Safe Sanctuary & Background Checks
Our commitment to child, youth, and vulnerable-adult safety; who must be screened; how often; and how to report concerns under North Carolina law.
📝 Simplified Summary
Everyone who works with children, youth, or the Sonshine Community completes a background check and Safe Sanctuary orientation. We re-check every 3 years, and volunteers must report any changes in between.
North Carolina law requires any person to report suspected child abuse, neglect, or dependency to county Social Services. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. For help with a report, email info@yateschurch.org.
1) Who Must Be Screened
- All volunteers and staff working with Children, Youth, or the Yates Sonshine Community.
- Leaders of off-site events (e.g., camp, retreats) when serving Yates participants.
- Others may be added based on role, program, or risk assessment.
2) Vendor & Cadence
- Background checks: Christian Background Checks.
- Re-checks: Every 3 years (or sooner if role changes).
- Employment screening (staff): National criminal and local background checks plus motor vehicle (driving record) review every 3 years, per Personnel Policy.
- Duty to disclose: Volunteers and staff must promptly report any changes in criminal history between screenings. Use this contact.
3) Safe Sanctuary Commitments
- Orientation covering expectations for supervision, boundaries, digital communications, and incident response.
- Prefer small-group or two-adult presence during activities with minors.
- Use ministry-approved communication channels (email, text, social) with leaders copied when practical.
- Secure storage of youth media consent; align with our Photo & Media Policy.
4) Mandatory Reporting (North Carolina)
Child safety: North Carolina law requires any person who suspects child abuse, neglect, or dependency to report to the county Department of Social Services (N.C.G.S. §7B-301). Adults must also report certain violent or sexual crimes against juveniles (N.C.G.S. §14-318.6).
Vulnerable adults: If you have reasonable cause to believe a disabled adult needs protective services, report to county DSS Adult Protective Services (N.C.G.S. §108A-102).
Examples that require action include: abandonment, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or neglect.
5) How to Report
- Emergency: Call 911. For mental health crises, dial 988.
- County DSS (children): Report to your county Department of Social Services. See the NCDHHS Child Protective Services page for guidance and local contacts.
- County DSS (adults): For suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a disabled or elder adult, contact Adult Protective Services.
- Internal notification (optional): After you make a report, notify church leadership so we can support the individual(s) and cooperate with authorities. Email info@yateschurch.org.
6) Questions or Concerns
Unsure whether something should be reported? It’s always appropriate to ask. Contact the Communications Office at info@yateschurch.org or call (919) 489-2309.