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Safe Church Panel of Trinity Episcopal Church

Annual Report 2004, Safe Church Panel

The Safe Church Panel (SCP) met several times last year, nearly once per month, to administer and oversee our Safe Church Policy, which is published herein. As we all strive to, seek and serve Christ in all persons, and, respect the dignity of every human being, this is holy work that we present for your consideration.

We updated our safe church policy this year. Your copy reflects these revisions. They really were minor. Our policy committee did a good job creating it. Last Feb., Maureen was at the cathedral church with others in the diocese to discuss such safe church policies. Part of the agenda looked at the length, depth, and magnitude an individual parish policy should take. Trinity got validation that our policy is in good balance of caring, concern, and liability.

Regarding the above, we worked towards safety by putting up posters of the panel, thanks to Milt Boyd, so anyone using our space could confidentially call one of us if needed. We now have an annual acknowledgment form for all groups that regularly use our building, indicating they have our policy and will adhere to it, on file. We have updated all pertinent paperwork for Sunday School, drivers forms, permission slips, etc. Physically, we have new signage for handicapped usage, thanks to Chris Cerrato, and a locking file cabinet for CORI and confidential information.

We are in the process of becoming a CORI approved site for Massachusetts and we have the forms needed for NH background checks. This will allow us to use the resources available with the understanding that there is no perfect system. To become CORI approved we designated 2 people, Fr. Crapsey and Maureen Dadekian Eckel, to be the gatekeepers of this highly confidential information. The journey of the SCP to understand this process and apply took many hours of diligent work. We consider this a major accomplishment and believe we will be one of the very few parishes in our diocese with this distinction. We are definitely making great and sincere strides in the right direction.

We have had our first change over in membership. Sue Bourassa was instrumental in making safe church a reality at Trinity. She served on the panel and before that in creating the policy. Thank you, Sue. You really got us going solidly in the right direction. Donna Talmage replaces Sue in her capacity as Church School Superintendent. Donna has added much in her brief time here, especially about caring for young children. One idea was about limiting push pins on bulletin boards at the height of toddlers. We also look forward to the addition of Jan High to our panel in 2005. Jan is an elementary school aide, dedicated parishioner, and parent who will sensitize our work with her experience, judgment, and positive spirit.

Lastly, we are reviving an old practice at Trinity in the form of fire drills! That is another way to keep our church family safe. We have been in direct contact with the HFD who helped us develop our plan. They were quite impressed that we are doing this. I remember doing fire drills twice a year here as a youngster. We did have a serious fire at TEC back in the 60's. Praise God, no one was hurt. While we have no guarantees a fire drill will prevent all injuries, we need to have a plan to help all persons get out safely. We have a new elevator to navigate, many stairs, and people with varied needs. So, look forward to that and more in 2005. Alleluia!

Respectfully Submitted,
Maureen A. Dadekian Eckel
Chair

last revised and validated