Safeguarding Our Church

It is the moral duty of the whole Church to see that the flock of Christ is protected from abuse.

The Mission Chattanooga is committed to ensuring that safeguarding policies both for children and for adults are adopted within our congregation. We are also committed to ensuring compliance with such policies and procedures. Please know that this is a living, breathing resource. We hope to continue to revisit and make edits as we strive to keep Mission Chattanooga a safe place.

Safeguarding Our Children & Youth

At Mission Chattanooga, we have a team of staff members and volunteer leaders regularly caring for and ministering to parishioners under the age of 18. It is of utmost importance that all who are entrusted in our care are taught and cared for in a responsible, safe environment.

We prioritize safety through the following measures:

  • All volunteers must pass a criminal background check via MinistrySafe and undergo an in-person or virtual safety training annually in order to serve with children or youth.

  • Cameras are operating and placed throughout Mission Chattanooga’s campus, including any space where children and youth may be. This includes all hallways, classrooms, and meeting spaces utilized during children’s and youth ministry.

  • No volunteers or staff members are to be one-on-one with a child while on campus. If at any point circumstances arise in which a volunteer or staff member are alone, they must immediately call for a second adult, notify a staff member, and remain in an area where cameras are operating.

    • There are some exceptions when given parental permission. For more details, view the Policies and Procedures below.

For a full look at our Policies and Procedures, you may access them below:

Reports of Child Abuse

Child abuse exists when a child under the age of 18 is suffering from, has sustained, or may be in immediate danger of suffering from or sustaining a wound, injury, disability or physical or mental condition caused by brutality, neglect or other actions or inactions of a parent, relative, guardian or caretaker.

In the state of Tennessee, all adults are considered mandatory reporters. If a child under the age of 18 reports suspected abuse, all reports will be taken seriously. All staff members and volunteers leaders are trained to report child abuse immediately. Additionally, at the Mission Chattanooga, we follow the Anglican Diocese of the South (ADOTS) Misconduct Procedure, providing a written report of all action taken by the Mission Chattanooga to the diocese.

Make A Report

The Mission Chattanooga has safety leaders in place to streamline reporting:

  • Children & Youth Safety Officer: Courtney Allen

  • Adult Safety Officer: Matt Busby

  • Safeguarding Team (includes Chris Sorensen, Courtney Allen, Matt Busby, and Mission Chattanooga’s Advisory Team)*

*Please note that if your report involves anyone on the Safeguarding Team, the individual will be recused from the procedure. No person named or related to a person named in an allegation of abuse will be involved in documenting or responding to a report of abuse or neglect.

If you or someone in your care has experienced sexual or physical abuse by a pastor, staff member, or volunteer leader at Mission Chattanooga, immediately make a report directly to local law enforcement or child protective services if the abuse involves a minor. After reporting the abuse to local authorities or child protective services, please notify the Safeguarding Team and the appropriate ADOTS contact so they are aware of how to care for persons involved and take appropriate action to respond.

Additionally, if you have experienced any other form of misconduct by a pastor, staff member, or volunteer leader, immediately report such conduct to the Safeguarding Team and the appropriate ADOTS contact.

Upon receipt of any report, Mission Chattanooga will determine appropriate steps for response and care of the individuals and the church community. The church will consider whether interim measures are needed to promote the safety and welfare of the church, such as making a safety plan or placing a staff member or volunteer on leave. Additionally, if your report does not include the appropriate ADOTS contact, the Safeguarding Team is responsible for following the ADOTS Misconduct Procedure and will notify the diocese immediately.

To protect the privacy of minors and any victims, Mission Chattanooga will strive to keep reports confidential. The church reserves the right to share information about someone who has been accused under this policy to the extent that doing so is deemed appropriate by the church to promote the safety and welfare of all.

Mission Chattanooga prohibits retaliation based on a good-faith report made under this procedure or participation in any church process or any legal proceeding related to a report. Concerns of retaliation should be reported to the Safeguarding Team.