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...a training for leaders of children, youth and vulnerable adults In this online training you will learn about 1. Why we have Safe Sanctuary policies and procedures. 2. Things we do as a church to protect our children, youth and vulnerable adults. 3. How to recognize and report suspected child abuse and neglect. At the end of this course, you will have completed the annual training requirement for certification as a Safe Sanctuary approved leader for children, youth and vulnerable adults in the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church. Why Safe Sanctuaries? So what's the big deal about Safe Sanctuaries, anyway? It's that other denomination that's been having all the problems with allegations of child abuse within the church walls. That'll never happen here! We LOVE our kids! To start out, let's take a look at a brief video performed by Colin Raye for ChildHelp USA. (Used with permission.) Some Statistics • A report of child abuse is made every 10 seconds. • More than 4 children die every DAY as a result of child maltreatment • Most (90%) of the children know their perpetrators. • Approximately 80% of the children who die due to child abuse are under 4 years old. It’s estimated that… 1 out of every 3 girls 1 out of every 6 boys will have been sexually abused by their 18th birthday! In Arkansas, just as it is nationwide, the largest category of child maltreatment is neglect 2013 Arkansas Child Maltreatment by Type # Substantiated Cases 10000 9000 8000 8791 7000 6000 5000 4000 Neglect 4604 Physical Abuse 2768 3000 2000 1000 0 Type of Maltreatment Sexual Abuse Also following national trends, the younger the child, the more likely child maltreatment will occur. 2013 Arkansas Child Maltreatment by Age # Substantiated Cases 4000 3500 3567 3349 3000 0 to 5 2500 2000 6 to 11 12 to 15 1949 16 to 18 18+ 1500 967 1000 500 2 0 Age In Arkansas Arkansas United Methodist churches are divided into five geographical locations called districts. In 2012, the district that represented the northwest part of the state had the highest number of substantiated (confirmed) cases of child abuse in the state. Where does your district fall in this ranking? •Children are abused everywhere – even in Arkansas. •Children are abused everywhere – even in church. •Statistically speaking, the chances you will encounter children, youth and vulnerable adults who have been abused or neglected in your congregation are very high. Why Safe Sanctuaries? 1. It’s Biblical 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 2. It’s Covenantal (From: Baptismal Covenant – UM Book of Worship) “With God’s help we will so order our lives after the example of Christ, that these children surrounded by steadfast love, may be established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal.” Our church is a community of faith – a safe haven and sanctuary where children and youth should be confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal. Why Safe Sanctuaries? 3. It’s good stewardship. Safe Sanctuaries protects the Church’s assets for mission and ministry. Settlements for millions of dollars have been rendered across the country for children, youth and vulnerable adults who have been harmed by abuse while in the care of a church. 4. It’s the right thing to do. It is our responsibility to make our churches a safe place for children, youth and vulnerable adults (adults who are unable to speak up for, defend or advocate for themselves), and the leaders who work with them. Why Safe Sanctuaries? From the 2014 Arkansas Safe Sanctuary Policy Recommendation… The Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church hereby pledges to conduct the ministry of Jesus Christ in ways that promote the physical and emotional safety and spiritual growth of our children, youth and our workers with children and youth.