Protecting God’s Children™ Responsible Relationships in Ministry Please be sure you sign in and pickup the handouts at the table by the door. DIOCESE OF PATERSON

Protecting God’s Children™ Responsible Relationships in Ministry (Insert your name) Facilitator DIOCESE OF PATERSON

Welcome & Introduction Sign in Sheets – VERY IMPORTANT! Welcome & Introduction Opening Prayer Facility Layout - Restrooms Relaxed, Casual atmosphere Breaks Cell phones on vibrate

Welcome & Introduction Handouts-Participant Workbook Evaluations Why am I here? What is my Role? (handout) Practical advice for parents (handout) Quick Reference Guide

Outline & Timeline Welcome 10-15 mins Video: A Time to Protect God’s Children 35 mins Small Group Discussions 10 mins Large Group Discussion 20 mins Break 10 mins Video: A Plan to Protect God’s Children 35 mins Large Group Discussion of Five Steps 30 mins Abuse reporting procedures 10-15 mins Evaluation Total time: 2 1/2-3 hours

Key Points for a “Time” to Protect Child sexual abuse can happen anywhere to anyone Abuse is devastating to a child and sometimes the scars of abuse can last a lifetime Child molesters skillfully groom children, parents and communities to accomplish their goals. Child molesters rely on their power over children to control children and convince children not to tell. Child molesters often convince themselves that they love the children they molest. Child molesters look for jobs or volunteer opportunities that give them access to children Child molesters also use internet technologies to gain access to children.

Note: Video content can be difficult & uncomfortable “A Time to Protect God’s Children” Note: Video content can be difficult & uncomfortable

Types of Molesters/Grooming Preferential - Prefer sexual interactions with children. Prefer particular age and gender 2) Situational Seem normal, have age appropriate relationships. Situation causes them to turn to children 3) Indiscriminate/Random Grooming Physical Psychological Community

Small Group Discussion By yourself, answer questions in the participant workbook listed under ”A Time to Protect God’s Children-Group Discussion” on page 1, 2-3 minutes, Break into groups of 4 or 5, Discuss the question in participant workbook, 7-8 minutes

Large Group Discussion What were your reactions to the video? How did the abuse affect the victims? What don’t children tell anyone about sexual abuse How common is child sexual abuse? What did you learn about the molesters?

Myths & Facts Page 2 Myth: Strangers are responsible for most child sexual abuse Fact: Most child molesters are people the parents already know and trust Myth: Child abusers can be identified solely based on their physical Characteristic Fact: Child abuser can be or look like anyone Myth: Most sexual abusers are homosexual Fact: Most child molesters are heterosexual Myth: Children usually lie about child sexual abuse Fact: Children very rarely lie about sexual abuse. These then 5% of allegations are false Myth: Priests abuse children because of their vow of celibacy Fact: Celibacy doesn’t cause anyone to become a child molester. The few priests who do perpetrate abuse molest children for the same reason that other people do.

Break 10 Minutes

Key Points for a “Plan” to Protect We are not helpless to prevent child sexual abuse We must know the warning signs of a potential abuser in order to protect children We must carefully screen who has access to our children We can protect our children by closely monitoring all programs We must be aware of what is happening in the live of our own children We must communicate when we have concerns about inappropriate behavior or suspected abuse

“A Plan to Protect God’s Children” Video: “A Plan to Protect God’s Children”

A Plan to Protect God’s Children Step One- Know the Warning Signs Step Two- Control Access Step Three: Monitor all Ministries & Programs Step Four: Be Aware of Child & Youth Behavior Step Five: Communicate your Concerns

Mandatory Reporting - State Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect New Jersey Statute: 9:6-8.13 Everyone is a mandatory reporter. Any person having reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to child abuse or acts of child abuse shall report immediately to the Division of Child Protection & Permanency Anyone making a report is immune from civil or criminal liability provided a report is made in good faith.

Mandatory Reporting - State Division of Child Protection & Permanency Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect To immediately report an incident in accordance with the “Memorandum of Understanding” with the County Prosecutors, please contact: Division of Child Protection & Permanency (CP&P) 1-877-652-2873

Mandatory Reporting - State The County Prosecutor: Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect The County Prosecutor: Morris County – (973) 285-6200 Sussex County – (973) 383-1570 Passaic County – (973) 881-4800

Mandatory Reporting - Diocese Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect The Diocese of Paterson is committed to the prevention of child abuse and to assisting those who are affected by incidents of child abuse. The diocese is also committed to complying with legal requirements for reporting child abuse. The Diocese of Paterson is committed to ensuring a safe environment for all.

Contact the Diocesan Response Officer: (973) 777-8818 ext. 248 and/or Mandatory Reporting - Diocese Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect Contact the Diocesan Response Officer: (973) 777-8818 ext. 248 and/or Victim Assistance Coordinator (973) 879-1489

Protecting God’s Children™ Responsible Relationships in Ministry DIOCESE OF PATERSON