Safe Sanctuary Training (PDF) - St. Luke's United Methodist Church

Safe SanctuaryTrainingReducing the Risk of Abuse in the ChurchSt. Luke’s United Methodist Church

Introduction to St. Luke’s PolicyThroughout the gospels, Jesus providesteachings on providing a peaceablekingdom for all of God’s people,including our most precious gifts, ourchildren and youth (Matthew 5:9, Luke18:15-17). The peaceable kingdombegins with sanctuary, which is to be acommunity of protective nurture andharmony (Psalms 20:1-2, 27:4-5).

Risk Reduction GoalThe disturbing and traumatic rise ofphysical, verbal and sexual abuse hasclaimed the attention of our nation andsociety. St. Luke’s United MethodistChurch is committed to providingprotective care of all children, youth,vulnerable adults and volunteers whoparticipate in church sponsoredactivities.

WHY Safe Sanctuary?• As Christians, we are called to create asafe sanctuary in our church.• Prevent the occurrence or even theappearance of abuse.• Protect workers from false accusationsand/or suspicions.

Scope of PolicyThis policy shall apply to allpersons including all paid andunpaid leaders who have direct orindirect contact with children andyouth who participate in St. Luke’sUnited Methodist Church eventsand activities.

Safe Sanctuary applies to:• Any event on or off campus whichoccurs in the name of St. Luke’sUnited Methodist Church.• Off-campus events include, but are notlimited to: sporting events, missiontrips, Sunday School socials, Biblestudies, field trips, etc.

Types of Abuse•Physical•Verbal•Sexual

What is Physical Abuse?Any act of omission or act thatendangers a person’s physical ormental health, including but notlimited to any intentional physicalinjury caused by the individual’scaretaker. Physical abuse may resultfrom punishment that is overlypunitive or inappropriate to theindividual’s age or condition.

What is Verbal Abuse?Any verbal actthat humiliates,degrades, orthreatens anychild, youth orvulnerable adult.

What is Sexual Abuse?• Sexual abuse of minors includes touchingthem in inappropriate ways such asfondling, inappropriate touching of theminor's body, and inappropriate kissing.• Non-touch abuse includes making remarksof a sexual nature, showing the childexplicit pornographic materials, or makingthe minor watch others engaged in sexualactivity.

Remember:• With abuse it’s not just what you do…it also includes what you do NOT do.• Not stepping in to stop an abusiveaction or situation is also abuse!• You must be proactive to preventabuse or situations that might lead toabuse.

Who must completeSafe Sanctuary training?• St. Luke’s Staff• Any volunteer whocomes into director indirect contactwith children oryouth

What is the certification process?• Read and complete the complete policyand application• Grant permission to contact 2-3references and conduct a backgroundcheck• Complete this training presentation,including the quiz at the end.• The individual is certified uponsatisfactory completion of the abovesteps

Plan for Reducing theRisk of Abuse

Plan for Response toKnown Incident of Abuse:I. Assess needs for emergency care for thevictimA. Notify parents and/or other legallyresponsible adultB. Provide emergency healthcare asneeded, including 9-1-11. First Aid2. Emergency services3. Hospital emergency roomC. Arrange for crisis counseling and/orlong-range counseling where deemedappropriate.

Plan for Response (continued):II. Take precautions to secure the areaA. Maintain the integrity of the area andprotect all evidence for the professionalinvestigation.III. Assisting the victim and victim's familyA. Obtain medical help as needed. The careand safety of victim is the first priority.B. Take all allegations seriously and do notprejudge the situationC. Offer and provide pastoral resources asneeded1. Show care and support to preventfurther hurt

What if the media is involved?Senior Pastor or designated representative will be informed of alldetails of the incident and will release any information that is tobe disseminated to the mediaIV. St. Luke’s will:A. Notify legal authorities as required1. Report incident to Children's Protective Services2. Immediately contact church's insurance carrier3. Inform the St. Luke’s Board of Trustees, any otherappropriate church body, and church legal counselPlease note:•Church staff will be informed of incident on a "need toknow" basis (to ensure privacy of the victim and/oraccused) and their support enlisted as needed•Full cooperation must be given to civil authorities underthe guidance of church attorney.

What should I do?Document Actions TakenA. Document all your efforts at handling theincidentB. Do not attempt an in-depth investigation.1. This should be left to professionals who arefamiliar with this type of case. This is toprotect the rights of the victim and theaccused.2. Individual files will keep with all documentedactions, conversations, etc.C. File will be retained in a locked and secure areato insure privacy and confidentiality.

Dealing with the AccusedA. Remove the accused/abuser from any further contactwith children, youth, vulnerable adults and staffB. Treat the accused with dignity and support1. Do not confront the accused until the safety ofthe child, youth or vulnerable adult member issecured2. Offer and provide pastoral care to family ofabuser as appropriate3. Offer outside counseling services as appropriate4. Refer to outside clergy if deemed more desirableor as requested by the family

Hallmarks of ourSafe Sanctuary Policy

Try to alwayshave two certifiedpersons presentwhenever a childor youth ispresent.Two by Two

Line of Sight•Stay visible to others.•Keep the door open.• Stay in an area whereothers can see you.

Safety in Numbers• Especially with children, try to avoidsituations where there is one adultand one child.• When non-Safe Sanctuary certifiedadults are present, make sure at leastone Safe Sanctuary certified individualis present.

Restroom Assistance(in regards to children)• Children in 1 st grade and up can go to therestroom in pairs without direct supervision.(An adult should wait outside the restroom.)• If you must accompany a child into therestroom alone, leave the door open andalert another adult.• If you encounter an “ongoing” situation(perhaps you have a child with special needsin your class), contact Director of Children’sMinistries or Human Resources to makearrangements for assistance.

Changing Diapers•It is appropriate to change diapersas needed.•Diapers should be changed in anopen environment.•In most cases, we will have paidcaregivers available to assist withchanging diapers.

Fire Alarms• If the fire alarm sounds, the buildingshould be evacuated.• Gather the children/youth, count andtake attendance before leaving• Go out the nearest safe exit (posted inall classrooms).• Once outside, take attendance again• Stay outside the building until the “allclear signal” is given.

Health Emergencies• First aid kits and AED machines arelocated in numerous areas.Familiarize yourself with locations.• Children’s Resource Room (B136) andAfter School Care Office/Gym are thetwo closest in the children’s wing.• Do not hesitate to call 911 if needed.• Contact a staff person as soon aspossible.

Appropriate Discipline• For children:– Set age appropriate expectations and rules, withthe help of the children.– Use gentle reminders. Teach childrenappropriate behavior through actions and words.– Redirection and individual conversations workwell.– Physical or punitive punishment is neverappropriate.– The best exercise for the brain is EXERCISE!– Contact Director of Children’s Ministries forsuggestions and guidance.

Setting Boundaries• Physical boundaries change as an individualages. Holding a young child in your lap isappropriate. Holding an older child oryouth in your lap is not appropriate.• Always be aware of where a conversationmight go. Steer conversationsappropriately.• If you feel boundaries are being violated,allow great distance to come between youand the young person.• Contact a staff person if you feeluncomfortable with a situation.

Who is a “responsible party”?Children, older youth and collegestudents may be used in supervisorysituations with children. (Ex: Teen Staffat Vacation Bible School)Anyone under the age of 21 isconsidered an assistant leader and not“in charge” of youth.

Overnight Accommodations• It is strongly recommended that two adults(or for children, one adult and one olderyouth) be present in each room or in closeproximity to the room.• If only one adult is present, there must bemore than one child/youth present.• Adults are not to sleep in the same bed witha child/youth.

PLEASE REMEMBER:It is not the intentthat matters…IT IS HOW IT ISRECEIVED THATIS THE ISSUE!

Who to contact aboutour Safe Sanctuary policy:Julie EllerbrockDirectorChildren’s Ministries713-402-5040jellerbrock@stlukesmethodist.orgChristy DulaneyAssistant DirectorChildren’s Ministries713-402-5042cdulaney@stlukesmethodist.orgKaty Cox2s-2 nd GradeSunday School Coordinator713-402-5014kcox@stlukesmethodist.orgLori Fahrbach3 rd -5 th GradeSunday School Coordinator713-402-5134lfahrbach@stlukesmethodist.org

What’s next?While it’s fresh on your mind, take the quiz on thispresentation. The quiz is located here:http://www.stlukesmethodist.org/safesanctuaryThis page also gives instructions for the other stepsto secure your Safe Sanctuary certification.Thank you for your dedication to the children andyouth of St. Luke’s UMC!