Transcript Creating a Safe Sanctuary

Creating a Safe Sanctuary
Reducing the Risk of Child Abuse at
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
Current Statistics
• 3.6 million children in 2005 were investigated
• More than one-half of the victims were 7 years or
younger
• More than one half of the child victims were girls
50.7% & 47.3% were boys
• Approximately one-half of all victims were White
(49.7%)
• Each day in the US, more than 4 children die as a
result of child abuse in the home.
Our Theological Rationale
• Children are to be provided for and included
in the Kingdom of God
• Baptismal Responsibility
• Address issue
Why Bother?
• For the kids
• For our adult workers and
volunteers
• For our families
• For our church
• …if we don’t, who will?
• …Protect from false
accusations
• …a trusted place that is
safe for all children
• …mission and ministry to
children & youth
• ..wise stewards of our
resources—kids, adults, &
finances
Screening Process
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Forms of Act 33/34 & FBI completed
Informal Interview
Wait 3 months; pair with cleared person
Sign the Covenant of Caring
Participate in training
Supervision
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Two+ adults preferred
Rule of Three
Window and/or door open
Parental notice when going to be alone
Closets, stage, other areas
CPR defibulator in CLC Entryway call 911
Fire Extinguishers—look around
Child Abuse Defined
Physical
Emotional
Neglect
Sexual
Ritual
Deliberate
Spoken or
Unspoken
Endangers
health, safety
or welfare
Sexual contact
or watching
Any of other
inflicted
regularly
Intentional
Violence or
emotional
cruelty
Withhold
basic needs
Fondling,
intercourse,
incest
Appeal to a
higher
authority
Exposure to
pornography
May include
animals and
threats of
harm
Harm to Child
With a
weapon
Worthlessness Most common
undeserving of
form
love
Difficult to
prove
Do not ignore!
Reporting Process
• Tell your Director!
» Laurel or Sue = Preschool
» Betty = Drop Off Child Care
» Tammie = Before & After School Care
» Tami = Youth
» Erin = Children’s Ministries
» Faith = Any others
» Ron, Bruce, or Faith for any issue or concern
Response Plan
Child Abuse Allegations Procedures
Any allegation will be treated seriously!
Clergy
Laity
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Staff
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Report to DS
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Report to Pastor
Report to Pastor
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Report to DS
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Report to DS
Report to PPR
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Notifies Parents
Notifies Chancellor
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Report to authorities
DS notifies Ministry Team
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Notify Insurance Co.
* No one confronts the accused *Accused suspended from duties
* Confidentiality for all –accused and victim * Media = Bishop
* Sincere commitment to spiritual and emotional well-being
Outside Groups
• Groups will be asked to comply with our
Safe Sanctuary Policy
• Need a pool of available people
• Sign-up sheet on table
Notes