Safe Sanctuaries
Creating a safe, loving environment is one of the foundations of what we do as God's people. Developing an atmosphere that protects our children is critical. We, as Christians, must be diligent about this task. The Western Pennsylvania Conference highly recommends that every church adopt and implement a Safe Sanctuary Policy and creates a Safe Sanctuary environment within the church facility and throughout its ministry.
On this page are links to resources to help your church implement such a policy.
See General Board of Discipleship's Safe Sanctuaries resources.
View Joy Melton's Presentation from the Safe Sanctuaries training event on May 11, 2012
View an example of a Safe Sanctuary Policy and an example of a Safe Sanctuary Training powerpoint
The following publication will help in learning more about Safe Sanctuaries and developing a policy.
Safe Sanctuaries, Reducing the Risk of Abuse in the Church and for Children and Youth by Joy Thornburg Melton
Find this book on Amazon Find it at Cokesbury
PA Criminal History Report
How to Obtain FBI Clearances, Pennsylvania Criminal History and Child Abuse Clearances
FBI Clearance Process
Applicants MUST register prior to going to a fingerprinting site. Registration can be completed either on the phone or online.
1. The Website to register is www.pa.cogentid.com and is available 24 hours a day, seven days per week.
2. Telephone registration is available at 1-888-439-2486, Monday through Friday, 8am to 6pm EST.
3. Applicants may receive a confirmation number.
4. The fee for the FBI clearance is $27.00 and can be made online with a credit card or by bringing a Money Order/Cashiers Check payable to “Cogent Systems” to the Fingerprinting site. No cash or personal checks will be accepted.