1. The Shepherd’s Place I am the Good Shepherd – John 10:14 Shepherd’s Safety Servant Leader Training

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3. People were bringing even infants to Jesus that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw this, they sternly ordered them not to do it. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Luke 18:15-17 The Little Children & Jesus

4. In the fear of the LORD [is] strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. Proverbs 14:26 Shepherd’s Safety

5. Startling Facts

6.  Over 3,000,000 child abuse incidents are reported every year in the United States  Equates to 8,219 incidents every day  Equates to 1 incident every 10 seconds Startling Facts

7. What is abuse?

8.  Physical  Emotional  Neglect  Sexual  Ritual Five Categories of Abuse

9. Deliberate and intentional bodily harm Possible signs of physical abuse 1.Hostile and aggressive behavior towards others 2.Fearfulness of parents and/or other adults 3.Destructive behavior towards self, others and/or property 4.Unexplainable fractures or bruises inappropriate for child’s developmental stage 5.Burns, facial injuries, patterns of repetitious bruises Physical Abuse

10. Exposure to spoken/unspoken violence or emotional cruelty Possible signs of emotional abuse 1.Exhibits severe depression and/or withdrawal 2.Exhibits severe lack of self esteem 3.Failure to thrive 4.Threatens or attempts suicide 5.Speech and/or eating disorders 6.Goes to extremes to seek adult approval 7.Extreme passive/aggressive behavior patterns Emotional Abuse

11. Endangering health, welfare and safety through negligence Possible Signs of Neglect 1.Failure to thrive 2.Patterns of inappropriate dress for climate 3.Begs or steals food; chronic hunger 4.Depression 5.Untreated medical conditions 6.Poor hygiene Neglect

12. Sexual contact between a child and an adult or more powerful youth Possible signs of sexual abuse 1.Unusually advanced sexual knowledge and/or behavior for a child’s age and developmental stages 2.Depression; Cries often for no apparent reason 3.Promiscuous behavior 4.Runs away from home and refuses to return 5.Difficulty walking or sitting Sexual Abuse

13. Sexual contact between a child and an adult or more powerful youth Possible signs of sexual abuse 6.Bruised/bleeding in vaginal or anal areas 7.Exhibits frequent headaches, stomach aches, extreme fatigue 8.Sexually transmitted diseases 9.Unusual nervousness or anxiety about being left alone Sexual Abuse

14. Physical, sexual, psychological violence inflicted intentionally, stylized, by someone or multiple people responsible for the victim's welfare Possible signs of ritual abuse 1.Disruptions of memory or consciousness 2.Unexplained mistrust and mood swings 3.Flashbacks 4.Eating disorders 5.Fear of dark, especially at sundown or a full moon Ritual Abuse

15. Physical, sexual, psychological violence inflicted intentionally, stylized, by someone or multiple people responsible for the victim's welfare Possible signs of ritual abuse 6.Agitation or despair that seems to occur in cycles 7.Fear of ministers, priests, or others wearing robes or uniforms 8.Nightmares or sleep disorders 9.Any of the symptoms of sexual abuse Ritual Abuse

16. Abusers: Who are They?

17.  Over 75% are trusted by the victim  Not easily recognizable  Exert power to harm or exploit  Thrive on secrecy, isolation and ability to manipulate Who are abusers?

18. Who are the victims?

19.  Victim  Family of victim  Victim’s peers  Organizations  Communities  Family of the abuser Who are the victims?

20. How can abuse be prevented? What should leaders do to reduce the risk of abuse to our youth? Why? How can you ensure Shepherd’s Safety for children, youth, and vulnerable adults? Think About It…

21. YES! Does abuse really happen?

22. What is Shepherd’s Safety?

23.  Specific steps  Policies and procedures  Protection and safety What is Shepherd’s Safety?

24.  establish a policy  update procedures annually What is Shepherd’s Safety?

25. Why Shepherd’s Safety?

26.  Provides safe havens for children and youth  Honors families  Protects from bodily, emotional and spiritual harm  Upholds our Christian responsibility  Offers accountability Why Shepherd’s Safety?

27. What is included in the policy?

28.  Introduction  Statement of Covenant  Definitions  Screening  Supervision  Reporting  Response Plan

29.  Introduction What is included in the policy?

30.  Introduction  Statement of Covenant What is included in the policy?

31.  Introduction  Statement of Covenant  Definitions What is included in the policy?

32. Shepherd’s Safety Policy Mandatory Standards

33.  Introduction  Statement of Covenant  Definitions  Screening What is included in the policy?

34. Screening Mandatory Standards

35.  Background Screening Standard contact information Experience/qualifications for the position Voluntary disclosure of criminal history, including criminal charges and/or convictions Waiver of confidentiality allowing the church to secure background checks and references Listing of 2 non-relative references Screening Mandatory Standards

36.  Background Screening Minimum-Ohio state background check Recommended-National background check National background check is highly recommended if the person has lived outside the state and/or lives near the border of another state Fingerprinting is not required Screening Mandatory Standards

37.  Background Screening Any person who has been convicted of abuse shall not be permitted to volunteer or work directly with children, youth or vulnerable adults. Screening Mandatory Standards

38.  Background Screening Persons who have a break in volunteer or paid service of one or more years shall resubmit for a new background screening Background checks shall be repeated every five years (recommended every 3 years) All records must be kept in a locked cabinet Records shall be kept in perpetuity Screening Mandatory Standards

39.  References References must be deemed adequate by the Volunteer Coordinator. Screening Mandatory Standards

40.  Introduction  Statement of Covenant  Definitions  Screening  Supervision What to include in the policy?

41. Supervision Mandatory Standards

42.  Training Required for all staff/volunteers Initial education of Shepherd’s Safety prior to any adult having direct supervision of children/youth/vulnerable adults Supervision Mandatory Standards

43.  Training Minimum training includes: Documentation of an annual review of the Shepherd’s Safety policies and procedures CPR and First Aid Information on how to identify and report abuse Supervision Mandatory Standards

44.  Two Adult Rule Regardless of the size of the group, two unrelated adults must be present May include the presence of an adult ‘roamer’ who moves in and out of rooms and ministry activities When transporting, an additional adult must accompany driver in the vehicle Supervision Mandatory Standards

45.  Never Left Unsupervised or Alone Supervision Mandatory Standards

46.  Ministry Spaces Open to Public View Viewing window Glass panel in the door ½ Door configuration Open door Supervision Mandatory Standards

47.  Attendee Registration Name Address and/or phone number Parent /Guardian Name(s) Emergency Contact and phone number Age Allergies/Special Needs Supervision Mandatory Standards

48.  Transportation Requires Written Permission Supervision Mandatory Standards

49.  Authority workers must be at least 18 years of age or older  At least 5 years older than those being supervised Supervision Mandatory Standards

50.  Limit counseling Conducted in a room where the door remains open for the entire session Person in charge must determine in the initial meeting if he/she is qualified to address the need effectively If the problem has not been resolved after three sessions, the child or youth must be referred to a professional counselor Supervision Mandatory Standards

51.  Secure insurance coverage for the scope of ministry The Board of Directors shall review annually the adequacy of the property, liability, and crime insurance coverage on property, buildings, and equipment. The Board of Directors shall also review annually the adequacy of personnel insurance. The purpose of these reviews is to ensure that the organization, its properties, and its personnel are properly protected against risks. Supervision Mandatory Standards

52.  Introduction  Statement of Covenant  Definitions  Screening  Supervision  Reporting What is included in the policy?

53. Reporting Mandatory Standards

54.  State Law Mandatory Reporting Witness of an abuse incident or a person who receives a report of an allegation Reporting Mandatory Standards

55.  How is Shepherd’s Safety useful in preventing abuse? Interact

56. Steps in Reporting Abuse

57. 1. If the victim is in immediate need of medical attention, the appropriate medical assistance will be obtained. If the alleged perpetrator is onsite and danger is perceived, local police authorities will be called. Steps in Reporting Abuse

58. 2. The staff person or volunteer must report the incident immediately to the person in charge of the ministry/activity. Upon receiving such information, the person in charge shall immediately contact the Executive Director. If the Executive Director has been accused, the Chairman of the Board of Directors shall be notified in the Executive Director’s place. Steps in Reporting Abuse

59. 3a. The person in charge when the alleged abuse was observed or disclosed prepares the Report of Suspected Incident of Child Abuse: Name of the alleged victim His/her age Address Family information Reason abuse is suspected Other helpful information to the investigation Steps in Reporting Abuse

60. 3b. The Executive Director (or Chairman of the Board) will contact Child Protective Services for Ohio Health and Family Services. When making the report by telephone, it is advisable that it be conducted in the presence of an objective witness who can verify that the report has been made (and by whom) in case this is needed later for possible legalities. Steps in Reporting Abuse

61. 4. Notify the parents of the victim and take whatever steps are necessary to assure the safety and well being of the child or youth until the parent(s) arrive. NOTE: If one or both of the parents is the alleged perpetrator, follow the advice of the authorities concerning notification. Steps in Reporting Abuse

62. 5. The Executive Director (or Chairman of the Board) shall immediately call the superintendent of the district in which the church resides and report the allegations. Steps in Reporting Abuse

63. 6. Further communication or steps taken with the staff, volunteers, community, or media shall only be taken after consultation with The Shepherd’s Place International. Steps in Reporting Abuse

64. 7. The person in charge must keep a written report of the steps taken in response to the reported abuse. The report should be brief and contain only factual information relevant to the situation. It should be written in ink or typed to prevent it from being changed, and kept in a secure location. Steps in Reporting Abuse

65.  Introduction  Statement of Covenant  Definitions  Screening  Supervision  Reporting  Response Plan What is included in the policy?

66. Response Mandatory Standards

67.  Remove the accused from further involvement  Advise the accused there has been an allegation of abuse Response Mandatory Standards

68.  Take all allegations seriously  Support victim and the victim’s family  Extend resources  Provide a supportive atmosphere to those affected so healing can occur Response Mandatory Standards

69. Shepherd’s Safety Best Practices

70.  Respect Appropriate Interpersonal Boundaries  Cyber Safety  Parent and Family Education  Appropriate Equipment and Setting Shepherd’s Safety Best Practices

71. Implementing the Shepherd’s Safety Policy

72.  Train all staff and volunteers annually Document date of event Record attendee names Implementing the Shepherd’s Safety Policy

73.  Celebrate your commitment! Implementing the Shepherd’s Safety Policy

74. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me— to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Matthew 18:5-6 Summary

75. Forms and Resources

76. westohioumc.org/safesanctuaries gbod.org/leadership-resources/ safe-sanctuaries

77.  Micah 6:1-8  Isaiah 58:10-12  Amos 5:24  Psalm 24:4-5  Luke 1:21-52  Matthew 18:5-6 Bible Study Scriptures

78. Resources