God calls us to make our churches safe places, protecting children and other vulnerable persons from abuse.  The 2005 GNJ Annual Conference resolved that every church have a Safe Sanctuaries policy and be compliant with its regulations.

Steps to Obtain a Background check for Clergy and Laity (Paid and Volunteer).

It's Easy.... Just follow the steps.... automatic results

1. Click here to begin applying for a background check 

   http://www.smart-trak.com/GNJUMC.aspx?code=GNJUMC 

2. Once you receive the email follow the instructions to obtain the Child Protection background check or the Child Protection Plus (Motor Vehicle Check) Background check through Trak ? 1 Technologies. 
3. Remember your username and password. This information will allow you access to your Trak-1 account at all times. 
4. Payment is based on a self pay model by Credit card through the Trak-1 website.

• Child Protection Background Check: $11.00 + $2.99 Transaction fee to Trak-1 Technologies   
• Child Protection Plus: $18.00 + Any applicable state access fee + $2.99 transaction fee to Trak-1 Technologies          
  (for those who will ever transport children, youth and/or vulnerable adults)

Steps to become a Safe Sanctuaries Compliant Church

1. Purchase Safe Sanctuaries: Reducing the Risk of Abuse in the Church for Children and Adults by Joy Melton 2008. (available through Cokesbury)
2. Create a Safe Sanctuaries Policy, have policy certified by the Conference Safe Sanctuaries Coordinator by sending to the conference office and submit Certification to annual Local church/charge conference meeting.
3. Have all adults (laity and clergy, paid and volunteer) working with children, youth and vulnerable adults participate in a Safe Sanctuaries training and complete a background check through Trak-1 Technologies found at www.gnjumc.org.
4. Implement policy, review and celebrate annually.

Steps to writing a local church Safe Sanctuaries Policy

1. Develop a Safe Sanctuaries Task force or team in the local church.
2. Review Sample Safe Sanctuaries Policy  (download below)
3. Create a policy that fits the needs and the ministries at the local church level.  This policy should include what is in the sample policy.
4. Have policy approved by Local church Trustees and/or Administrative Council.
5. Submit policy to Greater NJ Conference Safe Sanctuaries Coordinator to obtain a policy certificate of compliance.
6. Submit certificate to annual church/charge conference.
7. Celebrate!!!

Do you need more information?

• For Questions about Background Checks: contact Trak-1 Technologies at 800.600.8999 (download below)
• For Questions about Safe Sanctuaries Policies and Trainings: contact Erica Munoz, Children, Youth and Young Adult Coordinator, 732-359-1042 (toll-free 1-877-677-2594, ext 1042) or Emunoz(at)gnjumc.org.
• For more information about Safe Sanctuaries visit the General Board of Discipleship website at www.gbod.org
• To order Safe Sanctuaries materials visit www.Cokesbury.com
• To obtain a copy of a background check already processed through Lexus Nexus, please contact them directly at 877.913.6245.