Elaine W. Pendergrass May 21, 2014
Objective for today:
By the time you leave today, you will be a Safe Sanctuary Worker. You will be able to explain types of abuse, how to spot potential abuse, and how to report abuse. You will also know how to prevent yourself from becoming “the accused.”
Bible Emphasis:
“And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea,’” (Matthew 18:2-6, ESV).
In the News
Mary Kay LeTourneau Priests: Abuse/Not reporting Jerry Sandusky Female teachers/students Indecent Exposure Child pornography Social Media
Purpose of Safe Sanctuary
Safe and Secure Environment For Children For Volunteers
Church Integrity Internally Within Community
Important definitions
Child/Youth: Minor (age Birth – 18th Birthday) who participates in a program/activity sponsored/supervised by the Church Worker: Anyone (paid/unpaid) who does full or part-time work in the Church and has contact with children/youth Safe Sanctuary Worker (what you aspire to be): Worker who has completed the requirements stated within the Policy
Types of Abuse
Physical Abuse Neglectful Supervision Sexual Abuse Physical Neglect Medical Neglect Abandonment Emotional Abuse
Why Does This Matter at Church?
Addicts seek drugs/alcohol Child predators seek victims
What better place to find victims than at Church? Many children Built-in trust with children Low security
Steps to Grooming
Identify victim Research Meet child’s needs Desensitize child
Begin abuse Source: http://drphil.com/articles/article/704
Safe Sanctuary Workers Must Complete:
• Application • Background Checks (every 2 years) • Interview • References
Prohibited from Working with Children
Prior offense of sexual contact/child abuse Prior offense involving violence DUI/DWI conviction within 5 years Drug-related conviction within 5 years If an applicant has survived child abuse, he/she must meet with the Director/Supervisor prior to receiving an assignment.
Risk in Not Following Policy
Disciplinary Action: • Not just a time-out, potential dismissal from employment • Be reported to law enforcement
Safety Begins at Check-In Downtown:
Check in on computer Claim tag with matching #s
Westchase: Sign in on roster Bracelet with matching #s
Team Approach
Two Adult Rule Line of Sight Open Door Policy 3 Years Older Rule
Rule of Thumb: Do not have slightly older children/youth working with younger children.
Restroom Rules Adult females diaper/escort children Tell another worker Two Adult Rule Open Door Policy (Preschool) 3rd-5th Grade Buddy System
Helpful Hints
Dress appropriately Live above reproach Use common sense Don’t overreact Practice good boundaries both in conversations and actions When it doubt, don't Use appropriate physical touch
Written Parental Permission
To spend time alone To transport To change pick-up/drop-off location Off-campus activities Overnight activities
Host Family Rules
Background Check Copy of Safe Sanctuary Policy Signed agreement to abide by Policy
Rules of Conduct
Team Approach No children alone in room Separate sleeping areas Couples not alone Same Gender: Be careful 3-4 youth in hotel room Adults: separate rooms/beds
Driver Qualifications
Vehicle works well Multi-passenger vehicle Age 21-75 Safe Sanctuary Worker Current Driver’s License Current Insurance
Driving Rules
No drugs/alcohol Obey traffic laws Team Approach Same gender No phones/eating Break after 4 hours Unload passenger side
Supervision
15 minutes before event Supervise all workers under Age 18 Until all children are gone Scan the room Room placement Walk-throughs
Discipline
NO Corporal Punishment Meant for teaching Appropriate:
Warning Time Out Communicate with family Send home
How to Spot Potential Abuse: Physical Signs
Bruises in odd places Unexplained marks Appears uncomfortable when seated Odd stories about injuries Same stories, different injuries Hungry/very thin/hides food Wears same clothes
How to Spot Potential Abuse: Emotional Signs
Withdrawn Startles easily Overly emotional/emotionless Wants to stay Avoids certain adults
How to Spot Potential Abuse: Acting Out
Odd behavior for the child Acting out behaviors Talking about age-inappropriate things Acting in age-inappropriate ways
Reporting Suspected Abuse
Err on side of caution Be confidential Report to Director/Supervisor Document in writing (sticky note) Report online: http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/ Retaliation prohibited Emergency: Call 911
Response of Church
Remove accused with dignity Allegations taken seriously Allegations kept confidential Cooperate with authorities Show care for victims Notify parents with pastoral support
To learn how to work with children in appropriate ways, visit: Teaching Kids About God www.elainependergrass.com