safety in youth & childrens ministries
TRANSCRIPT
Safety In Children & Youth Ministries
“Minimizing Your Risk”
Welcome to the exciting world of Adventist Children & Youth
Ministries! Fun Excitement Challenging Activities High Risks Large Liability Awards Avoidable Injuries Unnecessary Deaths Lifelong Decisions for Jesus
Protecting our Children
Review ALL Activities
Avoid surprises!
Risk Identification
Identifying Potential Risks Assessing the Activity and
Special needs Keeping Alert for
Changing Conditions Making Informed Decisions
to implement Safeguards
Mission Critical
The Mission: Christ-centered programs and activities for children and youth
The Challenge: Protecting children from Accidents, Harm or Abuse Proper screening of Employees & Volunteers Proper training of all Employees & Volunteers
on how to appropriately interact with children by following a Code of Conduct
Proper Supervision of all church sponsored programs and activities involving Children
Planning Ahead…
Activity Risk Factors What is the level of Risk?
Type of Activity Instructors qualifications and experience Number of participants in class or activity Type of Equipment Required and Condition Allotted time for activity Transportation to and from activity Amount of adult supervision assistance needed What could go wrong? How would we respond?
Priority #1 Supervision…
Required or Optional…
Permission & Release Forms • Three Specific Purposes
– Consent to Participate – Emergency Medical Treatment
Authorization – Contact Information
• Be Specific to the Activity • Identify Potential Hazards • Signed by Parent or Guardian of
the child • Copies with Group Leader and
Drivers
Remember: While there are often many similarities in activities, outings or trips, seldom are two exactly alike.
Transportation Risk Checklist…
Looking Back to Plan Forward…
Learn Review
Plan
Our Children, Students and Teenagers…
Our Sacred Trust and Responsibility…
All Churches are Vulnerable Community of Trust Ignorance of Facts Lack of Safeguards Numerous Opportunities Easy Access Constant Need for Volunteers
to help with Children and Youth Liberal Jury Verdicts Child Abusers are aware of
these vulnerabilities
Are You Prepared?
“The Target” 8 to 11 year olds
1 in 4 Girls 1 in 6 Boys Victimized
by Child Abuse
Emerging Stats… The Profile of a Child Abuser 30% from within the Family 60% from outside the Family 10% Stranger Danger
Peer to Peer Abuse is up 300% in the last ten years
The Adventist community is not Immune from Child Abuse claims and allegations against adults
Awareness is Critical at all times when Supervising
Children & Youth Activities
Cyberbullying…
Adults Know How to Appropriately Interact with Children
Safeguarding our Children “Churches are encouraged to adopt policies that
would provide a measure of safety and protection for children…
• Two-Adult Rule or Never being alone with a child • Open Door Policy to avoid one on one situations • Adult Screening - Reference Checking • Six-Month Waiting Period for new volunteers • Training in Child Protection”
SDA Church Manual (2010) pgs 168 & 169
Who is “Your” Flock?
“Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you.” 1 Peter 5:2 and 4 NLT
Let’s Make a Difference…
Resource Tools
Questions…
Arthur F. Blinci, ARM eMBA Chief Risk Management Officer
www.Adventistrisk.org The information contained in this presentation is based on general risk management principles and does not constitute an endorsement by Adventist Risk Management, Inc. of any product(s), service(s) or course of action. It is the responsibility of the attendee to make their own decision about the reliability and correctness of the information contained herein. It is advised that all organizations should seek qualified legal counsel whenever dealing with matters addressed in this seminar. © 2013 – Adventist Risk Management, Inc.