuary Task Force. If there is a change, the consent form will reflect the changes.
Does a DUI within the last five years stop someone from working with youth at the conference level?
No. It does mean that the individual cannot drive youth or children for the church.
If “not approved” by the conference background check, based on conference criteria, can a church override it?
Yes, but the church’s policy should state that the church has the latitude to give the non-approved person supervisory roles. The local church must understand the consequences.
If not “approved” by the conference background check, based on conference criteria, can a conference board or agency override it?
No. Boards or agencies must adhere to conference policy.
In case of a negative report, is there an appeals process?
There is an appeals process for boards and agencies, but the exception is rare. For further information, please contact Safe Sanctuaries at the conference office. Local churches must decide whether or not they will have an appeals process and, if so, what it will be?
If the conference runs the screening for local churches, who is notified on the results?
The authorized contact person from the church or board/agency will be the one notified in writing that states only ‘approved’ or ‘not approved’ for working with children, youth and vulnerable adults AND ‘approve’ or ‘not approved’ for driving.
Is there any communication to the individuals being screened?
Yes. ChoicePoint will send a letter to individuals screened whose records show a conviction against them.
Who will have access to the confidential information?
At the conference office, two (2) designated individuals in the Office of Connectional Ministries will receive the information from ChoicePoint. Only designated people from churches and boards/agencies will receive an “approve”’ or “not approved” where individuals seek to work with children, youth and vulnerable adults.
Are pastors going to be checked?
Yes. Consistency is important. So, all pastors will be screened by ChoicePoint.
How long will it take to get the results back from the conference office?
Expect for 10 working days.
If someone is NOT approved for driving by the conference because they had a DUI less than five years ago, five year hence from the date of the DUI do they have to consent to another approval if they want to drive children?
Yes. They must have a new background check to drive children.
Who is a vulnerable adult or individual?
Vulnerable adults are individuals who are 18 years old and older who are unable to adequately provide for their own care because of their physical or emotional disability. Examples include persons who may be: elderly or frail, learning or physical disabled or in an abusive relationship.
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