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Managing Convicted Sex Offenders

1. Purpose

To ensure the safety of children, youth, and vulnerable individuals in our congregation.

This guidance reflects our values of compassion, accountability, and covenantal community. It supports our commitment to creating a safe, welcoming, and just space for all—especially the most vulnerable among us. It also clarifies the boundaries necessary when individuals with a history of sexual offenses seek involvement in the life of the church.

2. Organizational Guidance

Foothills Unitarian Church does not permit individuals known to have criminal charges pending, have pled guilty to, or been convicted of child sexual or physical abuse, or those listed as sex offenders, to work with or supervise children or youth.

If it becomes known that an individual with a history of sexual offenses is attending or seeks to participate in church activities, the following steps must be followed:

Initial Steps

  • The Minister will:

    • Check the local sex offender registry.

    • Meet with the individual to discuss the nature of the concern.

  • The individual will be asked to sign a Consent to Consult Treatment Provider form (see Attachment #4) to permit contact with:

    • Their current sex offender treatment provider and/or therapist.

    • Their parole or probation officer (if applicable).

  • These professionals will be asked to provide:

    • An assessment of the individual’s risk to re-offend.

    • Recommendations on any additional restrictions beyond the Limited Access Agreement.

  • The individual may also be required to undergo a new professional assessment with a qualified therapist specializing in sex offender treatment.

If the Individual Refuses Cooperation

  • If the individual refuses to:

    • Sign the consent form,

    • Allow contact with professionals,

    • Or complete an assessment,

    Then the church may deny them access to all congregational activities and property.

Based on the Professional Assessment

  • Low Risk / Successfully in Treatment:

    • The Minister and/or Director of Family Ministry (DFM) will create a Limited Access Agreement that defines the terms of participation in the life of the congregation.

  • High Risk:

    • The individual will be denied participation in the congregation until treatment professionals confirm a reduced risk of reoffending.

Limited Access Agreement Expectations

  • All individuals with past sexual offense histories must sign a Limited Access Agreement prior to participation.

  • In some cases, the agreement must be renewed annually.

  • Refusal to sign results in denial of access to all congregation functions and church property.

Communication to the Congregation

    • The decision about how and whether to inform the congregation of the presence of a known sex offender will be made by:

      • The President of the Board,

      • In consultation with the Minister, the Board of Trustees, and the Director of Family Ministry.

3. Related Content

Bylaws and Policies

This guidance interprets or implements the following:


Organizational Guidances & SOPs

This guidance is related to or informs the following documents:

4. Revision History

  • Updated by Rev. Sean Neil-Barron on  March 28th, 2025

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