Since 1980’s ‘the church’ in broadest sense has struggled to come to terms with more allegation of abuse.
Allthose working with children and youth must be registered as YW/YW assist.
Show scene 1 from Reducing the Risk. Be sure to point out that although this is about sexual abuse we would like you to consider all it says in terms of abuse generally. Discuss (in prs or as whole group depending on nos.) whether members of the group heard these views, What is there own understanding of the word ‘abuse’, do they ever think about /discuss it? What life events / media coverage have influenced how they think about abuse. Also talk about whether they feel the congregation/MC /WC have a view on this and what influences do those bodies come under?
Exercise: Line up in a space in the room ie left =completely committed and understand process-to the right not had any training /unsure of any guiding principles.
The ‘uncomfortable’ nature of this topic can sometimes cause distress. Church leaders’ who’s ministry is focused on the gospel may find this a difficult addition to their work. Filling in the paperwork exposes us to the thought of abuse, dealing with incidents brings home that reality. Issues include :- pastoral ministry to abused, family and friends, negotiating the legal pathways, confidentiality and judgementalism, nurturing the congregation through the experience, keeping yourself safe and complying with self-care principles.
Neglect: Have the group suggest some situations for each of the needs that might be considered abusive. Persistent failure to meet child’s basic needs, seen by failure to access medical care :Children whose parents have mental health difficulties are vulnerable. (explore further with no name egs from group/instructors experince) Physical: adequate food, clothing ,hygene.
Emotional: lack of nurturing or affection.EGs Educational: no school, Medical: failure to attend appointments. In the US researchers found over 91,000 cases of neglect in one year ( Oct 05-Oct 06). Reassurance from UNICEF that the UK along with the US ranked among the lowest among industrialized countries to repsect the well-being of the child! Emotional Abuse is often the most difficult to define, results in detachment disorders, self-blame, learned helplessness, poor self –esteem. Some level of emotional abuse seen in all ill treatments of children but it may also occur alone. Can occur through ignorance, poverty, as result of scapegoating-as physical can result in failure to thrive. High correlation with domestic violence. Discussion point:- This is a less clear/obvious eg of abuse, more subtle, how do members of the group feel this is confronted in church settings.
Physical Abuse: Striking, bruising, choking, scalding, burning, poisoning, Shaken baby Syndrome, transmission of drugs and alcohol by mother into baby during pregnancy? Munchausen. Child discipline- no corporal punishment in C of C. Home? Now illegal in 24 countries to use force as disciplinary measure. Distribute copies of physical abuse markers and pick out ‘soft areas’ ie where accidental bruising in unlikely, where abuse shows bruising.
Sexual Abuse: Effects are depression, post traumatic stress syn. Few specific signs-venereal disease, inappropriate knowledge, changes in behavior, anxiety. Other mental health issues are connected. (Wikipedia) 70-80% survivors report excessive drug, alcohol use. More than 20 % attempt suicide. (darkness2light.org)
15-25% of woman and 5-15% of men were s. abused when they were children (Wikipedia) Most abusers acquainted with vitims-30% relatives, 60% acquaintances,10% strangers. Median age for reporting is 9yrs old. Most victims never report abuse. Ie not only are there abusers in our community but also victims.
Refer to United Nations Convention of Rights of the child. i.e. basic human needs, security, food etc
Adapted notes from Reducing the risk A4 worksheet with sentences and blanks for group to fill in-individually or prs if more comfortable. Read out correct answers
Protection of the children in our care is paramount, we need to put in safeguards that protect. Currently registered YW assist. Are aged 15-21 yrs.
Youth worker application form Spend time going through the form. Clear about the importance of these being done accurately. It is the individuals responsibility to keep track of the form. Don’t be afraid of ringing/following up at every stage, we are morally and legally bound to have all potential youth workers go the through this process. This process is established not just in Cof C but throughout other faith groups, employment, social care, education etc For more details refer to Administrators training basic outline only here. Unfortunately IHQ cannot send you direct confirm but seek it out from your mission centre 6 month rule is to ensure we know the person better and evaluate in differnet situations the persons suitability. Video clip of Richard Hammar 5 step plan. How many of these are we doing? Sheet or video? Refer to or activity?
Describe Richard hammer as a national expert in Child Protection. He is an attorney and a Christian attending church. Richard hammer frequently writes articles challenging our practice in Child Protection and during his extensive experience has given valuable advice and guidance .This slide puts our procedures into a national context and authenticates our practices. This is a brief introduction to the idea of national practice which will be expanded by the video clip in the administrators training. The trainer may wish to point out that currently we do not demand institutional references but this is one reason the ‘title’ section must be included on the application form and that we demand more than friends listed.
Its not our responsibility to educate the children in Child Abuse but there are certain curriculums available that support children’s self esteem and confidence. It may be that the attendees decide to run classes based on these curriculums. A useful resource is the church’s production ‘Go with peace’ Kelly Guinan 2005 Section 1: peace for me. Refer to the UN Child’s Bill of Rights (more details in administrators training. Perhaps provide a handout. But keep it brief and as example of principles we should uphold.
2 by 2 rule. Always ensure that there are 2 Youth Workers with the group, or if that is not possible that groups are clearly visible to one another. Never agree to go into an isolated place with a child/youth. In congregations keep doors open, install windows into classroom doors. At camp be sure you can see someone-then they can see you. Sit on a bench, do not isolate yourself. Sit with a group at the dining table.Tell someone what you are doing. NB Youth Worker Assistants should never be on their own with child. Co-ed activities must have co-ed leadership,
Prepare and plan. Briefly describe the concept of risk management, be sure to work out group activities so that they are appropriately staffed. There may be specific high risk activities that you will need to get’ Risk managements (IHQ) opinions on. One eg of mimizing opportunity is in the problem of transporting children in cars. If you need to be with a child on your own at the end of drop off then ring ahead to tell parents/ activity director.
Prepare and plan to avoid such situations. Be sure to have safe arrival and dismissal arrangements eg nursery identification procedures
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Privacy; particularly at camps in showers, in activities if escorting young child to the bathroom, shared housing
Dress; model appropriate dress and behavior. Discuss what may be considered inappropriate at camps (skimpy bikinis, low rise jeans, logos, tattoos??)
Constructive discipline; no corporal punishment at any cofc activity. Discipline should be kept constructive, reflect the values of Christianity.
Appropriate touching; Do not initiate touching. Touch only in public Try to have side by side touching. Try not to place children on your knee. Have some discussion about touching. For some Christians this is a difficult one, as touching is so often seen as display of love for one another. Continue to express joy and pleasure with child, be affirming, provide comfort and protection when necessary. Refer back to 2 by 2 rule.
Show #8 video clip from Reducing the risk Scenarios. Allow 10 mins for this. Depending on size of group work altogether or devide into smaller groups for discussion and then feedback. Keep the pace up!
Talk the youth workers through these points: All C of C priesthood and staff at activities (including volunteers) are mandatory reporters-describe what this means, however as a staff member once they report the disclosure their participation in official reporting is now minimal and generally only to be consulted about the disclosure. ( In the event of sexual abuse, as it is a crime they may/may not be required to witness in court- if so, may remain anonymous) They may be required to be with the person disclosing for comfort. Events should move very quickly.
Future events will depend on state laws, however the accused should always be removed from the activity and external agencies will be contacted. This is done on the advice of IHQ legal counsel. Should you be directing an activity you should contact legal for advice on how to proceed. Then ‘hotline’ or legal may do it.
Spend a little time discussing what an open ended question is, how the adult should not lead the child into inappropriate information. NB Although you can remain anonymous throughout this process the act of reporting and any subsequent court hearing may be compromised by having to go through a 3rd Party (legal services). Also there is no guarentee that another party may name you as part of their defense.
