The members of Church of the Good Shepherd, United Church of Christ (COGS) are committed to creating and maintaining a safe place in which members, friends, staff, officers and volunteers can worship and work free of all forms of discrimination, harassment, and exploitation or

bullying. This policy is intended to protect our youth and vulnerable people of any age; to create an environment that protects children and adults from harm and promotes their spiritual growth.

A safe church includes the maintenance of a safe, hygienic physical environment conducive to the physical health and well being of all who use the facility. Our church is and will be a safe place.

This policy will provide guidelines to prevent Pastoral misconduct, physical abuse, child sexual abuse, sexual misconduct/exploitation, bullying behavior and any behavior that puts others at risk of harm. All who work with children will be required to submit to a criminal background check.