Recognizing the growing threat of child abuse and its presence even among God’s own people, the 1996 General Conference of the United Methodist Church adopted a resolution on “Reducing the Risk of Child Sexual Abuse in the Church” which states, “God calls us to make our churches safe places, protecting children and other vulnerable persons from sexual and ritual abuse. God calls us to create communities of faith where children and adults grow safe and strong.”

Safe Sanctuaries is the movement and initiative to fulfill this call upon us – to make our Mission a safe place for Youth and Adults. The Appalachian Service Project operates under Safe Sanctuaries guidelines for our volunteer program. Thus, in covenant with ASP and the United Methodist Church, FOA adopts this policy for the prevention of child abuse and our unwavering commitment to the physical safety and spiritual growth of all our Youth and Adults.

FOA will follow reasonable safety measures in the selection and recruitment of volunteers; we will implement prudent operational procedures in all programs and events; we will educate all of those who work with the Youth regarding the use of all appropriate policies and methods; we will have a clearly defined procedure for reporting a suspected incident of abuse that conforms to the will have a clearly defined procedure for reporting a suspected incident of abuse that conforms to the requirements of state law.

Friends of Appalachia Inc. and the Appalachian Service Project operates under Safe Sanctuaries guidelines for our volunteer programs.

All adults (19 years and older) must have undergone a thorough criminal background check, done by FOA. No adult will be allowed to participate without a background check. ASP does the same on all its employees and volunteers.

Adults (19 years and older) and Youth will have separate showering times, per the guidelines and direction of ASP staff.

In each sleeping area, there must be at least 2 Adults (19 years or older) of the same gender as the Youth. These Adults will sleep in a separate corner from the Youth, if possible.

Adults (21 years and older) during any and all transportation, are to be in the front seat of the vehicles with all Youth (20 years and younger) to be in the back of the vehicles. Adults over the age of 25 will be the drivers. The Co-Pilots who are 21 but not yet 25 are to be the support system to the Driver only.

This policy sets forth the requirements in the areas of;
1) Screening,
2) Supervision,
3) Reporting,
4) Response Plan, and
5) Protection and Integration of Known Sexual Offenders

Friends of Appalachia Inc. and the Appalachian Service Project do not condone or tolerate sexual harassment in any form.

All activities should be appropriately staffed to ensure the safety of all participants. To accomplish this, the following guidelines have been established:
1. Event Supervision - "2 Adult Rule" - All activities will have at least two (2) Adults present and involved in all activities.  When it is not feasible to have two (2) Adults, visual observation of the activity should be unobstructed and include periodic observation or visitation of the class or activity by a supervising Adult.  Related Adults may work together, but a third (3rd) non-related Adult must be present.  
2. Counseling and Mentoring - There are times when it may be appropriate for Adults to meet with a Youth. During these circumstances, at least one Board member and one Youth Board member should also be present.  At least one (1) other adult on the campus should be aware of meeting.  Meeting Room used must have transparency - open doors and uncovered windows or half-doors.
3. Adult contact with Youth during FOA Sponsored Events -  No matter where or how communication occurs with a minor and whether it is connected with FOA or not, Safe Sanctuaries rules apply. This includes, but is not limited to e-mails, texting, phone calls, social media sites and written notes.  
4. Physical Boundaries -  No female Adult and no male Adult should hold a Youth of ANY age on their lap.  No Adult is to be alone with a Youth or another Adult in a single stall bathroom. No Youth is to be alone with another Youth in a single stall bathroom.  No Adult is to be inside a stall within a multi-stall restroom with a Youth or another Adult with the door closed. Whenever possible use the buddy system with another Adult or Youth. Some types of physical contact (hugging, arm over the shoulder, etc.) are often misunderstood.  Caution should be taken in this area. Respect personal space. Ask Permission before engaging in any physical contact.  There is no instance, preparing for or on the trip, that encourages/permits hugs or similar physical affection. There is no instance, preparing for or on the trip, that encourages/permits verbal affections aka "I Love You’s” or anything similar. Especially between a non-related adult and a youth.
5. Transportation - No Adult is to be alone in a car with a Youth.   To transport Youth, a driver must be at least twenty-five (25) years of age and must have a current Driver Form, a copy of current license and a copy of current insurance on file  Drivers are responsible for letting the President know if their license becomes suspended or revoked or if they receive a ticket for a driving offense or if their auto insurance lapses. NOTE: Tickets for minor offenses do not automatically disqualify a worker from future driving.  Off-Campus/Overnight Events;  Males & Females MUST have separate sleeping areas. At NO time shall an Adult share a bed, sleeping bag, blanket or pillow with a Youth.  Males & Females MUST bathe in separate areas or at different times. At NO time should an Adult bathe with Youth.  If a group splits up, there should be at least two (2) adults accompanying each group. NO Youth should be allowed to go off on their own or with a group of other Youth, even if one of them is a Youth who is eighteen (18) years old or older. **Failure to follow these rules will be cause for the possibility of dismissal from activities, including the trip and Friends of Appalachia as a whole.

Types of Abuse:
• Physical abuse ‐ Deliberate intentional bodily harm
• Emotional abuse – Spoken or unspoken emotional cruelty or violence
• Neglect – endangerment of health, safety, welfare through negligence
• Sexual – sexual contact without consent (there is no possible consent between a minor and an adult)
• Ritual abuse – physical, sexual, or psychological violation of a child inflicted regularly, intentionally, and in a stylized way.
• Spiritual abuse/neglect – failure of church to provide spiritual nurture to those home-bound/in nursing
care.
• Financial abuse/exploitation – illegal and improper use of funds, property, and assets.


Reporting & Plan of Response to an allegation of abuse:
FOA is committed to a safe environment for its youth and adults. To honor that commitment FOA shall abide by the following process of faithfully reporting and responding to an alleged abuse, cooperating fully with investigative and law enforcement agencies. FOA's policy states staff and volunteers must report suspected child abuse to any Board Member (President, Vice President or any Board Member) and the Center Leader.  Mandated Reporter: A person who is mandated by law to report child abuse because of their position with an organization that cares for children. These persons include child-care custodians and clergy members. Confidentiality does not apply to cases of abuse of a child or youth. All adults over 18 involved with FOA and all ASP Volunteers and workers are mandatory reporters.

Anyone who suspects there has been an incident of child and/or youth abuse or neglect of a youth shall comply with all State law reporting requirements through the following procedure:
1. A timely report to the President, Vice President or Board Member of FOA by someone with firsthand knowledge of the nature of the report. This initial report will be kept confidential.
2. The President of FOA will, or any Mandated Reporter can, report the incident to the Connecticut State Department of Children and Families or to the local police. This notification will be made within 24-48 hours of the initial report. Confidentiality does not apply to these reports.
3. The first priority in all suspected Youth abuse or neglect cases shall be the Youth or Vulnerable Person.
4. No individual shall make any statement to any member of the press or any media outlet. Any statement will be issued by the FOA’s attorney or their representative, only.

Safety Procedures:
Adults will follow these safety procedures with all Youth:
~Have two Adults (19 or older) present when caring for Youth
~Maintain high visibility by keeping windows uncovered and doors open.
~Know where to find first aid supplies.
~Give parents advance notice concerning the activities and whereabouts of the group.
~All text messages and other social media contact between a Youth and Adult must include at least another FOA Adult Advisor
~All workers and volunteers who have responsibility for Youth have been screened and approved according to Friends of Appalachia's Safe Sanctuaries policy.
 

Violations:
The following acts are violations of the Policy and will not be tolerated or accepted during any activity or program and are to be immediately reported to the President, Vice-President or FOA board member:
~any direct observations or evidence of sexual activity
~any display or demonstration of sexual activity, abuse, insinuation of abuse, or evidence of abusive conduct
~sexual advances or sexual activity of any kind
~infliction of physical abusive behavior or bodily injury
~physical neglect, including failure to provide adequate supervision in relation to the activities
~mental or emotional injury
~the presence or possession of obscene or pornographic materials
~the presence, possession or consumption of alcohol or any illegal or illicit drugs while leading or participating in a FOA activity
~a person of the opposite sex may not enter at any time the bedroom areas of the opposite sex, this includes a family member.


--Adopted by the Administrative Board of Directors Friends of Appalachia Inc. on October 6th, 2019

Before taking this quiz, please read carefully the SAFE SANCTUARY INTRODUCTION, POLICIES and GUIDELINES

After reading the material, please answer the following questions. To pass the quiz you must get 17 of the 17 questions correct. Any incorrect answers will be emailed back to you for discussion with a Board Member. You have til February 11th to take the quiz. Once you pass the quiz you'll get an all clear from the Board. Ready? Set? Go!