Plan to ProtectChild Protection Policy Training

BackgroundAbundant Life Church decided to adopt the

child protection policy as outlined in “Plan to Protect”.

This training session is required of all child and youth workers (including Sunday School teachers).

It will cover the main points in the manual; but you must also read it in its entirety.

The ManualTo be followed by all child and youth workers.Assists in the recruitment of volunteers,

including screening.Provides for the safety of children and youth

by reducing the risk of child abuse.

DefinitionsChildren or child – birth to grade 6.Youth – grade 7 to age 17.Adult – 18 year or over.Worker – church volunteer who has been

trained and approved to work with children and youth (e.g. Sunday School teacher).

Why is it needed?There has been a rise in physical and sexual

abuse of children in society.The church is not insulated (if fact may be

more susceptible given the trusting nature).The damage caused by abuse include the

trauma for the victim and victims family, as well as impact on the church.

PurposeSafeguard children and youth from abuse.Declare zero tolerance for abuse.Protect church staff and volunteers from

potential allegations.Limit the extent of legal risk and liability.

What is child abuse?Abuse in general is the misuse of power

(using a position of authority by taking advantage over a vulnerable person).

Child abuse includes physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse.

Physical AbuseUsing physical force or action that results, or

could result, in injury to a child or youth.Physical abuse is more than reasonable

discipline. Sometimes injury is caused by over-

discipline. Injuring a child or youth is not acceptable, regardless of differing cultural standards on discipline.

Emotional AbuseA pattern of hurting a child’s feelings to the

point of damaging their self-respect. Includes verbal attacks on the child, insults,

humiliation, or rejection. A child or youth who is emotionally harmed

may demonstrate severe anxiety, depression, withdrawal, self-destructive or aggressive behaviour.

NeglectThe failure of those responsible for the care

of the child to meet the physical, emotional, or medical needs of a child to an extent that the child’s health development or safety is endangered.

Sexual AbuseOccurs when a child or youth is used by

somebody else for sexual stimulation or gratification (molestation).

Sexual activity between children or youth may also be sexual abuse if older or more powerful children or youth take sexual advantage of those who are younger or less powerful.

Sexual abuse involving touchingFondlingOral, genial and anal penetrationIntercourseForcible rape

Sexual abuse not involving touching

Inappropriate verbal commentsShowing pornographic materialObscene phone callsExhibitionismAllowing children to witness sexual activity

Symptoms – physical signslacerations and bruisesnightmaresirritation, pain or injury to the genital areadifficulty with urinationdiscomfort when sittingtorn or bloody underclothingvenereal disease

Symptoms – behavioural signsanxiety when approaching church or nursery

areanervousness or hostility toward adultssexual self-consciousness“acting out” sexual behaviourwithdrawal from church activities and friends

Symptoms – verbal signsI don’t like (names a particular person)(Particular person) does things to me when

we’re aloneI don’t like to be alone with (particular

person)(Particular person) fooled around with me

Effects on a childChild sexual abuse robs children of their

childhood and scars for life. Abuse can result in abnormal fears, aggressive

behaviour, sexual “acting out”, depression, diffused sexual identity, poor self-esteem.

For adult survivors: sexual dysfunction, eating disorders, substance abuse, promiscuity, and perpetration of sexual abuse.

Who is a typical child molester?Known to the victim (80% of the time).Within the context of an ongoing

relationship.Likely between the ages of 20 - 30 years.20% begin before the age of 18.Often are married and have children.Not a stereotypical stranger in a trench coat.

Church’s are susceptiblePlenty of access to childrenHigh need for child workers

Legal LiabilityVictims that have sued a church often allege

that the church was negligent in not adequately screening applicants or for not providing adequate supervision.

Increasingly the church is held accountable even though neither the church nor its leaders were aware of the abuse or condoned it.

Guidelines for Recruitment Implement an application procedure to

screen all potential child/youth ministry workers.

Check references and do criminal record checks on all our potential workers. Anyone considered a risk will not be permitted to work in a children or youth ministry.

Train all potential workers

Guidelines for Recruitment Require the signing of a Ministry Covenant.Follow the six-month rule. See Chapter 5 and Appendix A1, A2 and A6

for details.

Guidelines for Activities Improper displays of affection are forbidden. A two-worker guideline will be followed: (at

least) two workers should be present during any children’s activity (see page 13 for specifics).

A washroom guideline will be followed: in general, parents/guardians should take children to the washroom before services begin and should be the only ones to change diapers (see page 16).

Guidelines for ActivitiesA simple physical discipline guideline will be

followed: physical discipline cannot be applied by workers.

Guidelines for church activities held outside of regular church service hours: consent forms must be signed by a parent/guardian.

Basic guidelines for health and safety will be followed (see page 18).

Guidelines for ReportingNever ignore suspicious or improper activity.Document all efforts at handling the incident

(Appendix C1).Report the incident to the Pastor.Show care and respect to the victim and

victim’s family.

Guidelines for ReportingStay calm and listen to the child, but do not

promise confidentiality.Treat the accused with dignity and support.See Chapter 7 for more information.

ChecklistRead the “Plan to Protect” Manual.Complete the Ministry Volunteer Application

Form (Appendix A2).Obtain a Criminal Record Check.Sign the Ministry Covenant (Appendix A6).Schedule an interview with the Pastor and

Sunday School Director