1. 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

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

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

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

5. 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 mins
Evaluation
Total time: 2 1/2-3 hours

6. 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.

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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?

11. 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.

12. Break
10 Minutes

13. 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

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

15. 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

16. 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.

17. 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)

18. Mandatory Reporting - State The County Prosecutor:
Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect
The County Prosecutor:
Morris County – (973)
Sussex County – (973)
Passaic County – (973)

19. 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.

20. 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) ext. 248
and/or
Victim Assistance Coordinator
(973)

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