Safety in Youth & Childrens Ministries

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

Ablinci@adventistrisk.org

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.