Child Protection Policy Training

Background Abundant Life Church decided to adopt the child protection policy as outlined in “Plan to Protect”. This training session is required of all child and youth workers (including Sunday School teachers). It will cover the main points in the manual; but you must also read it in its entirety.

The Manual To be followed by all child and youth workers. Assists in the recruitment of volunteers, including screening. Provides for the safety of children and youth by reducing the risk of child abuse.

Definitions Children or child – birth to grade 6. Youth – grade 7 to age 17. Adult – 18 year or over. Worker – church volunteer who has been trained and approved to work with children and youth (e.g. Sunday School teacher).

Why is it needed? There has been a rise in physical and sexual abuse of children in society. The church is not insulated (if fact may be more susceptible given the trusting nature). The damage caused by abuse include the trauma for the victim and victims family, as well as impact on the church.

Purpose Safeguard children and youth from abuse. Declare zero tolerance for abuse. Protect church staff and volunteers from potential allegations. Limit the extent of legal risk and liability.

What is child abuse? Abuse in general is the misuse of power (using a position of authority by taking advantage over a vulnerable person). Child abuse includes physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse.

Physical Abuse Using physical force or action that results, or could result, in injury to a child or youth. Physical abuse is more than reasonable discipline. Sometimes injury is caused by over-discipline. Injuring a child or youth is not acceptable, regardless of differing cultural standards on discipline.

Emotional Abuse A pattern of hurting a child’s feelings to the point of damaging their self-respect. Includes verbal attacks on the child, insults, humiliation, or rejection. A child or youth who is emotionally harmed may demonstrate severe anxiety, depression, withdrawal, self-destructive or aggressive behaviour.

Neglect The failure of those responsible for the care of the child to meet the physical, emotional, or medical needs of a child to an extent that the child’s health development or safety is endangered.

Sexual Abuse Occurs when a child or youth is used by somebody else for sexual stimulation or gratification (molestation). Sexual activity between children or youth may also be sexual abuse if older or more powerful children or youth take sexual advantage of those who are younger or less powerful.

Sexual abuse involving touching Fondling Oral, genial and anal penetration Intercourse Forcible rape

Sexual abuse not involving touching Inappropriate verbal comments Showing pornographic material Obscene phone calls Exhibitionism Allowing children to witness sexual activity

Symptoms – physical signs lacerations and bruises nightmares irritation, pain or injury to the genital area difficulty with urination discomfort when sitting torn or bloody underclothing venereal disease

Symptoms – behavioural signs anxiety when approaching church or nursery area nervousness or hostility toward adults sexual self-consciousness “acting out” sexual behaviour withdrawal from church activities and friends

Symptoms – verbal signs I don’t like (names a particular person) (Particular person) does things to me when we’re alone I don’t like to be alone with (particular person) (Particular person) fooled around with me

Effects on a child Child sexual abuse robs children of their childhood and scars for life. Abuse can result in abnormal fears, aggressive behaviour, sexual “acting out”, depression, diffused sexual identity, poor self-esteem. For adult survivors: sexual dysfunction, eating disorders, substance abuse, promiscuity, and perpetration of sexual abuse.

Who is a typical child molester? Known to the victim (80% of the time). Within the context of an ongoing relationship. Likely between the ages of years. 20% begin before the age of 18. Often are married and have children. Not a stereotypical stranger in a trench coat.

Church’s are susceptible Plenty of access to children High need for child workers

Legal Liability Victims that have sued a church often allege that the church was negligent in not adequately screening applicants or for not providing adequate supervision. Increasingly the church is held accountable even though neither the church nor its leaders were aware of the abuse or condoned it.

Guidelines for Recruitment Implement an application procedure to screen all potential child/youth ministry workers. Check references and do criminal record checks on all our potential workers. Anyone considered a risk will not be permitted to work in a children or youth ministry. Train all potential workers

Guidelines for Recruitment Require the signing of a Ministry Covenant. Follow the six-month rule. See Chapter 5 and Appendix A1, A2 and A6 for details.

Guidelines for Activities Improper displays of affection are forbidden. A two-worker guideline will be followed: (at least) two workers should be present during any children’s activity (see page 13 for specifics). A washroom guideline will be followed: in general, parents/guardians should take children to the washroom before services begin and should be the only ones to change diapers (see page 16).

Guidelines for Activities A simple physical discipline guideline will be followed: physical discipline cannot be applied by workers. Guidelines for church activities held outside of regular church service hours: consent forms must be signed by a parent/guardian. Basic guidelines for health and safety will be followed (see page 18).

Guidelines for Reporting Never ignore suspicious or improper activity. Document all efforts at handling the incident (Appendix C1). Report the incident to the Pastor. Show care and respect to the victim and victim’s family.

Guidelines for Reporting Stay calm and listen to the child, but do not promise confidentiality. Treat the accused with dignity and support. See Chapter 7 for more information.

Checklist Read the “Plan to Protect” Manual. Complete the Ministry Volunteer Application Form (Appendix A2). Obtain a Criminal Record Check. Sign the Ministry Covenant (Appendix A6). Schedule an interview with the Pastor and Sunday School Director