Safe Sanctuaries Training Reducing the Risk of Abuse
Safe Sanctuaries Training Reducing the Risk of Abuse in the Church for Children and Youth
Our Biblical Mandate But Jesus called for them and said, “Let the little children come to me and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. ” Luke 18: 16 Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. Matthew 18: 5
Prayer for Children Dear God, We thank you for the gift of children to raise, for their lives to share, their minds to help mold, their bodies to nurture, and their spirits to enrich.
Prayer for Children Let us never betray our children’s trust, or dampen their hope, or discourage their dreams. Help us to enable our precious children to become all you want them to be for the journey ahead. Amen. (Adapted from a prayer by Marian Wright Edleman)
The Subject of Child Abuse… • Is a difficult and complex subject • Makes us feel uncomfortable • Might scare away church volunteers • Shouldn't happen in the church • Is painful for victims of child abuse
PURPOSE of TRAINING • child abuse does happen in churches • types of child abuse • identify areas of vulnerability • outline risk reduction procedures
Child Abuse Definition Child abuse refers to an intentional act committed by a person in a position of trust (parent, caregiver, other) which harms or threatens to harm a child’s welfare or physical/mental health.
Some Types of Abuse • Physical • Emotional • Neglect • Sexual
Physical Abuse Physical abuse occurs when an adult injures a child and it is not an accident. It can include: • assault • shaking or slapping • burning or scalding • kicking or strangling
Emotional Abuse Emotional abuse deeply affects a child’s self -esteem by submitting them to verbal assault or emotional cruelty. It can include: • close confinement • excessive/extreme punishment • permitting drug/alcohol abuse • verbal humiliation
Neglect is failure to provide a child’s basic needs resulting in harm to the child.
Examples of Neglect • failure to provide adequate food, shelter, clothing, medical care • inadequate supervision or abandonment • hazardous conditions in the home, school, or church • ignoring needs for nurture/contact
Sexual Abuse Involves an act of a sexual nature between a child or teenager and an adult or significantly older, more powerful person who initiates that contact for the purpose of his/her own sexual arousal and/or gratification.
Sexual Abuse includes • inappropriate verbal stimulation • fondling, incest, or rape • exposing a child to pornography or adult sexual activity
How big is the Problem? 3 million incidents of child abuse are reported each year – 1 incident every 10 seconds 24/7! • 90% of the victims know their abuser • Only 10% of child abuse is perpetrated by strangers
How big is the Problem? 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused by the age of 18
Why have a Protection Policy? • Church should be a safe haven • Church should be a place where children and youth are confirmed and strengthened in faith • Remember our Baptismal Covenant
Protection Policies are for: • Children/youth • Vulnerable adults • Church staff and volunteers • Families • The Church
Basic Procedures ü Implement policy ü Do background checks ü Annual volunteer training ü Covenants for leaders
Basic Procedures ü Two-adult rule ü 5 -Years older rule ü 6 month rule ü Windows in doors/open doors ü Advance notice about activities ü Parent & family education ü Appropriate supervision
Checkpoints for Reducing Risk Develop written child protection guidelines and procedures for implementation. Enforce the policy as written. Educate the entire congregation. • in new member classes • Yearly training/covenant renewal • in ministry info packets
Checkpoints for Reducing Risk Screen all church staff and volunteers. • • • conduct background checks check sex offender registry covenant statement from volunteers require references & interviews systematic supervision
Checkpoints for Reducing Risk Use 2 adult rule: two unrelated adults present at all times ALSO: • “floaters” in hallways • in line of vision • open doors or windows in doors • driving (never one adult/one minor) • sufficient ratios • cancel if no other option
Checkpoints for Reducing Risk 5 Years older than the group you are helping. Younger helpers can assist as junior volunteers with no supervisory role
Checkpoints for Reducing Risk 6 month rule of church attendance as a requirement to work with minors. • discourages pedophiles who benefit from the desperate need for volunteers • alternative: prospective leaders can “intern” for 6 months under supervision of 2 other adults
Special Considerations with Youth Appropriate Boundaries • Physical • Verbal • Emotional • Counseling • Cyber. Safety • Social Networking & Texting
What to Do if You Suspect Abuse at Church or Home It’s your responsibility to report! • Report to proper authorities • Keep records of unusual behavior/symptoms • Treat any abuse seriously - do not ignore it!
What to Do if You Suspect Abuse at Church or Home • Report the allegation to pastor and DS • Report to others as outlined in local policy • Report the allegation to insurance/attorney
What to Do if You Suspect Abuse at Church or Home • Document all procedures in handling the allegation but do NOT try to investigate yourself • Don’t confront the accused, but relieve him/her of all duties/contact with children • Observe strict confidentiality about victim and alleged perpetrator
Most Important Thing to Remember rule
Convicted Sex Offenders and Your Church If you have a convicted Sex offender wanting to participate in the life of your congregation Contact the Conference Office for guidelines
For Additional help www. gbod. org www. trak-1. com Holston Conference Connectional Ministries Staff: Gaye. King@holston. org Laura. Lambert@holston. org 866 -690 -4080
Just Be Smart S M A R T Be aware of surroundings Be mindful of manipulators Be aware of what to avoid Be ready to report issues Be timely about telling
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