This handbook is a direct response to the ELCA Social Message on Child Protection, adopted by the ELCA Church Council on November 12, 2025. With this national call to action, the Greater Milwaukee Synod has refined and expanded our protection program to safeguard not only children and youth but all vulnerable members of our community. In this document, you will see child, but it can pertain to a vulnerable adult, as well.
Purpose and Implementation
The intent of this plan is to protect our children, youth, and vulnerable adults; to support the staff and volunteers who work with them; and to provide security for our congregations.
For Congregations: This plan serves as a robust template. Congregations may adopt this policy exactly as written or use it as a foundational guide to develop their own site-specific safety plans. Congregations can change the words “should” and “recommended” to “must” and “required.” Congregations are also encouraged to adopt this to their specific context. On top of this, congregations are encouraged to reach out to their specific insurance companies to make sure that their policy is in line with what is required of them.
For the Synod: This plan constitutes the official policy for all synod-sponsored events, gatherings, and related ministries.
