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 However, it has not been updated and some of the information, resources and references are out of date.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.
 



What does a Safe Haven for Children look like?

What does it give to a child?

What does it feel like to the congregation?

What does it say to the community?

In Holy Baptism, we make the commitment to "renounce all the forces of evil . . ." (LBW, page 123). What are the "forces of evil" that threaten the safety of children in your setting?  How can your congregation boldly state its belief in a God who creates, redeems and sanctifies?

Children are safe from:

Marks of a Safe Haven:

Children won't need to say:
Physical abuse Zero toleration of physical violence

Please don't hit me again!
Sexual abuse Zero toleration of sexual abuse

Don't touch me there! Stay away!

Emotional abuse

 Zero toleration of emotional abuse

I'm not stupid!
Stifling stereotypes Zero toleration of racism, sexism, ageism

Don't call me dumb!

Hunger

 Immediate assistance in times of crisis
Understands the causes of poverty

I'm hungry!
Homelessness

Advocates politically on behalf of children 

Where will we sleep tonight?
Isolation Allocates resources to create Safe Havens

Why can't I come in?
Rejection Links with other Safe Havens in the community

Don't leave me--come back!

Children are safe to:

Marks of a Safe Haven:

Children who will say:
Grow in faith Welcoming every child in God's name God loves me!
Love God Child-friendly worship

I love Jesus!
Love their neighbors Strong relationships between generations

I love you!
Give Commitment to teach and learn from children

Thanks for teaching me.
Feel empathy Time is taken to talk with and listen to children

I'm sorry you feel sad.
Serve

Children challenged to grow in faith and service

Let me help you.
Discover

High standards for quality care and education

Why?
Create

Joy and fun, rather than boredom

I've got an idea!
Hope

Encouragement and enthusiasm

I'm going to be a . . . when I grow up!
Be aware of their community

Strong connections both locally and globally

What about my friend from school?
Be aware of the world Seeing life through the eyes of a child

It's God's world!


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Permission is granted by the publisher to reproduce Safe Haven for Children: A Resource for Congregations.
© Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.


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