First Presbyterian Church of Allentown Safe Sanctuaries

Introduction Safe Sanctuaries Program is an effort by FPC to reaffirm its commitment to safeguard the well- being of all its members, particularly the most vulnerable: children and youth Safe Sanctuaries Program is an effort by FPC to reaffirm its commitment to safeguard the well- being of all its members, particularly the most vulnerable: children and youth

History Task force created in 2001 by Session, through a proposal from Christian Education Committee to study this issue and make recommendations End result – Safe Sanctuaries Policy endorsed by Session in September 2003 Task force became a standing committee of Christian Education Committee The mission of the Safe Sanctuaries Committee is to implement policy procedures

Why are you here? To develop an understanding of what constitutes child abuse To learn how to recognize child abuse To understand appropriate reporting procedures Policy provisions require a prospective volunteer to attend a training session.

Child Sexual Abuse Knowledge Inventory

1. Child sexual abuse always involves physical contact with children. FALSE Can include non touch: pornography internet usage photography verbal exposure voyeurism

2. Most child molesters are male. TRUE According to the US Department of Justice 96% of reported sexual assaults involving children included male offenders.

3. Child molesters are usually strangers. FALSE In 90% of situations of child sexual abuse, the perpetrator is known and trusted by the child

4. Victims of sexual abuse suffer no long-term effects. Children who have been abused: - experience more physical health problems - have more behavioral problems - report more substance abuse problems (70 – 80% report excessive drug and alcohol use) - are more likely to be sexually promiscuous FALSE

5. One out of five molesters begin their activity before age 18. TRUE 23% of sexual assault offenders are under the age of 18. The typical offender is male, begins molesting by age 15, engages in a variety of deviant behavior, and molests an average of 117 youngsters, most of whom do not report the offense.

6. Only a small percentage of victims are male. FALSE Guilt and Embarrassment Under-reported incidents

7. Most churches screen workers and volunteers for potential molesters. FALSE The church is a place where the congregation wants to trust and feel safe.

8. Church leaders, workers, and/or volunteers cannot be held liable for child sexual abuse. FALSE FALSE – Child abuse judgment awards can exceed the amount of insurance.

9. Some child sexual abuse cases have resulted in judgments over $75,000,000. TRUE FALSE People are not reluctant to sue. It takes years to build a church’s reputation, and only one allegation to tear it down.

10. A child molester who has experienced a religious conversion no longer presents a threat to children. 10. A child molester who has experienced a religious conversion no longer presents a threat to children. FALSE Religious conversion is not a cure

11. Child sexual abuse is a criminal offense in all 50 states. TRUE

12. A preferential child molester may have over 400 victims in a lifetime. TRUE

13. Churches have in the past been supportive of victims of child sexual abuse. FALSE FALSE

14. Child molesters are seldom known by the victim. FALSE Build trust with children and adults in order to seduce Not lurking in dark hallways with trench coats They are good at not being noticed and fading into the woodwork Have good rapport with children 29% of child sexual abuse offenders are relatives 60% are acquaintances

“Reducing The Risk” Perpetrator befriends troubled or needy children and will attempt to find activities which isolate the child Perpetrator befriends troubled or needy children and will attempt to find activities which isolate the child Once abuse begins it can go on for long periods of time without being noticed Once abuse begins it can go on for long periods of time without being noticed Know characteristics of abuser and victim Know characteristics of abuser and victim (see behavioral indicators of child sexual abuse handout) (see behavioral indicators of child sexual abuse handout) Victims have difficulty giving life totally to God Victims have difficulty giving life totally to God

We will leap the hurdles to achieve a Safe Sanctuary at FPC SCREENING SUPERVISION REPORTING RESPONDING

SCREENING APPLICATION FOR VOLUNTEERS APPLICATION FOR VOLUNTEERS SIX MONTH RULE SIX MONTH RULE References References Confidentiality Confidentiality BACKGROUND CHECK (50 States) BACKGROUND CHECK (50 States) Criminal history Criminal history Sex Offender Registry (Megan’s Law) Sex Offender Registry (Megan’s Law)

SUPERVISION SUPERVISION AS RISK INCREASES, SUPERVISION SHOULD INCREASE Risk factors Solutions Risk factors Solutions isolation physical environment isolation physical environment lack of accountability two adult rule at all times lack of accountability two adult rule at all times power and control power and control

REPORTING PROCEDURE Be observant Be observant Be open to what the child has to say – listen without judging Be open to what the child has to say – listen without judging Do not try to question or investigate Do not try to question or investigate

RESPONSE TO AN INCIDENT Staff person will assist reporter in determining proper response based on the Safe Sanctuaries policy Staff person will assist reporter in determining proper response based on the Safe Sanctuaries policy Reports are anonymous Reports are anonymous

Thank you for volunteering!