Keeping Our Children Safe! South Central Conference Children’s Ministries Convention Jennifer Bennett, SCC Risk Manager

Our Children Are Priceless!!

The Value of Children Matthew 18:5-7 The Message (MSG) 2-5 For an answer Jesus called over a child, whom he stood in the middle of the room, and said, “I’m telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you’re not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God’s kingdom. What’s more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it’s the same as receiving me. 6-7 “But if you give them a hard time, bullying or taking advantage of their simple trust, you’ll soon wish you hadn’t. You’d be better off dropped in the middle of the lake with a millstone around your neck. Doom to the world for giving these God- believing children a hard time! Hard times are inevitable, but you don’t have to make it worse—and it’s doomsday to you if you do. The Value of Children

Every Ten Seconds……..

Child Abuse Facts….. 1 in 5 Churches reported allegations of abuse When abuse occurs in a Church, most likely it is by a respected church member Sexual abuse occurs by all genders, races, socioeconomic status and religious groups The average age of victims is 8-11 years old More than 90% of victims know the perpetrator in some way Less than 5% are false accusations Child sexual abuse is rarely a one time act Child Abuse Facts…..

The vast majority of child molesters are male Victims may be male or female. Child molesters tend to work hard to win positions of trust. Authority, trust, and respect enable molesters to manipulate children, parents, and other leaders. A child molester will create fear in the child, so that the child is afraid to tell anyone. There are no “typical” child molesters. They may be of any age. A child molester in the church looks for and tries to create opportunities to be alone with a child or children. Prior to being caught, the typical child molester attacks thirteen children. Child molesters often are married, may show evidence of a strong Christian witness, and may be in positions of responsibility. Child molesters often do not recognize that any harm has come to their victims. Frequently, there is more remorse from being caught than for injuries inflicted by the crime. A child molester is very likely to return to criminal sexual behavior after release from prison. *The Christian Broadcasting Network http://www1.cbn.com/spirituallife/coming-soon-to-your-church Child Abuse Facts…..

Protect Our Children……

BE PREPARED!! P Become Proactive R Respect Relationship E Educate Adults & Children P Protect you Flock A Acting Responsibly R Report Suspected Abuse E Effect Change in Attitude

“Churches are encouraged to adopt policies that would provide a measure of safety and protection for children…” Two-Adult Rule or Never being alone with a child Open Door Policy to avoid one on one situations Adult Screening – Background Checks Six-Month Waiting Period for new volunteers Training in Child Protection Adopt Policies

Questions

Keeping Our Children Safe! South Central Conference Children’s Ministries Convention Jennifer Bennett, SCC Risk Manager