1 May, 2016

 The United Methodist churches are expected to implement policies and procedures for reducing the risk of abuse and protecting our churches.  Each church needs to honor their children, youth, vulnerable adults, and elderly enough to protect them.  You are protecting them from bodily harm, emotional damage, and spiritual destruction.  Abuse happens…even in churches of all sizes and in all areas.  We will not eliminate 100% of abuse, but we can deter predators.

 The Bible tell us that Jesus himself included children in the community of faith and expected adults to treat them respectfully. ◦ “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” Matt 18:6 ◦ Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when he had taken him in His arms, He said to them, “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.” Mark 9:36-37  In the Sacrament of Baptism, we make a pledge to order our lives after the example of Christ so that each child will be surrounded by steadfast love, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal.

 We have learned that the same safety procedures that help protect children and youth may also help protect vulnerable adults and elderly with whom we are in ministry.  Definitions of those we are protecting: ◦ Children – Birth through age 12 ◦ Youth – Age 13 to 18 ◦ Vulnerable Adult - May be a person age 18 or older who is mentally, physically or psychologically challenged to the degree that they are unable to make responsible legal decisions about their welfare ◦ Elders - age 65 and older

 It’s not just a one-time thing. Abuse often occurs in ongoing relationships, and can be physical, emotional, sexual, ritual, or the result of neglect.  Physical abuse is deliberate or intentional bodily harm that is non- accidental.  Sexual abuse is sexual contact, such as fondling, intercourse, incest, pornographic exploitation or exposure.  Emotional abuse is the infliction of mental anguish by threat, intimidation or humiliation -spoken and/or unspoken violence or emotional cruelty.  Ritual abuse occurs when the perpetrator appeals to some higher authority or power to justify his/her abusive actions.  Neglect is a form of abuse in which someone endangers a person’s health, safety, or welfare through negligence.

 There is no profile of the typical child molester, but we do know some characteristics. ◦ Abusers can be found in all segments of society and in every racial, ethnic, economic, and social group. ◦ While most abusers are adults, some youth have been known to abuse others. ◦ Abusers can be charismatic leaders, sociable, or very sympathetic to troubled children.  More facts on abusers include: ◦ Known by the victim 80% of the time. ◦ Often married with children. ◦ 1 in 4 offenders is a member of the individual’s family or entrusted with the care of the person. ◦ About half are friends of the child or family.

 We have a McKendree-specific policy and procedure for the prevention of abuse. This policy is reviewed and updated annually by a team consisting of: Pastor, PPR Chair, Trustee Chair, Lay Leader, Sunday School Superintendent, Youth Ministry, Training Coordinator, and a Parent.  Screening and Training  Screening (includes background check, application, and reference checks) and training for all new and existing staff including both volunteers and employees.  No one is considered exempt (unless a child, youth, or vulnerable adult).  New volunteers must develop a 6-month relationship with the church.  Training occurs annually; background checks every 3 years.

 At least 2 unrelated adults or an adult and a responsible youth. When it is not possible to staff with 2 non-related persons, there must be a “floater” along with physical and visual access to the area.  Doors to the classrooms should be open at all times.  No child left alone with 1 adult.  If one of the supervisors is a responsible youth, that youth must be at least 5 years older than the oldest child being supervised.  Transportation to outside events follows these same procedures.

 1 in 10 children suffer from abuse. 1 in 16 children suffer from sexual abuse.  The youngest children are the most vulnerable. ◦ Over 25% of abused children are under the age of three ◦ Over 45% of abused children are under the age of five.  Number of children in the United States who died because of abuse or neglect in 2012: 1,593  Of the number of children who died because of abuse or neglect... ◦ 70.3% were younger than 3 years of age ◦ 44.4% were younger than 1 year of age  More than 85% of the child fatalities in 2012 were white children.

 Currently, there are 39 million elders in the United States, but estimates show that number will increase to 62 million by  Approximately 1 in 10 Americans over age 60 have experienced some form of elder abuse.  It is estimated that only 1 in 14 cases of abuse are reported to authorities.  In almost 90% of elder abuse and neglect incidents, the perpetrator is a family member.

 No matter where or how communication occurs with a child/youth/vulnerable adult and whether it is connected with the church or not, Safe Sanctuary rules apply.  All communications and contact should be initiated by the child/youth/vulnerable adult. This includes friend requests, cell phone numbers, addresses, etc.  NOTE: If the child is under the age of 13, permission from their parents/guardians must be obtained first before engaging in any communication.  If you do not feel comfortable interacting with a child/youth/vulnerable adult outside of church, it is o.k. to decline requests.  The key to social media interactions is that they should be handled the same as face-to-face interaction. What would you say or do if you were in front of the person?

1. If a child/youth under the age of 13 wants to follow you on Twitter or other social media site, you should: a.Contact their parents for permission after you have given them your info. b.Give them your contact info. c.Contact their parents for permission before you begin communicating with them 2. A mandated reporter is: a.Someone who must report all the gossip they hear to the church secretary. b.Someone who is required by law to report an incident of abuse. c.Someone who is not required by law to report an incident of abuse. 3. Married couples can never work together. a.False, they may work together if there is a third adult present. b.True, they will be so distracted by their love for each other that they won’t be able to work. c.It doesn’t matter; married couples don’t like to spend more time together than they have to! 4. Is it okay to change a diaper on infants/toddlers? a.No, never! b.No, you should call the parents to come and do it. c.Unless a parent has requested you not to, it is appropriate to change them, just do it in the open

1. Is it okay to discipline a misbehaving child/youth? a.Yes, a good ole’ fashion spanking is just what every child/youth needs. b.Yes, appropriate discipline teaches boundaries & that we, like God desire the best for them. c.No, discipline shows children/youth that we don’t love them & scares them away from church. 2. If a member of the media contacted you regarding an incident you should: a.Hang up on them & call the church. b.Refer all questions to the church which will get them in contact with the council’s designated media contact. c.Talk freely about whatever you know. 3. Safe Sanctuaries was created to: a.Annoy volunteers & make them paranoid. b.Prevent the opportunity or appearance of abuse of children/youth. c.Protect volunteers from misbehaving children/youth.

Update your CPR information if needed. New volunteers please see me for an application. Please be sure that you have signed in.