Safeguarding Policy

St. Andrew’s Anglican Church is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for those participating in our ministry activities—including children, youth, and vulnerable adults. We also seek to minimize any vulnerability to unwarranted accusations of improper behavior that our congregation, volunteers, and employees may experience as they fulfill their ministerial duties. To fulfill these commitments as fully as possible, our vestry adopted the
St. Andrew's "Safeguarding Policy: Preventing Abuse and Sexual Misconduct"
on August 29, 2024, to be used, without exception, when selecting ministry volunteers and new employees and supervising children, youth, and vulnerable adults.

Policy Summary

Complete Policy

See Something, Say Something

All ministry leaders, employees, and volunteers subject to mandatory reporting guidelines are expected to fully comply and report any reasonable suspicion of abuse or signs of neglect to local authorities using the appropriate Ohio Department of Job and Family services Hotline.

Additionally, all members of St. Andrew's who have reasonable suspicion of abuse or signs of neglect are encouraged to follow the "Incidents and Reporting" procedures contained in the Safeguarding Policy to notify church officials as well as the appropriate legal authority noted below.

To report suspected abuse or neglect of a child (minor), contact the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Child Hotline.

855-O-H-CHILD

To report suspected elder abuse of an adult residing in an independent living arrangement, contact the Adult Protective Services Hotline.

855-OHIO-APS

To report suspected elder abuse in a nursing home or assisted living facility, contact the Office of the State Long-Term Ombudsman

800-282-1206

All complaints of sexual misconduct by any member of the clergy, lay employee, or volunteer should be reported to the Bishop who will report it to the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes (ADGL) Chancellor. To report a misconduct incident to the diocese, please call 817-988-1941 or email concerns@acnawest.org. You are also welcome to complete a form, which can be found here. The intake office will ensure proper guidelines are followed and laws are abided, in order to safeguard all parties involved. The intake office will provide the complainant with guidance and next-steps.