Clergy and Educator Abuse Survivors Empowered!	Prevention

SDA Leaders Designate August 31, 2002
Abuse Prevention Awareness Day

On September 26, 2001, members of the General Conference Executive Committee voted, by an action of the Annual Council, to designate the fourth Sabbath of August 2002 as Abuse Prevention Emphasis Day. break the silence.   More info...

Training Professionals

• Broken Boundaries:  Sexual Exploitation in the Provider-Client Relationship - A training video for Clergy and Professional Health Care Providers
  Maryland State Department of Health   410-767-6612

Sample Policies & Procedures

Sample policies and procedures for preventing and addressing child abuse and sexual misconduct -- one conference’s approach.

(The following materials were prepared by the Southeastern California Conference of Seventh Day Adventists and are reproduced here with permission. These materials are to be used as samples only and do not represent legal advice in any form.)

1. Sample Policy and Purpose Statement for Volunteer Workers with Children and Youth.
2. Sample Application for Children and Youth Volunteer Worker Position (2 pages)
3. Sample Screening Questions
4. Child Protection: Suggestions for Staff and Volunteers Who Work With Children and Youth
5. Sample Reference Contact Form (2 pages)
6. Suggested Plan: Responding to Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse.
7. Other Resources

SAMPLE

Policy and Purpose Statement

Leadership Profile

For Volunteer Workers with Children and Youth

The congregation and staff of the _________________ Church are committed to providing a safe environment to help children learn to love and follow Jesus Christ. At this time, the disturbing and traumatic rise and recognition of physical and sexual abuse of children has claimed the attention of our nation, our society and this church. Churches with programs for children are not insulated from those who abuse.

Therefore, the ________________ Church believe that it is vitally important to take decisive steps to ensure that the church and its programs are safe and provide a joyful experience for children and youth. The following policies have been established and reflect our commitment to provide protective care of all children when they are attending any church sponsored programs or activities.

• Volunteers for work with children and youth are required to be active members of this congregation for a minimum of six months, and must be approved by appropriate church personnel before they may begin working directly with children in these areas.

• References must be obtained from potential volunteers and references must be checked by appropriate personnel or staff.

• All workers with children should observe the "two person" rule which means that workers must avoid one on one situations with children whenever possible.

• Adult survivors of childhood physical or sexual abuse need the love and acceptance of this church family. Individuals with such a history must discuss their desire to work with children and youth with one of the staff in a confidential interview prior to receiving approval to work in these areas.

• Individuals who have committed physical or sexual abuse, whether or not convicted, may not work in any church-sponsored activity or program for preschoolers or children.

• Opportunities for training in the prevention and recognition of abuse of children will be provided by the various ministry areas of our church. Workers will be expected to participate in such training.

• Workers should immediately report to the pastor or administration any behaviors or other incidents which seem abusive or inappropriate. Upon notification, appropriate actions will be taken and reports made in compliance with the operating procedure of these policies.

• Guidelines for volunteers who work with youth and children will be provided to each volunteer.

• Providing at least two adults to supervise children and youth whenever possible.

• Requiring a circulating adult to check on situations when only one adult is present to supervise children and youth.

_______________________________________________
(Name of Church)

What type of children’s or youth work do you prefer? ________________________________
(Sabbath School teacher, VBS teacher, children’s music program, nursery, coordinator, etc.)

What time commitment can you make? ________________________________________

Are you a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church? Yes__ No __

How long? _________   How long in this congregation? ________

Where have you attended church in the past five years? ________

What previous work have you done with youth and children? What are your gifts in this kind of work?

____________________________________________________________________

What training have you had for work with children? ____________________________

____________________________________________________________________

What non-church activities have you done involving children? __________________

____________________________________________________________________

List names of other members of this congregation with whom you have a relationship.

____________________________________________________________________

Were you ever the victim of abuse or sexual molestation as a child? Yes__  No__
(You may refuse to answer this question or may discuss your answer in confidence with the pastor rather than answering on this form. Answering yes, or leaving the question unanswered will not automatically disqualify an applicant for work with youth or children.)

Have you ever been accused of sexual misconduct with a minor? Yes__   No__

Do you have any disability that will impair your work with children?   _________________

Education:
Name of High School/ Academy __________________ Degree/Diploma  Yes__  No__
Name of College __________________ Degree/Diploma  Yes__  No__

Where are you currently employed? ___________________ Position ______________

Work Address ______________________________________________________

Previous employment (five years past to current)

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

Please list two references which are not former employers or relatives who know of your work with minors.

Name _________________________________  Telephone (___)__________

Address ____________________________________________________________

Name _________________________________  Telephone (___)__________

Address ____________________________________________________________

Applicant’s Statement

The information contained in this application is correct to the best of my knowledge. I authorize any references or churches listed in this application to give any information that they may have regarding my character and fitness for working with children or youth. I hereby release any individual, church, or organization from any and all liability for damages which may result to me, my heirs, or family for compliance with this authorization.

Your signature on this form confirms your understanding and agreement that:

In the event allegations of criminal or sexual misconduct arise regarding your conduct while you serve in the above-described capacity (ies), the church will fully cooperate with any investigation.

I further state that I have carefully read the foregoing release and understand the contents thereof and I sign this release as my own free act. This is a legally binding agreement with I have read and understand.

Screening Staff and Volunteers Who Work With Children

The following questions may be helpful in evaluating the appropriateness of volunteers who will work with children at your church. The comments with follow each question provide reasons for the type of questions used.

1. How long have you lived in this community?

• Long term residents usually have community connections and commitment.
• Short term residents should give you the opportunity to talk about past experiences and relationships including family relationships, jobs and reasons for moving.
• It may be helpful to ask for references from people who have known applicant for a long time.

2. Why do you want to work with (Pathfinders-Youth-Children’s Church-Children’s Sabbath School)?

• Do they like children?
• Do they work well with children?
• Are children comfortable around you? Children can sense if people really like them.
• Beware of those who have an ax to grind regarding children and discipline, for example.
• Sense of satisfaction?
• What is their motivation.

3. Would your experience as a child have an impact on your working with children in this position?

• Look for body language and tone of voice.
• Be aware of anxiety about relationship with parents and siblings.
• Talk about current family relationships.
• Talk about childhood discipline and punishment. Will his/her ideas create conflict?
• Assess carefully (but not necessarily exclude) those who have experienced abusive, dysfunctional childhood. Try to be sure this does not interfere with the ability to help others rather than helping themselves recover or project their feelings on the children.

4. How would your current relationships with family and friends impact your work with children in this position?

• You are looking for interpersonal relationships with families-family stress, death, divorce, separation, violent relationships.
• Beware of those who have no adult friends and those who say "children are my best friends" or "I’d rather be with kids than adults."

5. Have you had personal experience with child abuse? (Verbal, sexual physical, religious, emotional)

• Watch for those who express strong emotions. They may not be ready to work with children.
• If they have resolved issues through therapy, family, education or support systems, they can be helpful to children.

6. Has an issue or suspicion ever been raised that you may have abused or molested or touched a child inappropriately? How was it resolved?

• If yes, this person is a high risk!
• Be up front and tell them that for their own protection as well as the children’s, volunteering to work with adults is much safer.
• If a person has molested a child in any way, that person should NEVER be allowed to work with children.

Child Protection

Suggestions for Staff and Volunteers Who Work With Children and Youth

The following guidelines are provided to create an awareness of vulnerability to civil and criminal liability as well as to instill the need to protect children.

DO

• Meet in public places when meeting with minors.
• Always have another adult when counseling minors.
• Advise other staff members of activities away from the group: where, when and with whom you meet.
• Always have two adults taking younger children to the bathroom.
• Always have two adults present when changing children’s clothing.
• Keep physical contact public and minimal. Simple "hello" hugs are permissible, for example.
• Always have a minimum of two adults on field trips, especially overnight trips.
• Keep groups together, perhaps using a buddy system.
• Be gender sensitive. Little girls may do better with female staff and boys with male staff. If there is a mixed group it is good to have both female and male staff members.
• Be willing to be cheerfully accountable to parents and staff members.

DON’T

• Meet one to one with minors behind closed doors.
• Never have secret meetings with minors.
• Meet alone with minors, especially with the opposite sex.
• Check a minor for injuries under clothing without another adult present except in serious emergencies.
• Exchange kisses with children or youth.
• Allow older children to take younger children to the bathroom.
• Transport a child or youth by yourself except for real emergencies.

Reference Contact Form

(for all workers with children and youth)

_______________________________________________________________________
(Name and Address of Local Church)

_______________________________________________________________________

Name of Volunteer __________________________  Request Date ___________

Reference Name ______________________   Telephone (___) ___________

Address _______________________________________________

The _______________________ Seventh-day Adventist Church is committed to providing a safe environment where children and youth may learn to love and follow Jesus Christ. The person named above has volunteered to work with children and/or youth and has given your name as a reference along with a release statement which appears on the reverse side of this page. We ask for your comments and opinions regarding the suitability of this person as a worker with children or youth. Please return this form in the enclosed self-addressed envelope. You may also call the pastor at ______________________

Thank you for your prompt attention to this request.

 ______________________________________________________________________

What is your relationship with the named volunteer?

How long have you known this person? _____

Describe what kind of contact this person has had with children or youth. (i.e. parent, youth worker, teacher, etc.)

Have you been able to make direct observations of this person actually working with children or youth?

__Yes      __No

If yes, please summarize briefly your observations.

Do you know of any reason why this person would NOT be suitable for work with children or youth?

__Yes    __No

If YES, please explain and include facts and names of other persons who can confirm these facts.

Do you have any reservations about recommending this person for work with children and youth and prefer not to provide further information?

__Yes   __No

If no, please state your recommendation.

Signature_______________________   Date___________

(Photocopy of release statement below)

................................................................................................................................

For office use only

• Phone contact date by ______________

• Written reference received on ___________

SAMPLE

Response Plan

To Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse

In the event of any allegations of child sexual abuse at church or on church related functions, the following response plan should be implemented immediately.

1. The safety of the child and other children will be secured by relieving the accused of his or her duties.
2. Report to Child Protective Services (CPS) immediately by telephone. File a written report within 36 hours.
3. In the event that allegations of child sexual abuse are brought against a pastor, contact the Human Relations Department of the local conference immediately.
4. The pastor, church representatives, administrator and/or board will take allegations seriously and show care and support to prevent further harm. Whatever pastoral resources are needed should be extended to the victim(s).
5. The accused should be treated with dignity and support. The accused must be notified of the suspension of duties until after the investigation clears or substantiates the allegations. If the accused is a paid employee, the Human Resources Director will give specific guidance for continuance of compensation during the period of investigation. This decision will be communicated to the employee.
6. If there are media inquiries, the pastor and/or administrator should consult with the local conference Communication Department and the Human Resources Department. Confidentiality and privacy of all involved, especially the victims and their families, must be safeguarded.
7. All efforts to handle allegations must be documented.
8. Any church (private) investigation is generally delayed until policy investigation is complete. Private investigation is affected by the results of police investigation. Consult with the Human Resources Director.

Other Resources

• The Institutional Response
  Kevin McDonough
  The ISTI Sun, October 1997, VOL 3 No 4
  Interfaith Sexual Trauma Institute
• Report of the Maryland Task Force to Study Health Professional-Client Sexual Exploitation
• Policies & Procedures Regarding Sexual Harassment, Sexual Misconduct & Sexual Assault
  Brown University
• An Open Letter to Religious Leaders
  From participants of the "Is Nothing Sacred?" Retreat for Women Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse
  August 21-23, 1998,  Adelynrood Conference & Retreat Center, Byfield, MA.
• Identification & Prevention of Clergy Misconduct: Exercises & Tools by Gary Richard Schoener
• Clergy Sexual Misconduct: Evaluating a Complaint. by Gary Richard Schoener
• Clergy sexual harassment and sexual misconduct-- How is the church progressing?
  United Methodist Church, General Commission on the Status and Role of Women News
• Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment - Additional Resources
• Safe Churches: DEVELOPING POLICY AND PROCEDURES
  United Church of Christ
• Safe Churches: SAMPLE POLICY STATEMENT
  United Church of Christ
• Safe Churches: SAMPLE PROCEDURES
  United Church of Christ
• Responding to Allegations of Abuse
  Stephen J Rossetti, PhD, DMin
  The ISTI Sun, V3N2, April 1997
• Law and Ethics

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