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A central tenet of the Christian faith is the inherent value and worth of all children, youth, and adults. Children and youth are least able to protect themselves in our society and are particularly vulnerable to abuse and neglect. Our goal is that all United Methodist Churches must be doing what they can to protect the youth and children who participate in the life of each congregation.
We believe implementing a policy and adopting procedures to protect our children recognizes that:
Our Christian faith calls us to offer both hospitality and protection to the little ones, the Children. The Social Principles of the United Methodist Church states that ". . . children must be protected from economic, physical and sexual exploitation and abuse." Tragically, Churches have not always been safe places for children. Child sexual abuse and exploitation . . . occur in Churches, both, large and small, urban and rural. The problem cuts across all economic, cultural and racial lines. . . . God calls us to make our Churches safe places, protecting children and other vulnerable persons from abuse.
For these reasons, each United Methodist Church must adopt a policy and implement it to the best of their ability. A basic policy is available for each church to use and adapt to their situation – that policy is accessible through this web site. Once the policy is amended and signed, the original must be sent to the District Office, 2125 E South St, Orlando FL, 32803.
[+] Instructions
Please remember:
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Screening the adults who work with your children and youth is the biggest consideration with your policy. This is an issue of protection for the children, but also for the adults who work with them. This kind of protection is now considered for most large organizations that work with children.
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Having a policy signed and filed will be a legal problem if it is not implemented. Please do your best to implement the policy in the life of your congregation.
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An annual renewal form for your policy must be filed yearly on March 31 with the District Office. This Renewal Form is available on this web site.
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For help with this process, call or email Kim Shockley, 407-893-7300 x 2 or kshockley@flumc.org. She will provide the assistance and training for you.
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