1	Safe Sanctuaries Volunteer Training
2	But Jesus 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."
3	The Baptismal Covenant With God’ s help we will so order our lives after the example of Christ that these children, surrounded by steadfast love, may be established in the faith and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal.
4	Over 3,000,000 annual incidents of abuse* FirstChurch is a community of faith that can offer a safe haven and sanctuary where children and youth can seek advice, help, and nurture. FirstChurch is a place to teach and proclaim our Christian values: compassion, justice, repentance, and grace. FirstChurch nurtures inner strength and spiritual resources in our children to truly connect to God. FirstChurch can be the place where children and adults learn how to respond to painful and confusing events using the wisdom of the Scriptures. *National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse, 1997
5	"It" could happen to us. We cannot ignore the possibility that abuse could happen here. For the sake of our children and the protection of our workers from false allegations, we intentionally work to prevent abuse.
6	Can "it" happen to us? Forms and Indicators of Abuse Physical Abuse Aggressive or destructive behavior, fearfulness of parents, inappropriate fractures or bruises, burns, or other injuries. Emotional Abuse Depression or withdrawal, lack of self-esteem, threatens or attempts suicide, speech or eating disorders, extreme passive/aggressive behavior patterns Neglect Inappropriate dress for climate, begging for or stealing food, chronic hunger, depression, untreated medical condition, poor hygiene
7	Can "it" happen to us? Forms and Indicators of Abuse Sexual Abuse Unusually advanced sexual knowledge, depression, promiscuous behavior, difficulty walking/sitting, STDs, running away or refusing to return home, nervousness or anxiety about particular situations, nightmares, hostility. Ritual Abuse Disruptions of memory, unexplained mistrust, flashbacks, eating disorders, fear of the dark, fear of ministers, priests, or others wearing robes or uniforms, sleep disorders, symptoms of sexual abuse
8	Let's think again… Nearly 6 (5.7) children abused every minute; And one child abused every 10-12 seconds of every hour of every day, including Sabbath. 3 million incidents of abuse per year 8,219 children abused each day; 343 children abused per hour
9	Who are sex offenders? There are two types of sex predators. Persuasive Predators groom their victims, families and communities so that they assume to be safe. This produces two effects. First, it gives the predator access to victims. Second, people are less apt to believe accusations since the accused is a respected member of the community. Power Predators overpower their victims. This is incidents of kidnapping, assault, etc.
10	What to look for… Vulnerable individuals suffering from any type of abuse often will not tell anyone. False allegations most often occur during divorce or custody battles, when children and youth are often looking for help. Elementary children do not understand that false allegations have financial implications, so accusations from children of this age should be taken VERY seriously. Young children often freeze emotionally because many persuasive predators will threaten the child's family. Youth will sometimes make accusations of abuse in an attempt to reunite parents who are separated or going through a divorce. The hope is that parents will unite in support of them and in this case the accused
11	First Church is Keeping Our Children and Workers Safe Screening of Staff; Employees and Volunteers Training of Staff; Employees and Volunteers Reporting Suspected Abuse Completing the Task
12	Reporting Policy: FUMC-Dallas will report all alleged/suspected incidences of child/youth abuse in accordance with the laws of Texas.
13	Reporting Procedures: Immediately report the alleged or suspected abuse to the appropriate legal or state authorities as required by law, will document that he/she has done so and will immediately inform a clergy/professional staff person. Any clergy/professional staff person who receives a report will immediately report to the senior minister or senior associate minister.
14	FUMC Hiring Process Position applications Personal reference forms Personal interview summary Consent to criminal background check Written agreement to follow procedures Position descriptions
15	FUMC policies and procedures for "Safe Sanctuaries" Windows in doors Open-Door Policy Advance Notice for parents Appropriate settings Parent & Family Ed Youth Group web sites Maintain boundaries The 2-Adult Rule First Aid/CPR Annual Training 5-Year Older Rule No under 18 Six-month -Hospitality Rule
16	FUMC policies and procedures Two Adult Rule There should be two adults, preferably unmarried and of the opposite sex, present in classrooms and ministry settings. CPR & First Aid Training This training should be offered once a year to all who work with children. Training Classroom training at least once per year offered to all. This is to include Emergency & Disaster procedures.
17	5-Year Rule Volunteers will be at least 5 years older than the group they are leading or supervising. For example, a 12 year old volunteer should not work with children over the age of 7. Must be over 18 years of age. In most situations, a legal adult is defined as someone 18 years or older. Six Month Hospitality Rule Volunteers must wait at least six months before becoming active volunteers with children or youth.
18	Windows and Half doors All doors should have windows in them, or a window into the classroom or office, to allow for visibility. When possible, half doors allow for greater visibility and reduce the risk of injury with doors opening and closing. Open Door Counseling Where windows are unavailable, leave doors ajar and sit in an area where you can be seen from the open door. Advance notice of events & full communications of all details Communicate! Make sure that parents and guardians are fully aware of event and trip plans, both on and off site.
19	There are other victims… Family members Peers of the child Peers of the parents Other workers' children The congregation as a faith community Family of the accused
20	We welcome the children! May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit guide and direct you in all you do. Amen.
21	We are called to make the church a safe and holy place where children will be confirmed and strengthened in their faith.
22	don't forget to respond