Detroit Conference of the United Methodist Church Protecting Those in Our Care Children, Youth and Vulnerable Adults

KEEPING IT SAFE! 1st purpose – Protect by reducing the risk of injury or abuse of children, youth and vulnerable persons in our care. 2nd purpose – To protect staff and volunteers in the local church from false accusations of abuse or neglect. 3rd purpose – Limit the extent of legal liability for each United Methodist Church.

Purpose of this Training Equip leaders to see the “Big Picture” and to take the appropriate action in keeping children, youth and vulnerable persons safe. Determine what classifies a Good Touch from a Bad Touch Discover the importance of weighing the risks and the rewards of a particular event Understand our responsibilities & the reporting law that pertains to reporting child abuse

Church Mutual D.V.D.

High Risk Settings What are the 3 High Risk Settings at a church, district or conference event? 1. Nurseries 2. Restrooms 3. Overnights Page 17 - Detroit Conference Protection Policy

4 or 5 Years Older SUPERVISING RULE 4 yrs. (D.A.C.) 5 yrs. (S.S.) 6 MONTH RULE - Why is this important? 2 CARE RULE - 4 or 5 Years Older SUPERVISING RULE 4 yrs. (D.A.C.) 5 yrs. (S.S.) Leaders should be a minimum of 4 or 5 years older than those they are supervising. MINIMUM AGE TO SERVE RULE Nursery or children’s ministry – 16 years old (D.A.C.) 18 years old (S.S.)

How do we reduce these high rick areas How do we reduce these high rick areas? As shared by insurance companies. Please refer to your local church protection policy. Open Door Counseling Overnight Procedures Minimum 2 Care Rule Applies Restroom & Nursery Procedures

Reducing the Risk of Harm Windows in Doors or Open Doors – Why is this rule important in your church policy? Accidents – Kids can always find some way to get hurt Accidents happen. What can we do? *Church Mutual Brochure Limited Entrance Points – Determine what entrance points are really needed.

Reporting Abuse State of Michigan & G.B.O.D. What is the legal standard for reporting abuse to The State of Michigan – Department of Human Services? What constitutes reportable child abuse or neglect? State of Michigan handout State of Michigan states their definitions of physical abuse, sexual abuse or sexual exploitation, neglect and maltreatment. Also, specific abuse behaviors listed for each area of abuse.

Review of Reporting Procedures We should maintain confidences and trust with others, however there are situations when information shared falls into a legal obligation to report to the Department of Human Services in Michigan. In what situations are we required to file a report? Discuss

Review of Reporting Procedures Listed below are 3 areas of absolute situations that requires immediate reporting to your church’s event director and/or Pastor to the Department of Human Services. There are legal consequences in the State of Michigan of not sharing specific information that was disclosed to you. You cannot keep a confidence if anyone reports to you that: 1. They are going to commit suicide. 2. They are going to hurt another person. 3. They report that they have been abused sexually or physically.

LET’S DISCUSS…Break up into groups How would you respond LET’S DISCUSS…Break up into groups How would you respond? Each group will decide on a group leader and a recorder. Each group will have 10 minutes to discuss the question given and be prepared to have the group leader give an over-view of your group’s discussion.

Weighing the Risks and Rewards (optional) YOU ARE the Event Director for a children or youth event. YOU KNOW the following factors need to be considered: Safety Environment Age Appropriate Who will ultimately be held responsible if someone is hurt or harmed, during the event? Break into Groups to Discuss for 10 minutes, then share brief over-view of your discussion with the entire group. Discuss the risks and rewards of the following situations Cedar Point Dodge Ball U-Night Sardines

The Safety Zone: D.V.D. Chapters 8, 9 & 10 Guidelines for maintaining a safe environment when working with children and youth over-view – page 3

Good Touch verses Bad Touch According to the video…What area of the body is acceptable to touch someone? Determine what would define good touch verses bad touch in each of the scenarios listed. Handout page 4

Bullying The following are behaviors will not be tolerated by the Detroit Conference: intentional & repeated hurtful words hitting someone spreading rumors, either verbally or by social networks (internet) damaging their possessions How should your church respond?

Closing Prayer *Please stand Leader: Jesus cared enough to listen to all. Will we listen to the needs of children, youth and vulnerable persons? All: We will listen. For listening shows we care. We will share the faith, hope and love we have in Christ.

Closing Prayer (con’t) *Please stand Leader: All children, youth and vulnerable persons want be loved and cared for. Will you love them? All: Yes, Jesus is our example. He loved all. We too seek to love and care for all.

Closing Prayer (con’t) *Please stand Leader: We are Christ’s ears, hands & feet. Will you help to protect the children, youth and vulnerable persons? All: Yes, with God’s help, we will love, pray and be a witness to Christ’s love in protecting everyone in our care.

Closing Prayer (con’t) *Please stand Leader: God weeps when any child, youth or vulnerable person is abused and misused. All: As people of God, it is our responsibility to work for the rights of all persons. We must make God’s beautiful world safe for everyone. In Jesus Name We Pray…Amen