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Safe Sanctuaries: Protecting Our Children in Ministry

Learn about the importance of implementing safe sanctuary policies to protect children and youth from abuse in ministry. Discover the signs of abuse and how to recognize and report it. Take necessary precautions to create a safe environment for children.

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Safe Sanctuaries: Protecting Our Children in Ministry

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Presentation Transcript

  1. Revised 01-12-18 `

  2. SCRIPTURE Jesus is our example! “Be as innocent as doves, and as wise as serpents.” “Let the little children come to me.”

  3. What risks do you take when you are involved in ministry? No Person Is An Island.

  4. A person who comes in contact with children or youth (under 18) and suspects a child is a victim of child abuse, shall report it to Childline (800-932-0313) immediately and inform the ministry leader(s) and the pastor. You are NOT Alone!

  5. WHY SAFE SANCTUARIES ? • Protect our children • Protect our workers/volunteers • Protect the Church’s ministries

  6. A single incident of child abuse can devastate a church. We must implement strategies to prevent abuse to children and youth.

  7. Detective Bob Cooke of the Charlotte, North Carolina Police Department stated, “Let the public know that sex abuse is an epidemic.” • A canon lawyer warned Catholic bishops that child sexual abuse is the “worst problem the church has faced in centuries”. • Thousands of claims have been filed against churches.

  8. STATISTICS • 1 child every 10 seconds is abused • 1 out of 7 boys; 1 out of 4 girls will be sexually assaulted in childhood. • 50% of worship center sexual misconduct is by volunteers, 50% by others. • 1 person every hour has stroke/heart attack

  9. 2000 deaths each year are attributable to child abuse/neglect according to the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse. • This means that 8,219 children are abused each day; 343 children are abused each hour; nearly 6 children are abused each minute. One child abused every 10-12 seconds of every hour of every day.

  10. ABUSERS AND VICTIMS • 10% by strangers • 34% by family members • 58% by people they trust

  11. Churches are relatively trusting organizations, relying upon their members and their leaders to conduct themselves appropriately. Most churches struggle to get adequate help with children and youth programs. A willing volunteer is welcomed. As a result, churches are notoriously inactive when it comes to screening volunteers. Churches provide opportunities for close contact and personal relationships with children and youth. People prone to child abuse know that churches & schools are prime places to find children.

  12. TYPES OF ABUSE Physical Abuse Mental Emotional Abuse Neglect Self Inflicted Abuse

  13. WHAT CAN WE DO? • Step 1 - Prevention • STEP 2 - Recognition • Step 3 - Reporting

  14. Preventing Child Abuse at NCFCOG • Six Month Hospitality Rule • Read our Safe Sanctuary Policy • Church Application with References • PA Criminal Background Check • Child Abuse Clearance • Mandated Reported FAQ/form • Resident of PA for previous 10 years • FBI Fingerprinting when needed • Complete Training

  15. BASIC OPERATING PROCEDURES • All children & youth workers must be Safe Sanctuary approved • Windows In All Classrooms • Five-Years-Older Rule • Open Door Counseling • Avoid 1 adult with 1 child situations

  16. STEP 2: RECOGNITION

  17. The following signs may signal the presence of child abuse or neglect. The Child: • Shows sudden changes in behavior • Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parents’ attention • Has learning problems (or difficulty concentrating) • Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen • Lacks adult supervision

  18. Is overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn • Comes early, stays late, and does not want to go home • Is reluctant to be around a particular person • Discloses maltreatment

  19. Signs of Physical Abuse: • Has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes • Has fading bruises or other marks noticeable after an absence • Seems frightened of the parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home

  20. Shrinks at the approach of adults • Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver • Abuses animals or pets www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/whatiscan.pdf

  21. A person who comes in contact with children or youth (under 18) and suspects a child is a victim of child abuse, shall report it to Childline (800-932-0313) immediately and inform the ministry leader(s) and the pastor. Pastor Charlie: 717-712-3008 Program these in your phone.

  22. Conclusion What must you do if you suspect that a child or youth has been abused? • Call Childline. 1-800-932-0313 • Inform the ministry leader and Pastor Charlie (1-717-712-3008) as soon as possible.

  23. Questions?

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