Safe Sanctuaries

Safe Sanctuaries

Reducing the Risk of Abuse in the Church for Children and Youth  

by Joy Thornburg Melton
Paperback
Children Clergy & Laity Youth

The Only Resource of Its Kind Is Now Two Bestsellers in One!

Tragically, churches have not always been safe places for children or youth or vulnerable adults.

With this in mind, attorney, pastor, and author Melton outlines a process for developing policies and procedures to recognize and reduce the risk of abuse in the church. Safe Sanctuaries combines and expands information from two of her earlier groundbreaking books, which focused, separately, on children and teens.

"Safe Sanctuaries is the most helpful resource I have found dealing with this troubling topic," says one minister. "Straightforward yet non-threatening, the information is helpful for all denominations and congregations of faith."

Practical guidance is provided in developing and implementing a substantive, holistic action plan of abuse prevention:

  • recruiting, screening and working with volunteers
  • training models for all who work with children, youth, and vulnerable adults
  • suggestions for congregational response to unthinkable allegations of abuse
  • order of worship celebrating the adoption of "Safe Sanctuaries" policies

Melton's transformative, relevant, and foundational resource will train leaders in what they need to know to stay safe and keep the vulnerable in their care safe.

This revised edition now features updated and timely information about protecting young people from online predators.

Format: Paperback
ISBN: 978-0-88177-543-3
Publisher: The Upper Room
Imprint: Discipleship Resources
Publication Date: 09/01/2008
Pages: 160
Dimensions: 10.6250 x 8.2500 x 0.3470

Rev. Joy Thornburg Melton, J.D., is the chief resource officer of The United Methodist Property and Casualty Trust. She is the author of the ""Safe Sanctuaries"" series of books and resources published by Discipleship Resources. Rev. Melton is a recognized national leader in the area of development of ministry protection and abuse prevention policies. A graduate of Pfeiffer University, Scarritt College, and Emory University School of Law, she is uniquely qualified to understand both the legal and ecclesial issues involved with cases of abuse within the church.


Reviews

Safe Sanctuaries is the most helpful and practical resource I have found dealing with reducing the risk of child abuse in the church. In addition to background information which is straightforward but non-threatening to the reader, the book offers policies and sample documents which can be adapted by local congregations. All denominations and congregations of faith will find it helpful.
-Barbara E. Jones, Regional Minister
Little Rock, Arkansas


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