 For the Safety of Our Children & Youth
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A training model for all who work with children in the church to assist them in becoming aware of child abuse; explore how Christian faith provides support for keeping children safe; learn about prevention and learn to respond effectively when child abuse occurs. Prepared by Lois Rifner, Ph.D. & Susan Keil Smith, M. A. and the Child Advocacy Office. 800-524-2612 PDS # 72-651-02-002 Free Download. Background Check Providers IntelliCorp Criminal Background Checks - suggested and in use by Synod of the Sun Oxford Document Management Company - has been used by these presbyteries:
Paragraph below is from PC(USA) resource: We Won't Let It Happen Here, Page 19. Criminal background checks are available in most states. Such checks should be completed on all pastoral candidates, non-minister employees, any who serve in a counseling position, and volunteers who will have unsupervised access to children and youth (not to mention those who work in ministries with the developmentally disabled, chronically mentally ill, senior citizens, and any others who may be vulnerable). Criminal background checks can be obtained through the state police, the FBI, and sometimes through child protective services agencies. Check with your local CPS to determine how best to access such background checks. PC(USA)'s TOLL FREE ABUSE HOTLINE: (888) 728-7228 Ext. 5207 To be added... Safety check list: making sure your building and grounds are safe. Each congregation may have its own sexual misconduct policies and procedures, however all allegations of sexual abuse or misconduct against members and elders will follow the procedures set out in the Book of Order, Rules of Discipline of the constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). |
THEOLOGICAL Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea. Jesus' words in Matthew 18 In living out Jesus’ call to welcome children, to not be stumbling blocks in the lives of children, the Presbyterian Child Advocacy Network calls the church to lift up the needs of children, to welcome them in ministry and to advocate for all children, especially those who suffer and are voiceless.
Resources on Child Protection Policies The Sexual Misconduct Response Coordinating Team of National Capital Presbytery provides resources and policy samples. Click link below. Wilson Gunn, General Presbyter of National Capital Presbytery, was a former associate general presbyter for Grace Presbytery, Synod of the Sun. Description of resources available for download:
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Recommended Links (click images) |
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This site is designed to help all churches be safe churches. You’ll find materials to help at each stage of the process in addressing sexual misconduct. |
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working together to end sexual and domestic violence
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FaithTrust Institute - Formerly known as Center for the Prevention of Sexual and Domestic Violence. | ||||||||
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Extensive free resources for victims, survivors, and their families, friends, victim advocates, and professionals. | ||||||||
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Mission includes: Shifting responsibility for preventing child sexual abuse from children to adults. |
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Ministering to those who have experienced sexual abuse by clergy. | ||||||||
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The Linkup Mission is to foster healing, prevention, and education in the area of clergy sexual abuse. | ||||||||
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