Child and Youth Protection How do we keep our kids safe?

1. Child and Youth ProtectionHow do we keep our kids safe?

2. Developed bySharon Davis Edited and Presented by Woody Bodden, Ed.S., Ph.D. Licensed Mental Health Counselor Licensed School Psychologist

3. Tampa DistrictFlorida Conference United Methodist Church

4. Focus of General Conference • Requirement of Florida Annual Conference

5. Why ? • Protection of the children • Adopt standards of secular world • Assurance that the church is a safe place • Those who work with children are required to formally review the Protection policy annually.

6. Prayer

7. US Statistics • 3 million cases of child abuse are reported annually • Represents 1 million confirmed cases • Four deaths daily

8. US Statistics • 8,219 each day • 342 each hour • 6 every minute • 1 every 10 seconds

9. Church Statistics • 70 abuse allegations by churches weekly • Tampa District is no exception

10. Tale of Two Churches Forest Hills Cork

11. Statistics • 1 in 6 sexually females assaulted during their lifetime • Though females are abused more than males, cases involving males are increasing. • 73% by someone they know

12. Sexual Offender Stats • 1266 – Hillsborough Co • 855 - Tampa • 22 - Lutz • 37 - Brandon

13. Sexual Offender Stats • 90 - Forest Hills - 33612 • 14 - 1st Brandon - 33510 • 6 - Hillsborough - 33617 • 9 - Saint James - 33647 • 1- Van Dyke - 33558

14. Definitions Child Abuse: Any willful act or threatened act that results in any physical, mental, or sexual injury or harm that causes or is likely to cause the child’s physical, mental, or emotional health to be significantly impaired.

15. Corporal discipline of a child by a parent or legal custodian for disciplinary purposes does not in itself constitute abuse when it does not result in harm to the child. [Fla. Statute: s.39.01(2)]

16. If Abuse is Suspected? • Do not act on your own and initiate an interview. • Do inform those you are in charge; e.g. pastor, church leaders etc… of your information. • “When in doubt shout it out” in other words, ask for help and guidance.

17. Physical Abuse Violent non-accidental contact which results in injury.

18. Physical Abuse Violent non-accidental contact which results in injury.

19. Physical Indicators • Unexplained bruises, welts, burns, lacerations, abrasions • In suspicious areas

20. Location of Injuries • Normal Bruising Areas • Forehead • Elbows • Knees • Shins

21. Location of Injuries • Suspicious Bruising Areas - Front • Face • Groin • Upper thighs

22. Location of Injuries • Suspicious Bruising Areas - Back • Back • Back of upper leg • Back of lower leg

23. Behavioral Indicators • Behavioral extremes • Aggressiveness • Withdrawal • Overly compliant • Depressed • Hyperactive

24. Behavioral Indicators • Afraid • Of parents • Of going home • Of physical contact • When other kids cry

25. Sexual Abuse Any form of sexual activity with a child/youth, whether at the church, at home, or any other setting.

26. Physical Indicators • Difficulty walking, sitting • Pregnancy • Bloody, stained or torn underwear

27. Physical Indicators • Bruises or bleeding in external genitalia, vaginal or anal areas • Venereal disease

28. Behavioral Indicators • Unwilling to change for gym • Sexual knowledge beyond age • Sexually acting out • Sometimes none

29. Emotional Abuse A pattern of intentional conduct which crushes a child’s spirit.

30. Physical Indicators • Speech disorders • Lags in physical development • Failure-to-thrive

31. Behavioral Indicators • Habit disorders • Learning disorders • Sleep disorders • Poor self concept • Extremes in behavior

32. Neglect The failure to provide for a child’s basic needs.

33. Physical Indicators • Consistent hunger • Poor hygiene • Inappropriate dress • Lack of supervision • Unattended medical needs

34. Behavioral Indicators • Begging/stealing food • Constant fatigue • Developmental lags • Seeks attention and affection

35. Behavioral IndicatorsCautions • Present differently with each child • Be aware of cultural differences

36. Behavioral IndicatorsCautions • There may be no indicators • Behaviors may relate to other disorders

37. Reminder • When in doubt shout it out, seek out help and guidance. • Once you and church personnel confirm suspected abuse, we are responsible for calling it in to the Abuse Line.

38. Profile of an Abuser

39. Profile of an Abuser • Any occupation • Any race or ethnic group • Any economic or social group

40. Profile of an Abuser • Any gender • Any age • Any marital status • Any sexual orientation

41. Profile of an Abuser • Probably abused as a child Note: People who were abused do not all abuse, but most who do abuse were abused.

42. Additional Stressors • Substance abuse • Marital problems • Emotional problems • Job problems

43. Though rare, and individual can call the Abuse Line on themselves. • They have a desire to protect others and themselves. • Possibly an offender who is following guidelines of the law.

44. Profile Physical Abuser • Negative attitude • Hot temper • Low self-esteem • Blames others

45. Profile Sexual Abuser • Desires power and control • Poor impulse control • Manipulative • Moves frequently

46. Profile Sexual Abuser • Excessive interest in children • Tries to be alone with children

47. Profile Sexual Abuser Grooming behaviors • Engages child’s parents • Slowly develops relationship with child • If child does not object, intensives

48. Responding to Abuse Not if, but when

49. Responding to Allegations • Acknowledge • Facilitate • Act

50. Avoiding accusations • According to CPP and HUMC policy, when teaching or working with children you should have at least two teachers/adults per class. • If only one teacher is available, that class should be conducted in an open observable location within close proximity to other classes or teachers.