1. MUMC Safe Sanctuaries Program Orientation Training Prepared by the SPRC Committee, 2016 2/1/2016 MUMC Safe Sanctuary Training (2016) – Issue 3.0

2. Why is a SSP Needed? The General Conference of the United Methodist Church has adopted (1996) the resolution that United Methodist Churches implement a safe sanctuary program. The General Conference of the United Methodist Church has adopted (1996) the resolution that United Methodist Churches implement a safe sanctuary program. This resolution was aimed at reducing the risk of sexual abuse to children, youth, and vulnerable adults within the church. This resolution was aimed at reducing the risk of sexual abuse to children, youth, and vulnerable adults within the church. 2/1/2016 MUMC Safe Sanctuary Training (2016) – Issue 3.0

3. Why is a SSP Needed? Statistics indicate 3,000,000,000 incidents of abuse (children) in the yr. 2000* Statistics indicate 3,000,000,000 incidents of abuse (children) in the yr. 2000* Churches are at high risk due to factors including high level of trust in members and leaders, minimal screening of employees and volunteers, and opportunity for close contact and relationships. Churches are at high risk due to factors including high level of trust in members and leaders, minimal screening of employees and volunteers, and opportunity for close contact and relationships. 2/1/2016 MUMC Safe Sanctuary Training (2016) – Issue 3.0

4. Why is a SSP Needed? This General Conference of the United Methodist Church resolution requires local churches to: This General Conference of the United Methodist Church resolution requires local churches to: –Adopt church risk reduction policies –Develop and implement procedures for safe ministry 2/1/2016 MUMC Safe Sanctuary Training (2016) – Issue 3.0

5. How Can We Recognize Abuse? Possible signs of physical abuse Possible signs of physical abuse –Hostile and aggressive behavior toward others; –Fearfulness of parents and/or other adults; –Destructive behavior toward self, others, and/or property; –Burns, facial injuries, pattern of repetitious bruises. 2/1/2016 MUMC Safe Sanctuary Training (2016) – Issue 3.0

6. How Can We Recognize Abuse? Possible signs of emotional abuse Possible signs of emotional abuse –Severe depression and/or withdrawl; –Threatening or attempting suicide; –Eating and/or speech disorders; –Going to extremes to seek adult approval; –Extreme passive/aggressive behavior patterns. 2/1/2016 MUMC Safe Sanctuary Training (2016) – Issue 3.0

7. How Can We Recognize Abuse? Possible signs of neglect Possible signs of neglect –Pattern of inappropriate dress for climate; –Begging or stealing food/chronic hunger; –Depression; –Untreated medical conditions; –Poor hygiene. 2/1/2016 MUMC Safe Sanctuary Training (2016) – Issue 3.0

8. How Can We Recognize Abuse? Possible signs of sexual abuse Possible signs of sexual abuse –Unusually advanced sexual knowledge and/or behavior for the adolescent’s or teen’s age and developmental stage; –Depression – cries often for no apparent reason; –Promiscuous behavior; –Running away from home and refusing to return; 2/1/2016 MUMC Safe Sanctuary Training (2016) – Issue 3.0

9. How Can We Recognize Abuse? Possible signs of sexual abuse (cont.) Possible signs of sexual abuse (cont.) –Difficulty walking or sitting; –Bruises/bleeding in vaginal or anal areas; –Frequent headaches, stomachaches, extreme fatigue; –Sexually transmitted diseases. 2/1/2016 MUMC Safe Sanctuary Training (2016) – Issue 3.0

10. How Can We Recognize Abuse? Possible signs of ritual abuse Possible signs of ritual abuse –Disruptions of memory or consciousness; –Unexplained mistrust and mood swings; –Flashbacks; –Eating disorders; –Fear of the dark, especially at sundown or a full moon; 2/1/2016 MUMC Safe Sanctuary Training (2016) – Issue 3.0

11. How Can We Recognize Abuse? Possible signs of ritual abuse (cont.) Possible signs of ritual abuse (cont.) –Agitation, anxiety, or despair that seems to occur in cycles; –Fear of ministers, priests, or others wearing robes or uniforms; –Nightmares or sleep disorders; –Any of the symptoms of sexual abuse. 2/1/2016 MUMC Safe Sanctuary Training (2016) – Issue 3.0

12. Abusers: Who are they? More often than not abusers are familiar adults whom the victims trust – related to or acquainted with the abuser. More often than not abusers are familiar adults whom the victims trust – related to or acquainted with the abuser. Less than 20% of youth abuse is perpetuated by strangers. Less than 20% of youth abuse is perpetuated by strangers. Abusers come from all segments of society. They look much like us. Abusers come from all segments of society. They look much like us. 2/1/2016 MUMC Safe Sanctuary Training (2016) – Issue 3.0

13. How does it happen? –In general abusers are people who have greater power in relation to the victim, and they use the power to harm and/or exploit the youth or vulnerable adult. 2/1/2016 MUMC Safe Sanctuary Training (2016) – Issue 3.0

14. MUMC Safe Sanctuary Program Our SSP program includes: Our SSP program includes: –A written formal policy –Insurance policy –Specific procedures for safe ministry which should be followed by all workers -- volunteer or paid – in church-operated ministries 2/1/2016 MUMC Safe Sanctuary Training (2016) – Issue 3.0

15. Church Risk Reduction Policies Written policy - available to all Written policy - available to all Screening of workers Screening of workers –reference check –interviews –criminal background checks –driver record checks – as applicable –training on SSP and commitment to a Participant Ministry Covenant 2/1/2016 MUMC Safe Sanctuary Training (2016) – Issue 3.0

16. Procedures for Safe Ministry: –Procedures which all working with children, youth, or vulnerable adults in church-operated ministries need to follow, whether paid or volunteer. –Are to protect the worker as well as the youth/vulnerable adult 2/1/2016 MUMC Safe Sanctuary Training (2016) – Issue 3.0

17. Procedures for Safe Ministry: Specific Guidelines for: –Background and Behavior for Volunteers and Leaders –Trip and Overnight Activities –Use of Church Facilities and Resources –Maintaining a Safe Environment 2/1/2016 MUMC Safe Sanctuary Training (2016) – Issue 3.0

18. Volunteers and Leaders “Five-Years-Older” Rule “Five-Years-Older” Rule “Two-Adult” Rule “Two-Adult” Rule Open-Door Policy Open-Door Policy Safe Boundaries Maintained Safe Boundaries Maintained Staff Provides a Visible Presence Staff Provides a Visible Presence Photography Release Required Photography Release Required Safe Restroom Policy Safe Restroom Policy Appropriate Discipline Guidelines Appropriate Discipline Guidelines 2/1/2016 MUMC Safe Sanctuary Training (2016) – Issue 3.0

19. Volunteers and Leaders “Five-Years-Older” Rule “Five-Years-Older” Rule Workers must be five years older than the group they will work with. (When ages are closer, there has been a greater prevalence of issues occurring in general at churches.) “Two-Adult” Rule “Two-Adult” Rule No fewer than two adults present at all times during a church sponsored program or event. Risk is reduced even more if the adults are not related. If not possible, adult assigned ”roamers” between groups. Open-Door Policy Open-Door Policy All classrooms either have a viewing window on the door, or the door is to be left open at all times. All counseling sessions must be open door. (The number of one-on-one counseling sessions should be limited.) 2/1/2016 MUMC Safe Sanctuary Training (2016) – Issue 3.0

20. Volunteers and Leaders, cont’d Safe Boundaries Maintained Safe Boundaries Maintained Appropriate dress, use of language, and appropriate demonstration of affection and encouragement. Rule of thumb - never initiate a hug, always be the one to end. Rule of thumb - never initiate a hug, always be the one to end. Staff Provides a Visible Presence Staff Provides a Visible Presence During Sunday School, a Sunday School coordinator or staff person will be in the hallways whenever volunteer teachers are teaching Photography Release Required Photography Release Required Participants (if 18 or older) or their parents/guardians will be asked to complete photography release forms. MUMC will visibly post our policy for photography at general events. 2/1/2016 MUMC Safe Sanctuary Training (2016) – Issue 3.0

21. Volunteers and Leaders, cont’d Safe Restroom Policy Safe Restroom Policy Generally, no volunteers/leaders in the bathrooms if an escort is required. If assistance is needed and the parent/guardian is not available, then two adult volunteer/leaders must be present. Appropriate Discipline Guidelines Appropriate Discipline Guidelines Leaders/volunteers are asked to redirect a participant if they display inappropriate behavior. For all ages, any discipline must be constructive. Corporal punishment of any kind is never appropriate. 2/1/2016 MUMC Safe Sanctuary Training (2016) – Issue 3.0

22. Trip and Overnight Activities Safe Meeting and Transportation Safe Meeting and Transportation Participants Privacy Respected Participants Privacy Respected Safe Sleeping Arrangements Safe Sleeping Arrangements Safe Shower Arrangements Safe Shower Arrangements Inappropriate Use of Cameras, Imaging, or Digital Devices Prohibited Inappropriate Use of Cameras, Imaging, or Digital Devices Prohibited Middletown UMC “House Rules” for Visiting Groups Middletown UMC “House Rules” for Visiting Groups 2/1/2016 MUMC Safe Sanctuary Training (2016) – Issue 3.0

23. Trips and Overnight Activities Safe Meeting and Transportation Safe Meeting and Transportation –All operators must ensure that their vehicles are safe and in good condition –Operators must ensure that NJ vehicle rules and regulations are followed. In addition, remember the “Two-Adult” Rule. –Information on group events, including their meeting times & locations, are communicated in advance to parents/guardians Participants Privacy Respected Participants Privacy Respected Leaders/volunteers must protect the privacy of all in situations such as changing clothes or taking showers, and intrudes only to the extent that health and safety require. Likewise, leaders/volunteers must protect their own privacy in similar situations. 2/1/2016 MUMC Safe Sanctuary Training (2016) – Issue 3.0

24. Trips and Overnight Activities, cont’d Safe Sleeping Arrangements Safe Sleeping Arrangements Leaders are expected to ensure the safety of participants through appropriate sleeping room arrangements and hall monitoring. Generally, this means: male and female participants in separate rooms and adults should sleep in separate rooms from the children/youth. Adults may sleep with other participants of the same gender in a dormitory-style accommodations provided there is a minimum of two adults and four youth. Safe Shower Arrangements Safe Shower Arrangements Separate shower and restroom faciltities should be arranged. If this is not possible then separate shower times for male/female use should be scheduled and posted. Likewise, adults should shower separately from other participants. 2/1/2016 MUMC Safe Sanctuary Training (2016) – Issue 3.0

25. Inappropriate Use of Cameras, Imaging, or Digital Devices Prohibited Inappropriate Use of Cameras, Imaging, or Digital Devices Prohibited Leaders/volunteers are responsible for ensuring the privacy of other participants at all times in restrooms, dressing rooms, and other places where privacy is expected. Middletown UMC “House Rules” Middletown UMC “House Rules” MUMC will provide a set of common guidelines required for groups participating in overnight visits to the church. The guildelines will be consistent with Safe Sanctuary Policy. Trips and Overnight Activities, cont’d 2/1/2016 MUMC Safe Sanctuary Training (2016) – Issue 3.0

26. Use of Church Facilities and Equipment Safe Use of Computers Safe Use of Computers Maintaining a Safe Environment Safety-Trained Personnel Available Safety-Trained Personnel Available All Accidents are Reported All Accidents are Reported Annual Safe Sanctuary Policy Orientation Annual Safe Sanctuary Policy Orientation 2/1/2016 MUMC Safe Sanctuary Training (2016) – Issue 3.0

27. Use of Church Facilities and Equipment Safe Use of Computers Safe Use of Computers –Appropriate use of church computers should be monitored by leaders/volunteers –All church computers should be password-protected –Church computers should only be used for ministry-related purposes 2/1/2016 MUMC Safe Sanctuary Training (2016) – Issue 3.0

28. Maintaining a Safe Environment Safety-Trained Personnel Available Safety-Trained Personnel Available Leaders should ensure that safety/CPR-trained personnel will be available for their groups. MUMC will, from time-to-time, coordinate certification training for those desiring it. All Accidents are Reported All Accidents are Reported Any accident occurring during MUMC ministry program events will be reported and reviewed by the event coordinator, Pastor, and SPRC Chair. Annual Safe Sanctuary Policy Orientation Annual Safe Sanctuary Policy Orientation Any Safe Sanctuary Training will be coordinated by the SPRC. 2/1/2016 MUMC Safe Sanctuary Training (2016) – Issue 3.0

29. Some Other Reminders for Safe Ministry: Appropriate equipment and supervision Appropriate equipment and supervision –Arrange for the ministry to take place in an appropriate setting. – The likelihood of the occurrence of abuse varies in different settings and circumstances. For example, a youth trip away increases the odds of an abuse incident. – It is important for those planning ministries with youth/vulnerable adults to think through, in advance, the advantages and disadvantages of the settings and arrangements they are considering. Group website and other internet communications Group website and other internet communications –Prudent use of this technology. Use e-mail to communicate only information related to the ministry. Protect the e-mail identity of group members. 2/1/2016 MUMC Safe Sanctuary Training (2016) – Issue 3.0

30. NJ State Law Reporting Requirement All workers -whether paid or volunteer – are mandated to report suspected cases of abuse when they have reasonable cause to believe that abuse has occurred or is occurring. All workers -whether paid or volunteer – are mandated to report suspected cases of abuse when they have reasonable cause to believe that abuse has occurred or is occurring. 2/1/2016 MUMC Safe Sanctuary Training (2016) – Issue 3.0

31. Steps to Follow for Reporting a Suspected Abuse Incident Openly listen to the victim, providing emotional support. Openly listen to the victim, providing emotional support. Contact Pastor Derrick or, if unavailable, Lay Leader Laurel Cline, or Robert Scapicio, Chair SPRC Committee. Contact Pastor Derrick or, if unavailable, Lay Leader Laurel Cline, or Robert Scapicio, Chair SPRC Committee. 2/1/2016 MUMC Safe Sanctuary Training (2016) – Issue 3.0

32. This policy and these procedures will help keep the youth and vulnerable adult members of our church safe. 2/1/2016 MUMC Safe Sanctuary Training (2016) – Issue 3.0

33. ANY QUESTIONS???? Thank you for your time 2/1/2016 MUMC Safe Sanctuary Training (2016) – Issue 3.0