In keeping with the UUCDC’s Safe Congregation Policy and honoring our first principle to maintaining respect for everyone in our community, the Religious Education & Church Coordinating Councils have mandated the following Church Safety Covenant:

Parental Supervision: Children 10 and under must be under direct, visual supervision by a parent, guardian, or other designated caregiver (adult, hired sitter, or older sibling over the age of 14) at all times when children are not in Religious Education (RE) classes. We urge parents to keep track of where your children are and with whom.

Inside the Building: Children should not run through hallways or rooms in the church. Running in the church, especially in and around Fellowship Hall and the Lobby, is dangerous. Small children may take older adults by surprise, causing hot coffee spills and other accidental injuries. Parents and guardians are responsible for coaching their children about this hazard and correcting improper behaviors.

Outside the Building: Children 10 and under may not be left unattended outside the church building–on the playground, on the front or back lawn, in the memorial garden, or anywhere else on church property. Children playing outside without direct adult supervision are at risk from cars leaving the parking lot and are a genuine liability issue. Parents should never assume that someone else is watching their children.

RE Teacher Recruitment: All class leaders and volunteers will be a member or have had regular attendance for the past six months. Volunteer class leaders will sign a code of ethics and will agree to submit to criminal background checks and a child abuse clearance.

General Classroom Safety Guideline: There will be two unrelated adults in the classroom during religious education sessions and on off campus trips. Class leaders and volunteers will notify the Director of Religious Education (DRE) if their group is outside of the building. Signed field trip permission slips will be obtained at registration and will be on file with the DRE.

In Case of Injury: The DRE will be immediately notified if a child is injured or ill. A report will be filed with the DRE documenting any accident.

Disruptive Behavior: Disruptive behavior challenges our sense of individual and communal safety and well-being,. The policy regarding disruptive behavior includes four levels of response including the permanent exclusion from the church and its premises.

In the event of a suspected unhealthy relationship: Any incident of verbal, emotional or sexual abuse or inappropriate behavior towards another individual during an SE session, field-trip, or special event must be reported to the DRE, minister, or in the absence of both, the Board of Trustees President.

After Worship-Pick-Up: All Sunday School children, must be picked up from their designated classrooms/fellowship hall by their parents/guardians promptly at 10:45 am. They will not be released until their parents/guardians arrive.

Permission for Community Parenting: This is assumed when children are found unattended. As a trusting church community we give one another permission to sensitively redirect behavior that any adult considers dangerous, disrespectful or in violation of this covenant. As parents we will gracefully accept reminders that our children need more direct supervision.

Interpreting Safety: Recognizing that “safety” can have varying interpretations, and yet wanting all of our families, our elders, and our visitors to feel welcome and comfortable in our community, let’s make it our ultimate goal to respect and look after one another.