1. Policy for Protection of Children, Youth and Other Vulnerable People in ELCIC (Presentation Revised August 2009)

2. Why?  Sexual abuse can happen in the church  One incident can devastate a child, a family and the church  Legal Liability --- Protecting you & the children

3. Child Abuse  Physical Abuse  Emotional Abuse  Sexual Abuse  Neglect

4. Sexual Abuse  Sexually touching a child or inviting a child to touch  Intercourse  Threatening sexual acts, obscene gestures  Sexual references to the child’s body  Asking child to expose their body for sexual purpose  Exposing the child to sexual materials or activities  Sexual exploitation --- in exchange for things

5. Signs of Possible Sexual Abuse Physical signs  Nightmares  Irritation, pain to the genital area  Difficulty with urination  Discomfort when sitting

6. Warning Signs of Possible Sexual Abuse Behavioral signs  Anxiety when approaching church  Nervous or hostile behavior toward adults  Showing sexual knowledge not common for their age in their language, drawing or play, or forcing another child into sexual play  Withdraw from family, friends and activities the child used to enjoy  Unexplained gifts, or sums of money  Being secretive about new friends, activities, or internet use.

7. Verbal signs  I don’t like (names a particular person)  I don’t like to be alone with (particular person) Warning Signs of Possible Sexual Abuse

8. If a child tells you they have been abused…  Stay calm and listen  Go slowly  Be supportive  Get only the basic facts  Tell the child what will happen next --- no promise of keeping it a secret.

9. Reporting Abuse  A legal requirement  Report to the Pastors who’ll follow up with actions specified by this policy  Emergency: when the Pastors are not available and the parents cannot be reached (parents are not the perpetrator), report to the police (911) or child protection (310-1234)

10. Protection Procedures  Screening of those who work with children  Police records check for all salaried staff  All personnel will be made familiar with the nature of child sexual abuse and the policy for protection  All volunteers will sign a covenant (document A)  All volunteers will complete a volunteer application form (document B)

11. Protection Procedures  New volunteers: requirement of being active participant of VCLC for six months (refer to the pastors);  New volunteers: Application form, interview, reference check, police check (may be required)

12. Protection Procedures  Two unrelated adults will be present during activities involving children and youth  Washroom guidelines  Annual training session (or special sessions for new volunteers are gathered)

13. New Volunteers please complete  Volunteer Ministry Covenant (Document A)  Volunteer Application Form (Document B to be handed in later)