Seminar To Help Develop Policies And Procedures For Reducing Risk Of Abuse In Churches And Organizations
On February 21, 2012, First United Methodist Church of Pensacola will host Rev. Joy Melton, author of the United Methodist Church’s Safe Sanctuary Policy on protection of children, youth and vulnerable adults. Rev. Melton has worked with hundreds of congregations and organizations to help develop comprehensive abuse prevention policies and procedures for implementation in ministries involving children, youth, and adults. Two training opportunities, lasting two hours each, will take place on February 21st at 1:00 PM and again at 6:00 PM. Childcare is available during the evening session only. The seminars will take place in Wesley Abbey on the campus of First United Methodist Church of Pensacola. First United Methodist Church of Pensacola is located at 6 East Wright Street on the corner of Wright and Palafox Street in beautiful downtown Pensacola. The seminars are free of charge and open to the public. All staff and volunteers of organizations, churches and non-profits that deal with children, youth or vulnerable adults are encouraged to attend. Rev. Melton is a United Methodist clergyperson and an attorney. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Christian Education from Pfeiffer College in North Carolina; a Master of Arts degree from Scarritt College in Nashville, Tennessee; and a Law Degree from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. She is a partner in the Atlanta law firm of Hinds & Melton, LLC. She is also the author of Safe Sanctuaries: Reducing the Risk of Child Abuse in the Church and Safe Sanctuaries for Youth: Reducing the Risk of Abuse in Youth Ministries. In her books and training seminars she defines abuse and its many types, common indicators, legal requirements for reporting abuse, and also provides guidelines for screening and hiring workers and volunteers. In addition she outlines basic procedures of safe ministry with children and youth and outlines a congregational plan for responding to allegations of abuse. You will not want to miss this important training event for your church or organization.
If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview, please call Jeb Hunt at 850-748-1257 or email Jeb at jebhunt@pensacolafirstchurch.com.