As an added security precaution it is highly recommended that each church verify an applicants social security card before sending completed forms to the conference office.

Steps for Local Churches to become a Safe Sanctuary (Below are sample policies and forms for general guideline use only; some sections may or may not apply to your specific local church setting. Your church policy should be written specifically to address your local church and community safety issues.)

Step 1 Have a written policy by December 31, 2008.
Use the sample policies below and the Conference Policy located in ‘resources’ to establish and live through your own policy.
         SAMPLE - Small Church policy
         SAMPLE - Medium Church policy
         SAMPLE - Large church policy
         Resources

Step 2  Complete the following forms on all volunteers having care, custody and control of children, youth and vulnerable adults.
         SAMPLE - Application form
         SAMPLE - Interview form
         SAMPLE - Covenant form

Step 3  Perform background checks on all volunteers that have completed the above forms.
         Option A:             Those local churches wishing to run their own background checks can use the process listed below:
                                    Choose a screening company
                                    Create a release form that covers all individuals screened and minimizes the liability of churches
                                    (see Conference release form for guidance)

         Option B:            Those local churches wishing to have the conference run the screenings must follow the process below:
                                   Background Screening Process
                                   Individual Release form
                                   Order form
                                   Report form