Is It Rude, Mean, or Bullying Behavior? There is a real need to draw a distinction between behavior that is rude, behavior that is mean, and behavior that is characteristic of bullying. Rude = Inadvertently saying or doing something that hurts someone else. Incidents of rudeness are usually...

A compilation of checklists found in Guide: Becoming a Safer Congregation Building Security Checklist Building and Grounds Safety Checklist Cold Weather Maintenance Checklist Exit Safety Checklist Financial Controls Checklist Fire Safety Checklist Kitchen Safety Checklist Stairway Safety Checklis...

The following guidelines apply to teenagers working with children: They must be at least 14 years old. They must be screened. They must be under the supervision of a non-parent/guardian adult and must never be left alone with children....

Once you become aware of a life-threatening allergy, ask a parent or guardian to fill out an “Allergy Action Plan” form. These should be kept in a binder and made available to the volunteers during each session. If an emergency were to arise, workers should follow contact instructions as...

In 2007, it was estimated that more than 3 million children, aged 18 years and under, had some kind of food allergy, and that number has been rising. Allergic reactions can range anywhere from mild – with symptoms like redness and itchiness – to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that can...

Food is often a part of congregational life. Meals, potlucks, coffee hour, and classroom snacks can all pose a potential threat to persons with severe food allergies. Identifying children with food allergies via registration forms is just one piece of prevention....

The “two person” rule applies when diapering children and during bathroom trips. Diapers should be changed in the nursery, where two unrelated adults are present. Under no circumstances should one volunteer take a child into a bathroom or other separate room for a diaper change. For children...

Establish clear check in/check out procedures for children that includes documentation of who is authorized to pick up a child, all appropriate registration/permission forms, emergency contact information, and medical release and media release forms. An official check-in and check-out process is...

Because of the power disparities and the potential for boundary violation in pastoral care conversations between adults and youth, we recommend adults engage in these best practices to create a supportive, appropriately confidential, and safer space for youth. For religious professionals doing...

Staff volunteers and lay leaders need to be informed about mandated reporting requirements in your state. The When Abuse is Suspected chapter of the UUA's Balancing Acts resource offers some guidance on what to do. These laws change frequently and should be researched at least annually....

Conduct education for staff and volunteers on abuse prevention awareness in the context of positive sexuality education for children, youth, and parents/guardians at least every other year, including such topics as safer internet use and bystander and anti-bullying education. Hold annual training...

After you’ve done your due diligence through the hiring and screening process, and you’ve ensured that people are trained, the congregation can still be held liable for injuries or damages on the basis of negligent supervision. This refers to a failure to exercise reasonable care in the...

In addition to the training required to successfully fulfill their duties as staff or volunteers, all staff and volunteers who work with children, youth, disabled persons, elders, and other vulnerable adults should receive training on signs of sex abuse, sex abuse prevention, and reporting...

The UUA's resources for Responsible Staffing outline practices for screening and hiring congregational staff, including those who work with children directly. Guidance for Background Checks Employees and volunteers serving in positions involving children and youth, the elderly, vulnerable...

Your team should include: Staff: Minister and Religious Educator A member of the board A member of the Safe Congregations team or a congregant with background in emergency management or first response Someone who brings awareness and sensitivity to the particular needs of the elderly and persons...

Once approved, the congregation’s Emergency Operations Plan should be shared with first responders and/or local emergency management officials....

Incidents of vandalism appear to be on the rise, especially in an increasingly polarized world. While often "only" nuisance crimes, these can also undermine a congregation's feeling of safety and security in the buildings. These are some resources we find useful in thinking about preventing...

The UUA has a planning guide for active shooter incidents, developed by our Safe Congregations team and incorporating wisdom from a variety of resources. See other sample active shooter emergency resources developed by our congregations....

Once the plan is approved, the team should plan to teach the community about the plan and encourage practice, review and make periodic adjustment. It is important to practice the plan regularly since people may forget the steps, circumstances may change, new people may join and the leadership of...

Announce to the congregation a week or two before the drill of your intent to conduct an emergency drill. Tell them when the drill will take place, and what is expected of them. This is especially important if this will be the first drill. Unannounced drills should only be performed once the...