Resources and Handouts

Books

• Resource book: Safer Sanctuaries: Nurturing Trust within Faith Communities This is the new and comprehensive resource that continues the tradition of Safe Sanctuaries ministry by building on the trusted policies and procedures that have guided churches over the past twenty-five years. This resource contains theological grounding for the work of abuse prevention, psychological insights about abuse and abuse prevention, basic guidelines for risk reduction, age-level specific guidance, and step-by-step instructions on how to develop, revise, update, and implement an abuse prevention plan in your church or organization.

Training Videos

• Video: "Safe Sanctuaries Training 101" led by Allison Lindsey, Suzanne Akins & Derek Harrison
• Webinar: "Safe Sanctuaries in a Virtual World" led by Allison Lindsey

Websites

• Safe Sanctuaries (Discipleship Ministries)
• List of Sex Offenders in Your Area This link will take you to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation website. Click "Sex Offender." Go to the bottom of the page and click "Sex Offender Search Page." Enter the zip code or county where you reside and click search.

Forms

• Sample Volunteer Application
• Safe Sanctuaries Local Church Evaluation Form

Premises/Participation for Registered Sex Offender

• When a Sex Offender Seeks to Join the Local Church
• Premises/Participation Agreement for a registered sex offender participating in worship at a local church

Other Resources

• Background Checks 
• Handling the Media in a Crisis Situation
• Restroom Policies and Procedures
• Digital Safety
• Overnight Activities Procedures
• Facilities Use Agreement for other groups usage of church buildings/property. Sample agreement.

Samples

A source to help you get started writing your policy (while the language deals specifically with child abuse, consider how they may be expanded to care for youth and vulnerable adults).

• Smaller Membership Congregations Policies & Guidelines
• Larger Membership Congregations Policies & Guidelines