Safer Sanctuaries
Our commitment to the safety of children, youth, and vulnerable persons at Hayes Barton.
Hayes Barton United Methodist Church is called to be a place where children, youth, and vulnerable persons are safe. Our Safer Sanctuaries Policy sets the standards that every staff member and volunteer follows. It applies to every activity we sponsor, whether on campus, off campus, or online, and to any outside group that uses our facilities.
If you have seen or heard something that does not feel right, tell us. Reports can be made confidentially, at any hour, and you may remain anonymous.
Confidential reporting
Report a concern
If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
Our Red Flag Reporting client code is HBUMC. Reports can be made 24 hours a day, and you may choose to remain anonymous.
Who this policy protects
This policy protects children from birth through fifth grade, youth in sixth through twelfth grade, and vulnerable persons of any age.
It applies to all staff and volunteers who have direct contact with them in any activity sponsored by the church. It also applies to outside individuals and organizations that lease, rent, or otherwise use our property.
How we screen
Every staff member and volunteer who works with children, youth, or vulnerable persons completes an application, provides references, and undergoes a background check before serving.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, at least five years older than the oldest child or youth they supervise, and a regular attendee at Hayes Barton for at least six months. Limited exceptions are made only in consultation with the pastor leading that ministry.
Clergy are covered separately under the North Carolina Conference policy on Professional Sexual Misconduct.
Everyone covered by this policy is rescreened every two years.
How we train
Staff and adult volunteers complete Safer Sanctuaries training every year before working with children, youth, or vulnerable persons. Training covers recognizing abuse, responding to disclosure, reporting obligations, and prevention.
Everyone receives a written copy of this policy and signs an acknowledgment that they have read it.
What Supervision Looks Like
You can walk in any time. Parents and anyone responsible for a child’s care may visit and observe classrooms and activities at any time, without notice. Classroom and office doors have a window or stay open while in use, and windows are kept clear.
Drop-off and pick-up. A parent, guardian, or authorized adult signs children into the nursery, and each child receives an ID sticker that is used to confirm identity at pick-up. Two adults stay until the last child has been picked up.
How to report a concern
Hayes Barton uses Red Flag Reporting, an independent and confidential reporting system.
- Visit RedFlagReporting.com
- Click “File a Report”
- Enter our client code: HBUMC
- Complete the report with as much detail as you can, and attach any supporting documents
You may identify yourself or remain anonymous where permitted by law. After submitting, you will receive a report key that lets you return to the system to add information or answer questions from the investigator, while keeping your identity protected if you reported anonymously.
Filing a Red Flag report does not replace your legal obligation to report. Under North Carolina law, any person who suspects that a child has been abused, neglected, or is dependent must promptly report it to the Department of Social Services in the county where the child lives or is found. If a child faces immediate danger, call 911.
Who oversees this
The Safer Sanctuaries Team includes the Executive Director, the Director of Youth Ministry, the Director of Children and Family Ministries, our pastors, and lay members nominated by the Committee on Lay Leadership. The team reports to the Trustees, reviews this policy at least once a year, and addresses safety issues as they arise.
Read the full policy
The full Safer Sanctuaries Policy took effect September 1, 2026.