Child Safety Policies & Background Checks

All of this content, as well as some sample policies and links for child safety will be available on the synod website later this week!

The congregations we are a part of are called to be places of hope and healing for people of all ages. +++ Safety policies for children, youth and vulnerable adults can offer leaders important guidelines that help ensure the safety and wellbeing of each person.

But we’re a church… Aren’t we already a safe place for people?

Statistics Child abuse cases involved more than 7.5 million children 18% of those children are physically abused More than 65,000 of those children are sexually abused 90% of those victims know their abuser Statistics

No Background check is 100% Fail-Safe… Child safety policies and background checks can help to change some of these statistics No Background check is 100% Fail-Safe… BUt the process will help keep vulnerable youth safe.

Background checks will search for : Sexual Assault public indecency felony Assault drug possession probation DUI sex offender registry

7 Best Practices for keeping kids safe!

1. Educate Yourself The three top insurance companies for congregations get an average of 3-7 claims per week… Put a face on the statistics…how would we respond to hear a story of abuse toward one of our own children, grandchildren, etc.?

2. Establish and Communicate transparency Rule of “3” – At least two, unrelated adults with youth at any time Meet in a public space for any conversation with a minor or vulnerable adult Set boundaries in social media, 1-1 texting, etc. (Copy parents in on each text or email) Make transparency a 100% rule; you never miss – you make sure to be transparent ALL the time 2. Establish and Communicate transparency

3. Run a background check on everyone who will work with youth Just mentioning to applicants and volunteers that background checks are a requirement, you may have unknowingly protected someone from harm. Not all background checks are created equal National County Multi-County 3. Run a background check on everyone who will work with youth

Even as adults, we can be fooled by those we think we know well. If a youth reaches out to you.. Listen & Stay Calm Encourage the child to tell you what happened Take action Write down the account ASAP. Share with parents or guardians & the proper authorities only 4. Listen & Believe

5. Protect the children, yourself, your congregation and your church leaders Be vigilant If you see something, say something – keep one another accountable when it comes to protocol/policy. Remember protecting children and tattling are not the same thing!

6. Screen, Train & repeat! One and Done? More than just clergy or rostered leaders need to be screen and checked. Repeat the process every 2-3 years. What does Church Mutual say? What does the synod lawyer say? Screen, Train, REPEAT! 6. Screen, Train & repeat!

7. Keep Records Record the details of the training content, as well as all participants who attended. Keep ALL background checks on file, in a locked cabinet

Goals Try to get a child safety policy in place by June 2019. Pick 2 of these 7 practices that you aren’t already doing and get rolling with those as well! Goals

Notes Are adult leaders mandatory reporters in your region? You can run background check for people age 16 and older (in most counties) Are there medical concerns that could also make it unsafe for an adult to be alone with children/youth (ex. Seizures, etc.)? Notes

+ Training in various areas Synod Website Resources Safe Gatherings +Background Checks Congregation U + Training in various areas Synod Website +Sample child safety policies, and other helpful websites Resources