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HONORING
CHRIST IN THE WAY WE MINISTER TO CHILDREN AND
YOUTH AT CHURCH Presented
by Scott Bruns for the Ministry Team at August
2007 (Adapted
from “Reducing the Risk” by Introduction: A
School Administrator’s Biggest Fear: Balancing the desire to serve children
effectively and compassionately and yet professionally without the risk of being
falsely accused or potentially accused of misconduct.
What should a child expect from the church? Many
things can happen to fracture a child’s relationship with the church, but the
most damaging is ___________________
abuse. §
Where Church Workers Need to Start
1.
With Scriptural Support a.)
Matthew 18:1-14 “ the heavy
millstone warning” b.)
James 3:1 “the greater
judgment” c.)
Eph. 6:4
“do not provoke (children) to anger” See also Col. 3:21 2.
Accept the Changing Times a.)
Are government regulations really
necessary? b.)
Your attitude will breed
confidence in the congregation. 3.
Three Areas of Concern for
“Persons of Trust” a.)
Church staff with our kids (Safety
precautions) b.)
Church Kids with our kids
(With-it-ness) c.)
Non-Churched with our kids
(Sensitivity Radar) 4.
The Need for a Prevention Program a.)
The problem is real. b.)
It can happen at WBC c.)
If so, the impact will be major! d.)
Good News: A Few Simply Steps will
Reduce the Risk REMEMBER OUR
GOAL AT WBC: To
provide a Christ-honoring, safe and secure environment for the children who are
entrusted to our care. In reaching
this goal, we reduce the legal risk and liability exposure. §
What Ministry Workers Need to Know
1.
2. 3.
4. 5.
6. 7.
8. 9.
10. 11.
12. 13.
14.
a.)
What is the Definition of Child
Abuse? Although legal
definitions may vary from state to state, in general it is… Any sexual
activity with a child- whether in the home by a caretaker, in a day care
situation, a foster/residential setting, or in any other setting, including on
the street by a person unknown to the child.
The abuser may be an adult, an adolescent, or another child, provided the
child is four years older than the victim. ( Remember… It
may be violent or non-violent It
is criminal behavior It
may or may not involved touching b.)
What are the Symptoms of Molestation? Physical Signs
§
Lacerations or bruises §
Nightmares §
Irritation, pain, or injury to the
private areas §
Difficulty in urination §
Discomfort when sitting §
Torn or bloody underclothing §
Venereal disease Behavioral Signs
§
Anxiety when approaching the
church §
Nervous or hostile behavior toward
adults §
Sexual self-consciousness §
Acting out sexual behavior §
Withdrawal from church activities
and friends Verbal Signs
§
I don’t like (church person) §
(Church person) does things to me
when we’re alone §
I don’t like to be alone with
(church person) §
(Church person) fooled around with
me c.)
What are the Effects of Child Sexual Abuse?
1.) In a nutshell, the child experiences many losses… ü
Childhood memories ü
Healthy social contact ü
Opportunities to learn ü
Bodily integrity ü
Identity and self-image ü
Trust ü
Sexual maturity ü
Self-determination ü
Right to a normal childhood 2.)
The degree of damage depends on the intensity and duration of the abuse.
(By God’s grace the impact can be overcome!) 3.)
The damage to one’s spiritual life is often profound and long term.
a.)
Why the Church is Vulnerable b.)
Why Churches are Sued KEY WORD:
______________________
a.)
Having a Plan and Policy in Place (There
is danger when the policy is neglected.) b.)
Properly Screening All Workers c.)
Understanding Supervisory Policies These
should include: ü
The six-month rule ü
The two-adult rule ü
Guidelines for Higher Risk
Settings ü
Parental/Guardian Permission ü
Sponsorship of Activities
(approval) ü
Appropriate/Inappropriate Touching (Bathing
Suit Rule; Side Hugs; Touch the Shoulder) ü
Responding to Suspicious Behavior ü
Use of photography ü
Nursery Identification Procedures §
Digging Deeper for Successful Ministry
a.)
Risk Factor 1: ISOLATION Risk
Increases as Isolation Increases Always
consider…. v
The number of people present v
The time of the activity v
The location of the activity v
The physical arrangements Key:
Treat any activity that is located off church property, or any activity that
is located at the church but is in an isolated area with a higher degree of
risk. Any high degree of risk should
have 2 or more unrelated adults as supervisors. b.)
Risk Factor 2: ACCOUNTABILITY Risk
increases as Accountability Decreases Always
consider… v
Personal character and integrity v
The number of people present v
The degree of openness and church
approval Key:
Remember that abuse always occurs in settings without proper accountability. c.)
Risk Factor 3: POWER AND
CONTROL Risk
increases when there is an imbalance of power, authority, influence, and control
between a potential abuser and a potential victim. Always
consider… v
An imbalance of power is related
to age, size, strength, control and authority. v
Most child victims know and trust
their abuser. v
Spirituality/Popularity can be a
form of power and control. Key:
Abuse is less likely to occur when a balance of power exists.
This must come from other adults and from policies designed to reduce
risk. Pay
careful attention to increase supervision for the following: ·
Any activity that occurs in a home ·
Any overnight activity (church,
gym, campground, hotel) ·
Any activity that involves
changing clothes ·
Any activity that involves
difference aged children ·
Any activity that occurs in a
naturally isolated environment that is set off by itself
(1986-89 The Dart War Era at CCBC)
a.)
To Decrease the risk of isolation ü
Increase the number of people
present ü
Examine the time and location of
the activity ü
Monitor and secure unoccupied
space ü
Control access to the church
property ü
Require advanced approval of all
activities b.)
To Increase Accountability ü
Screen all individuals ü
Increase the number of adult
workers ü
Randomly observe activities ü
Provide training and supervision ü
Take into account the age,
maturity and influence when pairing up children
People
of Trust are Obligated to Report
State Compliance: A _________ Obligation
Mutual Accountability: A _________ Obligation
Personal Responsibility: A _________ Obligation PROPER STEPS FOR RESPONDING AND REPORTING ALLEGED ABUSE
STEP ONE: Be prepared in AdvanceØ
All allegations should be taken
seriously Ø
Know who to report to Ø
Handle the situation forthrightly
with respect of privacy Ø
Church representative should
notify insurance company Ø
Full cooperation must be given to
civil authorities Ø
Adequate care must be shown to
victim and family STEP TWO: Provide a Caring Response to AllegationsØ
Be prepared mentality Ø
Have an appropriate response Ø
Never downplay allegations;
Studies prove majority are true Ø
Be prepared for intense emotions STEP THREE: When dealing with a complaint or allegation remember these three simple points: a.)
Reassure that the complaint is
being taken seriously b.)
Reassure that procedures exist and
will be followed c.)
Reassure that the church desires
to support the victim and the family in whatever way possible STEP FOUR: Document the AllegationØ
Ask basis questions for
clarification purposes Ø
Don’t Investigate details but
record general information a.)
the name, age, gender and address
of victim b.)
the name, age, gender and address
of alleged perpetrator (when possible) c.)
the nature of the alleged
misconduct d.)
when, where and how many times it
occurred e.)
the date(s) of the incident(s) f.)
the relationship between the
victim and alleged perpetrator g.)
other evidence that supports the
allegation STEP FIVE: Seek Professional Assistance
Rest
assured: There are no legal ramifications if the alleged complaint is proven to
be false. Anonymity is secured.
STEP SIX: Provide Support for the Victim
Assure the victim: a.)
the church takes this seriously b.)
the church does not tolerate such
misconduct c.)
the complaint will be investigated
immediately d.)
the church will not tolerate
retaliation STEP SEVEN: Fulfill State Reporting ObligationsWBC has an acting representative who is responsible for reporting allegations. Most likely, this is not your job. The church will be pro-active in communicating concerns with the appropriate sources and with the church congregation.
Be Prepared
q
Know your audience well (remember
names) (online
articles from Christian publishing companies) q
Know your materials and double
check supply list q
Understand your lesson and
objectives q
Know what you will do before
something happens Be On Time; Start on Time
q
Be
early, set-up, ready to greet students q
Starting
on time helps folks get their on time q
Avoid
“down” time where kids are waiting to start Be Creative
q
Vary your teaching methods
(materials are available) q
Avoid straight lecture; be
dramatic q
Interact with kids and the lesson q
Use hands-on methods q
Get kids involved with the lesson Be Inquisitive
q
Ask God for Help and Wisdom James
1:5 q
Ask Others with Experience q
Be a student yourself Be
Aware of Your Surroundings (With-it-ness) q
Avoid last minute surprises and
changes q
Use preventative maintenance by
properly arranging your classroom area q
Avoid distractions JUST REMEMBER…Never,
ever make promises you can’t keep!
Like… “If we all listen, I’ll take you to Disney World”
“By the time this quarter is over, you’ll know the entire Bible”
“If you interrupt again, I will _____________________”
(See Handout on “How to Help Kids You Wish
Wouldn’t Show Up to Church”)
E.
Pastor Brad’s Summary of Child Safety and Protection Guidelines |