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1	First United Methodist Church of Keller Child/Youth Protection Policy Facilitators: Shauna Wright, Esq. Kallie Ritchey, MSSW
2	Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs”
3	Luke 9:46 – 48 An argument arose among them as to which one of them was the greatest. But Jesus, aware of their inner thoughts, took a child and put it by his side, and said to them, “Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me: for the least among all of you is the greatest.”
4	Why do we need a policy? To protect the CHILDREN To protect the WORKERS To protect the CHURCH
5	Don’t we already take care with the children ? Our church can offer a haven and sanctuary for children to be safe. Our church can teach the facts of child abuse AND Christian values: compassion, justice, repentance, and grace. Our church is a place where kids and adults are able to learn how to respond to painful and confusing events using the wisdom of the scripture.
6	Current Statistics There are more than TWO MILLION incidents of physical abuse and/or neglect per year in the US. (30 out of 1000 kids). ONE out of THREE girls is sexually abused before the age of 18. ONE out of SEVEN boys have been sexually abused before the age of 18. 2000 deaths attributable to child abuse and/or neglect occur each year.
7	What does that mean to Keller and this church ? Over 700 children are members of this church There are approximately 800 children enrolled in our regular programs monthly, and another 200-400 attend special programs like VBS and Easter Eggstravaganza Statistically: 300 of those children have either already been abused or will be abused before the age of 18
8	Bad things never happen in Keller, right ? There are five children currently missing from the Keller area Recent attack on a woman in her own garage April 2006, on-line solicitation of two 13 yr old girls in Keller – the offender arranged to meet them knowing their ages.
9	Over 200 convicted sex offenders live in the immediate area surrounding this church
10	Why churches are more at risk Churches are traditionally trusting Churches are notoriously inactive when screening volunteers Churches provide lots of close personal contact with children
11	Hasn’t the Methodist Church really been immune to these issues ? False allegations in the church Accidents are a leading cause of injury at churches Sunday School teacher at Methodist church who asked to be moved Pastors removed for confirmed abuse in another conference
12	"We cannot ignore the possibility..." We cannot ignore the possibility that abuse could happen at this church. A written policy is essential to protect our kids from abuse, protect our workers from false allegations, and protect our church from liability
13	Churches are the last frontier for screening Everyone else has been screening workers for years : Sports Associations, School System, Boy Scouts, Pre-schools, Daycares, camps, YMCA, Bus Drivers Why is the Church behind: We trust We love Lack of financing Feeling of safety and comfort at church desperate need for help/volunteers
14	Who would hurt a child ? 75 – 95 % of child victims were abused by someone they knew Child abusers come from all walks of life, all socioeconomic backgrounds, all professions, all races Child abusers are more prone to recidivism than any other offender Pedophilia is an illness – most agree an addiction – which must be treated, or it will almost certainly be repeated
15	“Stranger Danger” ? According to NISMART-2 research, which studied the year 1999, an estimated 797,500 children were reported missing in the U.S. How many were “stereotypical kidnappings” by a total stranger for a period of time ?
16	“Stranger Danger” ? According to NISMART-2 research, which studied the year 1999, an estimated 797,500 children were reported missing in the U.S. How many were “stereotypical kidnappings” by a total stranger for a period of time ? 115
17	How can we make a difference ? Screening Precautions Training Reporting
18	SCREENING Reference check Criminal background check Participation covenant
19	Screening Guidelines Every adult who works directly with and supervises our children/youth (staff or volunteer) must be screened and trained to be “Eligible” Application and criminal history will be kept in confidential file Screening is for the sole use of the child protection screening committee in considering persons for working with children Screening is TOTALLY CONFIDENTIAL
20	Why not just check criminal history – do we really need to do more? Precautions prevent the first-time offender from striking here on our campus Precautions prevent a person from losing his/her temper or judgment in an out-of-control situation Training assists in responding to allegations Training prevents opportunity to abuse Precautions avoid false allegations Adequate supervision to avoid accidents
21	POST-SCREENING PRECAUTIONS What we can do in addition to the screening
22	OUR CHURCH POLICY Developed by the Child/Youth Protection Committee and Adopted by the Ministry Team
23	Who must meet requirements and be “Eligible” under the policy Anyone who works directly with and supervises Children/Youth at any function sponsored or supported by the church A publicly available list of Eligible Workers/Volunteers/Helpers will be maintained by the records custodian in the church office
24	The Golden Rule Absolutely the best way to protect children, workers, and the church: At least two unrelated Eligible workers or volunteers with an uncovered window or open door. One must be at least 5 years older than the oldest child/youth participant
25	Eligible Volunteer – 2 types Adult (18 or older) Member or regular attendee for 6 months Screened (criminal check and references) Trained Signed Covenant Youth 16 or older specifically approved to be a Volunteer Member or regular attendee for 6 months Trained Signed Covenant
26	Eligible Helper Any other person under 18 A member or regular attendee of the church for at least six months Trained Signed Covenant A Helper may NOT be counted as one of the two unrelated Volunteers or Workers leading or supervising a function. But a Helper may supervise/lead in addition to those two.
27	Adequate Supervision At any function 10:1 ratio of children/youth to eligible adult/worker/volunteer Make it safe to avoid RISK – use a lower ratio if there are other factors present (special needs, potential accident, water, etc.)
28	Adequate supervision during activities which are not a regular function on campus SPECIAL GUIDELINES for counseling and out-of-town/trip/retreat activities – REVIEW THEM BEFORE EACH EVENT
29	Basic Guidelines – Protection for all of us Be positive -- keep your voice on a level tone Discourage competition Prevent misbehavior and accidents by limiting the ratio of children to adults Use only safe touches (shoulder or hand) Sign in/out kids up through under 10 yrs old The best policy is an open door policy
30	Protecting yourself as a worker – physical touch Touch a child On the hand or shoulder In the company of other adult(s) Never against a child’s will (unless in the presence of very clear danger) Never in a place on the child’s body where a bathing suit would normally cover
31	Protecting yourself as a worker -- conversation Never discuss: A child’s body Stories or conversations which are lurid or over-stimulating Off color jokes Personal issues of your own, especially marital or physical
32	Summary: What a child abuser looks for: Lack of Adequate supervision Privacy/secrecy Doors that lock, windows with covers Chaos/confusion Easy access Kids who are not well attended/overcrowded A position of authority over children
33	Summary: what factors facilitate a false report or a misguided accusation Chaos/confusion Lack of adequate supervision Questionable touching An adult alone with a kid Financial security Locked doors Windows with covers Someone in a position of authority over children
34	REPORTING What is child abuse and What do I do if I see it ???
35	Sec. 261.001, Texas Family Code "Abuse" includes… Mental, emotional, or physical injury that results in substantial harm to the child, or The threat of harm or the failure to make a reasonable effort to prevent harm, or Sexual conduct harmful to a child's mental, emotional, or physical welfare, or Failure to make a reasonable effort to prevent sexual conduct harmful to a child, or
36	Abuse definitions, cont. Causing, expressly permitting, or encouraging a child to use a controlled substance Failing to seek, obtain, or follow through with medical care for a child, which results in the risk of death or great bodily harm The failure to provide a child with food, clothing, or shelter necessary to sustain the life or health of the child
37	What is NOT necessarily child abuse Bad parenting Minor bruising from a fall or spill Lice Dirty clothes Foul language
38	Your job is easy: take care of the victim/reporter ! The child is NEVER responsible for abuse The child is NEVER to be blamed The child is NEVER capable of consent to abusive behavior Child abuse is ALWAYS wrong and is solely the responsibility of the abuser Care and safety of the victim is the first priority
39	How to respond to the victim Physically: remain at the same level as the victim Emotionally: remain calm Touch: never touch without express physical consent (even a hug) Immediately separate the victim and abuser, even if the accused is a parent NEVER USE THE WORD “WHY”
40	report, report, report Law enforcement will “believe and verify”, it is not your job to do a forensic interview Do not assume it is too late to report – report and allow the system to work Even if there is no criminal case, abuse can be treated – both the victim and the abuser can get help You MUST report if you believe a child’s physical or mental health or welfare has been or may be adversely affected by abuse or neglect. Failure to report is a crime-- TX statutes (261.101/ 261.109)
41	How to report Immediately: Tell a pastor or church staff member Our Senior Pastor or his/her designee will always be informed Call the abuse hotline 1-800-252-5400 Your call is anonymous
42	Each adult who commits to support child protection at our church by becoming an Eligible Volunteer must: Provide three written references Agree to a criminal history check now and at random in the future Attend a training Sign the Covenant
43	FAQ’S
44	I’m already screened for Boy Scouts, do I have to do it again? Yes, the church needs a current criminal history on each person in our files Most other agencies would be unwilling to share your prior screening even if we could accept it Although your local criminal history is public record, we still need your authorization to get a state-wide or national report which includes much more information
45	What about Boy Scouts, Playgroups, Non-Members Please see the policy for details and note that a person may be a member OR a regular attendee for 6 months before eligibility. The goal is NOT to cancel activities, but rather to bring programs into compliance
46	Who will see my background check and references one person – our designated records custodian. If there is a question about eligibility, then… A review committee of three persons. Your background check will be kept completely confidential and will be locked up.
47	"In all of our ministries..." In all of our ministries with children and youth, this congregation is committed to demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ so that each child will be “surrounded by steadfast love, …established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal.” Baptismal Covenant II, United Methodist Hymnal, p.44
48	First United Methodist Church of Keller Child/Youth Protection Policy Facilitators: Shauna Wright, Esq. Kallie Ritchey, MSSW