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Please note: The Safe Haven website was created in 1998 and contains valuable information for ELCA congregations. However, it has not been updated and some of the information, resources and references are out of date. For more updated resources and links we would direct you to www.elca.org/safeplace and www.elca.org/legal/congregations/safeguarding.html. |
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Seven ways to Create a Safe Haven for Children |
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 Create an action plan integrating these ideas while moving toward a congregational commitment to becoming a Safe Haven for all children, families, and caregivers. |
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 Step oneAdopt a resolution at your next congregational meeting that your congregation will be a Safe Haven for all children and their families. (Go to the Congregational Resolution.) Step twoAffirm your congregation's covenant with children during a time of worship. (Integrate the "Litany of Commitment" and the "Covenant". Customize them as appropriate for your congregation.) Step threeNotify your synod office to report that your congregation is committed to being a Safe Haven for Children. The number of Safe Haven congregations will be announced at the 1999 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Step fourEncourage leaders of congregational programs and members in your congregation to explore resources. Step fiveCollaborate with other faith communities and service organizations that are working to help children in your community flourish. Step sixWork with congregational leadership to develop a year-long learning program in which adults can look at the forces, attitudes, and actions that affect the lives of children and their families in your community. Ask people from your community and your congregation to help with this program. Invite them to participate as speakers at adult learning events. For example: A pediatrician could talk about health issues facing
children. A professional educator could talk about safety issues
facing schools. A law enforcement officer could talk about safety issues
facing your community. An advocacy person
from your church's synod could talk about ways to advocate for the well-being of all
children. Step sevenShare your congregation's story. How has your congregation been changed by being a Safe Haven for Children? How are individual members affected? The ELCA is gathering stories and models from congregations to share with the wider church. To share your story via e-mail, contact Barb Myers, communicator for the Initiatives, at: bmyers@lss-elca.org Myers can also be reached at 1.717.652.1852, ext. 18. |
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