1. History of CRC “Safe Church” 1989 Synod appointed a committee to research the subject of abuse and to provide recommendations. 1992 Committee Report was received and Synod adopted its recommendations. New committee formed to implement Synod's decisions. 1993 Synod mandated the development of a statement of professional conduct for ministerial personnel & guidelines for church's response to ministerial misconduct and abuse of office. 1994 Synod authorized the appointment of a staff person for Abuse Prevention. 1995 Synod received Guidelines for Handling Abuse Allegations Against a Church Leader. 1997 These guidelines were reviewed & revised & adopted by Synod 1997.

2. MANDATE OF THE “SAFE CHURCH” TEAMS Create awareness of the effect & damage of abuse (educate the people regarding abuse) Make the church a safer place (decrease the possibility of abuse & of false allegations) Create pathways to healing (assist the victims of abuse)

3. WHERE DOES ABUSE OCCUR? WHEN IS IT A CHURCH’S CONCERN? TFAbuse cannot occur within our congregation. TFAbuse that occurs outside of the church or church activities should not be a primary concern of a Church Council.

4. WHAT IS "ABUSE"? TFAbuse only consists of intended sexual physical contact with a person of the other gender. TFFlirting is never abuse. TFGenuine displays of affection are never abuse. TFAnyone who has ever been a parent knows the proper method of discipline. TFHow parents choose to discipline their own children is a matter of personal choice.

5. DOES THE CHURCH REALLY NEED TO ADOPT SECULAR PROCEDURES? TFIt is not necessary to screen volunteers or council members by insisting on a "Criminal Record Check", especially when a fellow church member finds it to be insulting or feels that it denotes a lack of trust. TFThe information received by conducting a Security Clearance is detailed and available for all council members' review. TFSecurity Clearances should only be required of "new" members. TFIf a Security Clearance comes back as "Unable to Clear,” it means the volunteer has committed a crime

6. WE ARE AWARE OF WHAT TO DO IN INSTANCES OF SUSPECTED ABUSE. TFWritten guidelines are not necessary; common sense will prevail. TFWe are capable of providing the best response to allegations of abuse by dealing with them on an "in-house" basis. TFWe are not required to contact government authorities in cases of suspected abuse since forwarding potentially false accusations may result in more harm than good. TFWe have done everything reasonably possible to prevent instances of abuse and to set up the proper reporting/resolution procedures. TFWe have educated our leaders and members about the various forms of abuse and how to become aware of their possible occurrence.

7. WE ARE A “CHARITY”! COURTS TREAT US DIFFERENTLY THAN CORPORATIONS. TFWe are aware of our legal responsibilities in preventing abuse and dealing with any possible complaints. TFAs a charity, we are treated differently by the courts than corporations and since Council members are volunteers, they will not be treated by the courts in the same fashion as directors or officers of “for profit” companies. TFIf an elder or deacon is found liable for damages, he or she is always covered by the congregation's liability insurance. TFWe have recently reviewed our insurance requirements regarding elders/deacons/church teachers/volunteers and have confirmed the extent of coverage for abuse claims.

8. Christian Ministries Make “Easy Targets” Community of Trust Ignorance of the Facts Lack Of Screening / Safeguards Opportunity and Access Desperate Need for Workers

9. CORE COMPONENTS OF A “SAFE CHURCH” POLICY Screening – of ALL volunteers and staff Compliance - those who refuse to follow policy, or who violate policy, will be required to quit. Training - supervisors/leaders of any program serving minors will attend annual training programs Internal Policies - Adopt policies that are designed to reduce/prevent abuse within church programs: Off-Site Activity Policy Discipline Policy Code of Ethics Nursery/Sunday School Policy

10. CORE COMPONENTS OF A “SAFE CHURCH” POLICY Internal Reporting - volunteers and/or staff who become aware of possible child abuse in a church program OR by a church volunteer/staff will know that they must immediately report the matter and will know how to report it External Reporting - in Canada, reporting to the policy any circumstances of possible child abuse is MANDATORY Modifying the Church Facility – enhance the safety Discipline Policy - for those who work with youth. Reducing Risks of One-to-One Contact - reduces risk of abuse and/or false allegations of abuse.

12. Safe Church Policy summary A.Definitions B.Screening Process C.Compliance Requirements D.Training & Continuing Education E.Affiliated Policies F.Review/Revision/Maintenance of Church Facilities G.Procedures/Guidelines for Minimizing Risk of Abuse Applicable to: G.1All Child/Youth Programs G.2Nursery Program G.3Sunday School G.4Cadets/GEMS G.5Youth Programs G.6Pastoral Ministry

13. Safe Church Policy summary Requirements & Procedures in Suspected Cases of Abuse regarding: H.1Suspected Abuse of a Child H.2Suspected Abuse of an Adult by a Church Leader H.3Suspected Abuse of an Adult by a non-Church Leader Schedule "A"Volunteer Profile Form Schedule "B"Code of Ethics Schedule "C"Discipline Policy Schedule "D"Off-Site Activity Policy Schedule "E"Signs & Symptoms of Possible Abuse Schedule "F"Responding to a Child's Report of Abuse Schedule "G"Privacy Policy