Trinity is a “Safe Sanctuary” congregation.  Practically speaking this affects the youth ministry in the following ways…

• All volunteer staff are screened and must pass a criminal background check and attend specialize training before they serve.
• Two non-related adults shall be present in any church-sponsored ministry where feasible.
• Volunteers and staff cannot give rides to students unless there are two (counting the driver) non-related adults present in the vehicle.
• Students may not transport non-related students to ministry events unless they have gained permission from Tony and their parents
• All workers must be at least five years older than the youth they supervise.  In instances where this is not feasible, the worker shall be paired with an adult who meets criteria.
• Open door counseling. Whenever possible counseling must be in an area with another adult present.  When privacy is a concern counseling shall be conducted in a room/office with a visible window and with another adult in view of the room.
• Corporal punishment of any kind will never be appropriate.

As you can imagine this is really stretching us in our ministry, but we believe it is in the best interest of everyone involved.  This is how you can help…

• Don’t ask us to give your child a ride home from an event…in most instances we can’t.
• Go ahead and volunteer to be screened and take our training.  We need to increase the number of adults in our database who can assist us in our ministries.
• Sunday school is especially an issue.  We have willing teachers, but we need parents to volunteer to “sit in” with each of our classes or volunteers to co-teach.
• Lastly, spread the good news regarding our policies.  Not all churches are taking these issues a seriously as we are and that is a testament to our commitment to your children.