Safe Sanctuary Policy

FUMC Hurst is a Safe Sanctuary Congregation

Members of FUMC Hurst come from a variety of experiences, backgrounds, and needs. Many of the ministries of FUMC Hurst involve married and single adults who have children in our preschool, children's, and youth areas. FUMC Hurst is committed to providing an environment which is as safe as possible for children, youth, and vulnerable adults who attend the church or any church-sponsored programs or activities, and to take the necessary precautions to protect church workers from false accusation or suspicions.

FUMC Hurst adopted its Safe Sanctuary Abuse Prevention Policy in 2005. The Policy requires:

• A minimum of two unrelated adults will be with all children, youth, and vulnerable adults.
• No adult will ever be alone with a child, youth, or vulnerable adult behind a closed door.
• All adults who work with children, youth, and vulnerable adults will have been members of FUMC Hurst for six months, undergo a national criminal background check, and will attend a Safe Sanctuary Training Class

To date, more than 500 volunteers in these ministry areas have participated in a Safe Sanctuary class. Watch the church newspaper and bulletins for upcoming training classes.

Your Child's Safety Is Important to Us – But We Need Your Help

• Please always walk your child to his/her class or event to ensure he/she arrives in the correct location and is not left alone with an adult.
• For children in Kindergarten and younger: Please sign your child in at the door and take your part of the two-part nametag. Your part will be asked for when you return to pick up your child.
• For children birth – third grade, a parent must be present to pick up your child. For older children, if you do not pick them up at the door, have a designated meeting spot that does not change.
• Do not let your young children leave worship alone to go to the restroom. Ushers are trained to watch for children exiting the Sanctuary, but they have other duties as well.

For more information contact Deena Friesz, Assistant Director of Ministries with Children and their Families or Rev. Matt Ybañez, Minister to Youth and their Families.