Athens First United Methodist Church Safe Sanctuaries Training Creating Safe Sanctuaries in the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church

Welcome to Safe Sanctuary training! We are grateful for your time and cooperation in becoming safe sanctuary certified. There are 6 sections in this training module. Following each section is a brief quiz. Please answer the questions. If you are correct, you can more forward in the module. If you are incorrect, you will be directed back to the page with the correct information. At the end of the training, there is a link that takes you to a signature form. Please sign your name. Let’s begin!

Why must we implement Safe Sanctuaries? It is required of us: By the General Conference mandate of 1996, 2000, 2004, and Paragraph 256 in the 2008 Book of Discipline For the protection of our children, youth, and vulnerable adults For the protection of all workers, paid or volunteer, who work with our children, youth, and vulnerable adults

Why must we implement Safe Sanctuaries? It is required of us: Our Baptismal Vow and Covenant “with God’s help to so order our lives after the example of Christ, that we will surround each baptized person with steadfast love, so that they may be established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal.” Scripture “Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.“ Matthew 19:14

Why must we implement Safe Sanctuaries? By putting safety first, we… Support workers in case of false allegation of abuse Deter predators Prevent the loss of the good reputation of the church Prevent the loss of money in victim judgments and legal fees

Why must we implement Safe Sanctuaries? Churches are at risk because… We are a trusting organization. We are unaware of the facts about the prevalence of abuse in our own community. We provide easy access to children, youth, and adults who can not make sound judgments. We do not screen workers as other agencies do. We do not do enough training concerning appropriate interpersonal boundaries.

Why must we implement Safe Sanctuaries? To create Safe Sanctuaries, each church can… Establish and maintain a Safe Sanctuary policy Create and implement the Safe Sanctuary policy and procedures that work best for your church with the help of ministerial staff, trustee reps, finance committee reps, SPR reps, educators, and lawyers Train all workers (paid and volunteer) Have a reporting strategy in case of accident, incident, or suspected abuse

Let’s review! Please answer the following review questions regarding the information you just received.

Why must we implement Safe Sanctuaries? Which of the following is not a reason why the United Methodist Church creates and implements Safe Sanctuaries? a. We are paid to do so b. The General Conference mandate of 1996, 2000, and 2004 c. Our Baptismal Covenant d. For the protection of all workers, children, youth, and vulnerable adults

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Why must we implement Safe Sanctuaries? Why are churches at risk? (select any that apply) a. We are trusting b. We educate our workers on appropriate interpersonal boundaries c. We are ignorant of the facts about the prevalence of abuse in our own community d. We do not screen workers as other agencies do

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Let’s get educated! Definitions Children—Birth through age 12 Youth—Age 12 through age 18 (in high school) Vulnerable Adult A person age 18 (not in high school) or older who is mentally, physically, or psychologically challenged and is unable to make responsible legal decisions about his or her own welfare Elderly, defined as 65 and older

Let’s get educated! The Numbers Regarding Child Abuse Source: Childhelp.org 3 million cases of child abuse are reported each year - The actual number is usually higher than the reported cases. The United States has one of the worst records among industrialized nations – losing on average between four and seven children every day to child abuse and neglect

Let’s get educated! Profile of a Child Molester Known by the victim 80% of the time Generally between 20-30 years of age 20% will abuse before the age of 18 Often married with children 1 in 4 offenders is a member of the individual’s family or one entrusted with the care of the person About half are friends of the child or family 2 out of 3 who are caught and punished will abuse again

Let’s get educated! Types of Molesters Preferential Situational Prefers sexual activity with children or youth and seeks out these victims Situational Takes advantage of a particular situation in order to sexually abuse

Let’s get educated! Registered Sex Offenders In the state of Georgia, there are 27, 108 total sex offenders including people that are from out of state and ones that are incarcerated In our surrounding counties, there are 884 **Both of these numbers have risen in the last two years

Let’s review Please answer the following review questions regarding the information you just received.

Let’s get educated! A child is defined as someone… a. Birth through age 18 b. Who is unable to make sound decisions for himself/herself c. Birth through age 12

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Let’s get educated! There is only one type of child molester, the preferential type, that prefers interaction with children or youth. a. True b. False

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Let’s get educated! The cases of child abuse reported each year are... a. Higher than the actual number of suspected cases b. Lower than the actual number of suspected cases c. The same as the number of suspected cases

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Your Obligation Reporting Child Abuse—Georgia Law The purpose of this law is to “provide protection of children whose health and welfare are adversely affected and further threatened by the conduct of those responsible for their care and protection.”

Your Obligation Reporting Child Abuse—Mandated Reporters As of July 2012, mandated reporters include any child service organization personnel. Included are paid employees and volunteers Failure to report child abuse is a misdemeanor. Anyone making a report in good faith is immune from any civil or criminal liability.

Let’s review Please answer the following review questions regarding the information you just received.

Your Obligation Only individuals who are paid staff members are considered mandated reporters by the Georgia Child Abuse Law. a. True b. False

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Types and Indicators of Abuse It is important to remember that though a child, youth, or vulnerable adult may display one or even more symptoms of abuse, this does not necessarily mean abuse is occurring.

Types and Indicators of Abuse Physical Abuse is the deliberate or intentional bodily harm of an individual…NON-ACCIDENTAL Indicators of Physical Abuse Hostility and aggression toward others Destructive behavior toward self, others and/or property Unexplainable fractures or bruises, particularly on upper arms or around wrists and ankles Fearfulness of parents and/or other adults Burns, facial injuries, head trauma

Types and Indicators of Abuse Sexual Abuse is non-consensual sexual contact between child and adult, or between adults, such as fondling, intercourse, incest, pornographic exploitation, or exposure Indicators of Sexual Abuse Advanced sexual knowledge and/or behavior Depression Promiscuous behavior Difficulty sitting or walking Bruising/bleeding in vaginal or anal areas Frequent headaches, extreme fatigue Sexually transmitted diseases

Types and Indicators of Abuse Emotional Abuse is the infliction of mental anguish by threat, intimidation or humiliation—spoken and/or unspoken. It also includes violence or emotional cruelty. Indicators of Emotional Abuse Depression and/or withdrawal Lack of self-esteem Threatens or attempts suicide Speech and/or eating disorders Extreme passive-aggressive behavior Excessively seeks adult approval

Types and Indicators of Abuse Neglect involves endangering an individual’s health, safety, or welfare Indicators of Neglect Failure to thrive—malnutrition Inappropriate dress for climate Chronic hunger Depression Untreated medical conditions Poor hygiene—soiled clothing Signs of being over- or under-medicated

Types and Indicators of Abuse Financial Abuse/Exploitation is the unauthorized use of funds or property belonging to a vulnerable adult by force, misrepresentation, or illegal means Indicators of Financial Abuse/Exploitation Complaints of missing money Financial caregiver is not open and trustworthy with family Check book or home furnishing are missing

Let’s review Please answer the following review questions regarding the information you just received.

Types and Indicators of Abuse One indicator of abuse in an individual guarantees that abuse is occurring. a. True b. False

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Types and Indicators of Abuse Which of the following is not an indicator of physical abuse? a. Hostility and aggression toward others b. Burns, facial injuries, head trauma c. Failure to thrive—malnutrition d. Unexplainable fractures or bruises

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Types and Indicators of Abuse Which of the following is not an indicator of emotional abuse? a. Chronic hunger b. Depression and/or withdrawal c. Lack of self-esteem d. Excessively seeks adult approval

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Procedures Two Adult rule Adult Training Two unrelated, non-cohabitating adult leaders should be with children, youth, or vulnerable adults at all times. Children should not be dropped off where there are not two adults present. Adult Training All adults will be at least 18 years of age and at least 5 years older than the children and youth being supervised Secure background checks will take place every 3 years by Trak-1 Technologies. Safe Sanctuaries training will take place every year – Covenant signed First Aid and CPR training is recommended for paid staff and volunteers

Procedures Windowed and Open Doors Do not block windows Leave interior doors open if possible Nametags and/or Identifying Clothing Wear nametags at all times and if appropriate, identifying clothing (Nursery, VBS, Music Camp, Preschool, etc)

Procedures Age Appropriate Check in and Release Appropriate Touch Children should be accompanied by adults at all times Use KidCheck for children birth through age 18 Drop off and pick up should be at the site of the activity, not just the church door Siblings under the age of eighteen should not be responsible for drop off and pick up Appropriate Touch Examples include: side hugs, touch on shoulder, high five, handshake A child older than 3 should not be sitting in anyone’s lap

Procedures Parent/Guardian Permission Website, Photos, and E-mails Children are not allowed to participate in any activities without parent/guardian permission Website, Photos, and E-mails Do not put a child’s photograph on Facebook or any other social medium without written permission from parents or guardians

Procedures Diapering and Restroom Usage Discipline Change diaper in a visible area Help toddlers and preschoolers only when necessary and in an observable place Check restrooms before children enter No youth volunteers should be responsible for diapering and/or restroom usage during any church event Discipline Must be positive and planned No physical discipline allowed Find out what works best for each child in your care

Procedures Off-Site Trips and Transportation Medical Information Form Have medical forms readily available Only adult drivers are allowed For overnight trips involving both genders, there must be at least two adult chaperones of both genders present at all times Medical Information Form All adults attending off-site trips must fill out the Adult Registry form provided by the ministry personnel in charge of the trip. This form includes medical conditions, medications taken, family contacts, medical wishes and doctor’s contact information to be given to medical personnel in case of emergency.

Let’s review Please answer the following review questions regarding the information you just received.

Procedures Examples of appropriate touch include: a. Side hugs b. Touch on shoulder c. High five d. All of the above

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Procedures For off-site trips, only youth need to fill out medical information sheets. a. True b. False

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Procedures Youth should not be responsible for diapering or restroom breaks for children. a. True b. False

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Procedures Which of the following is not one of the procedures recommended by our Safe Sanctuary policy? a. Two adult-rule b. No posting of a child’s photograph on social media c. Siblings 13 and older can sign out younger siblings from activities d. A child older than 3 should not be sitting in anyone’s lap

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Reporting Accidents An accident is an unintentional act and results in an individual being hurt. Any accident (even between siblings or family members) which occurs on church grounds should have an accident report form filled out. This form is available through the ministry staff member in charge of the event. Get all sides of the story recorded. Parents should be notified immediately (if possible) in case of an accident. ALL PARTIES SHOULD SIGN THE DOCUMENT. Two copies of the accident report form will be made. One should be given to the parent, and the other should remain in the church files.

Reporting Incidents An incident is an observed action that does not require reporting to DFCS, but does require attention. Examples may include a volunteer/worker being too loud when addressing a young child or a parent over-disciplining their child in public. Incidents are only handled by church staff. The details are documented and the form is signed by ALL PARTIES INVOLVED. The volunteer/worker or parent is given alternative options in handling the situation. The volunteer/worker is given different duties if necessary.

Reporting Suspected Abuse A case of suspected abuse is when one sees, has been told, or suspects a child, youth, or vulnerable adult has been abused in some way. If a case of abuse is suspected, the one suspecting the abuse should make a call to DFCS, along with the support of designated ministry staff personnel. Forms are available from the ministry staff. Once a report has been made to DFCS, then it is up to DFCS to investigate. No more is required of the reporter. The church’s insurance agency, lawyer, and District Superintendent is contacted via ministry personnel.

Reporting Confidentiality All accidents, incidents, and cases of suspected abuse should be discussed only with appropriate ministry staff. No discussion between volunteers or workers should occur regarding any case. In cases of suspected abuse, the parents should not be notified. They, unfortunately, may be the source of the abuse. Only one pre-designated individual is allowed to speak to the media when necessary.

Let’s review! Please answer the following review questions regarding the information you just received.

Reporting Cases of suspected abuse should be discussed with: a. Only the appropriate ministry staff and DFCS b. The parents of the child involved c. Other volunteers d. Any individual in the church, as part of the investigation done by the individual reporting the case of abuse

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Reporting In case of an accident that occurs between siblings, it is not necessary to fill out an accident report form. a. True b. False

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Make this a SAFE SANCTUARY! S – Be Aware of Surroundings M – Be Mindful of Manipulators A – Be Appropriate in all Behaviors R – Be Ready to Report all issues T – Be Timely about Telling

You’re almost done! Please EMaIL APRIL@ATHENSFIRSTUMC.ORG as confirmation that you have carefully completed this Safe sanctuaries training module . Please include your name and program area that you are involved with at this time.

Thank you!