Maumee Watershed District Training Michelle Shiparski Rebecca Hug

Maumee Watershed District Training Michelle Shiparski & Rebecca Hug Saturday, October 25, 2019

God’s Heart for the Vulnerable “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world” (James 1: 27, NRSV). • Orphans and widows = vulnerable people “He ensures that orphans and widows receive justice. He shows love to the foreigners living among you and gives them food and clothing” (Deuteronomy 10: 18, NRSV). • Orphans and widows, foreigners = vulnerable people

Minors Vulnerable Adults • Children and adolescents • May have a legal guardian, attorney, or supportive family/peer group Refugees and Immigrants Returning Citizens Vulnerable Populations Persons with Disabilities People who have experienced complex trauma

Physical Emotional Neglect • Deliberate and intentional bodily harm • Exposure to spoken or unspoken violence or cruelty • Endangering health, welfare, and safety through absence, avoidance, or lack of awareness of how to provide appropriate care Sexual • Contact or interaction for the purpose of sexual stimulation of the perpetrator or another person Ritual • Intentional physical, sexual, or psychological violence inflicted by another person(s) responsible for the victim’s welfare Abuse can be…

Over 75% are trusted by the victim Who are perpetrators? Thrive on blending in, secrecy, isolation, and manipulation Exert power to control, harm, or exploit Intentionally seek positions of authority Often have experienced abuse/neglect themselves or have a developmental/intellectual disability

History of Safe Sanctuaries® 1996 2016 General Conference of the United Methodist Church adopted resolution aimed at reducing the risk of abuse in the church The West Ohio Conference Safe Sanctuaries® Task Force revised the Recommended Policy & Procedures The West Ohio Conference adopted a resolution requiring each congregation to establish a Safe Sanctuaries® policy AND to review the policy annually The West Ohio Conference trained 20+ Safe Sanctuaries® Trainers to serve within their districts as consultants and trainers 2014 2019

Where are Safe Sanctuaries® Resources? Westohioumc. org/safesanctuaries

Introduction Statement of Covenant A Tour of the Recommended Policy Definitions Recommended Procedures • Screening • Supervision • Responding & Reporting • Liability Insurance & Policy Review