GULF COVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

1. GULF COVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2018 Child/Youth Protection Training

2. Purpose of this Training To provide all staff, volunteers, counselors and church leadership with a clear understanding of how to recognize, reduce, prevent and report suspected physical, emotional or sexual abuse. To protect the children/youth placed in our care and protect those working with children/youth.

3. SCRIPTURE READINGS EXODUS 22:21-23 MATTHEW 19:14 LUKE 9:46-48 Gracious God, you have brought us together in witness to your love of children. Open our hearts and minds in this moment. Show us your will and fill us to overflowing with courage to face the reality of child abuse. Give us energy and dedication enough to make this, your church a safe and secure place for your children. Amen

4. This video may be hard for some to watch. Child Abuse Awareness Video

5. Reasons to implement a Child/Youth Protection Policy The Church Should be a Safe Haven We Teach and Proclaim Christian Values • We cannot ignore the possibility that abuse could happen here. • For the sake of our children and the protection of our workers against false allegations, we need to intentionally work to prevent abuse.

6. Definitions

7. Definitions:Child/Youth Abuse Physical Sexual • Violent non-accidental contact which results in injury. • Examples but not limited to - Shaking, Biting or Striking • Injuries can include - bruises, fractures, cuts and burns • Any form of sexual activity with a child/youth • This can be at church, home, or any other setting • The abuser may be an adult, adolescent or even another minor

8. Definitions:Child/Youth Abuse Emotional Neglect • A pattern of intentional conduct which crushes a child’s/youth’s spirit. • Attacking the child’s self-worth through rejection, threats, terrorizing, isolating, belittling or bullying. • Failure to provide adequate necessities such as; • Food • Shelter • Clothing • Protection • Medical or dental care

9. Definitions: Child ~ Youth ~ Adult Child Youth Adult Anyone ages Birth to 11 years old Anyone 11 years old to the age of 18 • 18 years of age or older

10. Definitions: Paid Staff ~ Adult Volunteer ~ Screened Adult ~ Youth Helpers Youth Helpers Paid Staff Screened Adult Adult Volunteer Anyone paid by the church They are overseen by SPRC Someone who has NOT been screened They can work in a room with a screened adult or staff • Someone who has gone through the screening process • And are regular attendees • Someone below the age of 18 assisting with child or youth activities • They are not adults so they should be supervised themselves

11. Who could beAbusers? • Parents • Family Members - Some are married with their own kids • Neighbors - Can be sympathetic to troubled children/teen • Abusers look like us - Every racial, ethnic, economic and social group, often look very ordinary • Community leaders- Some are charismatic leaders and are very sociable.

12. What we do for the safety of our children & workers

13. Safety:Background & Screening Process WHO: Church Staff and Adults who regularly work with children/youth • Interview, background check • Training, read & sign the child/youth protection policy • Background checked every 7 years

14. Safety: Supervision - Classrooms Most GCUMC classrooms have a CCTV camera recording activity for the protection of children, youth and supervisors. • “Two Person rule” = at least 2 people in any setting, 1 must be a screened adult • Windows in all classroom doors

15. Safety: Supervision – NON Classrooms All meetings held in an individual’s home must be pre-approved by a parent or guardian. • At least 2 screened adults • Activities at a home = supervised by 2 adults who are not members of the same family and must be pre-approved.

16. Safety: Open Door Policy It’s important for the protection of everyone to allow unannounced visitation or observation. CCTV camera observation is movement triggered and recorded. • Parents, volunteers or church staff are permittedto visit & observe all programs or classrooms at any time. • We do ask that when looking in not to be a distraction or a hindrance.

17. Maintaining a Positive Classroom

18. Positive Classroom: Appropriate Discipline The purpose for setting disciplinary guidelines is to enable children to develop internal control mechanisms that foster growth and promote societal values. • Number of children in a classroom - no set ratios but need to look at safety and ability to have fun when planning. • Adequate staff - always at least 2 • Discouraging competition - some can be healthy but can quickly get out of control • Encourage children to express feelings • Be empathetic • Discuss rules of conduct - make sure rules are known and importantly follow through with consequences

19. Positive Classroom: Age-Level Characteristics Ages 9-12 Ages 3-6 Ages 6-8 • Me-oriented - center of their own world • View of right and wrong - based on what influential models say • Play is symbolic of real life • Eye for an eye - if they are hit they will hit back • Think in concrete terms - right / wrong, black/white • Need help understanding symbolic or abstract ideas • Begin to see shades of gray • Question authority • More readily understand abstract concepts.

20. Positive Classroom:Appropriate Interpersonal Boundaries Acceptable touching Misunderstood or invasive touching • Hand, shoulder or upper back - high five, fist bump, pat on the shoulder • In front of another adult • Side hugs • Against a students will • Student sitting in a leader’s lap • Conversation that is lurid • Give a deep back massage • Never in a place normally covered by a bathing suit

21. Positive Classroom:Appropriate Behavior for Teachers & Leaders Shows how we value & respect our students Behaviors that can aid in communicating with students • Listen to them(& be sensitive to a shy student) - listing and discerning needs is crucial to preventing difficulties • Establishing trust - helps with communication, cooperation and creating safe place. • Taking interest in your students • Taking students aside in times of confrontation - allows them to save face • Taking time to learn about their interests • Eye contact • Safe touch • Be clear about acceptable behavior • Kneel to be on same level • Use activities to keep students involved

22. Allegations of Child Abuse Clearly, when child abuse is suspected or observed, the moral imperative, and the legal requirement, is to call the Child Abuse Hotline. 800-962-2873 Before reportingsee your leader or the pastor to let them know that you are making a report. You don’t have to walk through it by yourself nor does the child. Website: http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse/

23. Closing: Prayer O God, by your presence here today, by our promise in Holy Baptism, by our participation in the ministries of this congregation and by our commitment to keeping this place holy and safe in every way give us wisdom, strength, and courage enough to show the world that we welcome the children! Amen!!