Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me,
and do not hinder them,
for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Matthew 19:14

Study this information thoroughly and be fully aware of policies and procedures on detection (or disclosure) of possible abuse and the reporting responsibilities.  You may also obtain a printed copy of this Directive from the Children's Ministry or at our Welcome Table.

• Children's Ministries Discipline Guidelines
• Child Protection Training
• Indicators of Abuse
• Understanding Abuse and Who Must Report
• Community Church of Columbus Standard of Conduct
     -  Behavior Policy
     -  Prevention Guidelines
     -  Reporting Procedures

Purpose:  To provide a safe and structured environment for all children.

Policy Statement:  A positive and safe environment will be maintained in all activities while each child is learning, being accepted, and being loved for who God made the child to be.

Applications:

A.  Reasons for Discipline

1. Positive learning environment is being jeopardized.
2. Inappropriate conversation during teaching times.
3. Safety of a child is at risk.

B.  Procedures for discipline

First - A verbal Warning stating consequences for continued behavior.

Second - Separation from group
The teacher should discuss the inappropriate behavior with the child. Conversation should occur outside the room in order to avoid embarrassment. The child should then return to the activity; once again being made aware the next consequence for inappropriate behavior will be a talk with parents.

Third - Talk with parent(s)
The teacher will discuss the child's inappropriate behavior with the child's parent(s) following the activity. Please consider having this discussion privately if at all possible, (out of hearing distance of both the child and others).

Fourth - Removal from class
If inappropriate behavior persists, a helper or usher will have a parent come to the child's activity. The parent may stay with the child or remove the child from the activity.

Who Needs to Know?

As one who works with children, you play a significant role in the enhancement of children's lives. The nature of your work centers on helping children enjoy and learn from life; at the same time, you provide them care and protection. It is, therefore, important that you be well-informed regarding child-abuse issues as you strive to provide quality service to the children under your care.

Whether the program or service is a residential or day camp, a recreational program, a club activity, day care, church children's program, or after-school supervision, people providing these and other services need to know about child abuse and about their specific responsibilities. The caring, enjoyable environment these activities and organizations afford, along with the ongoing contact with children and youth, enhances the possibility of discovering or suspecting child abuse.

How Do We Know?

Studies have revealed startling statistics regarding the number of abused children. In a study conducted among 1,800 college students, one-third of the male participants reported having been subjected to some form of sexual abuse as children. Only half the females and one-tenth of the males citing such experiences have ever reported it to their parents.

In another study, one of every three females is sexually assaulted before her eighteenth birthday, and one of every seven boys experienced some form of sexual abuse before the age of eighteen.

The California State Department of Social Service (Statistical Services Branch) reported nearly 140,000 cases of child abuse in 1984. Physical abuse was a factor in 29.3% of those cases; sexual abuse was a factor In 3.3% of the cases. The Massachusetts Department of Social Service reported that of the abuse cases reported in 1985, neglect was a factor in 52%, and sexual abuse was a factor in 14%.

Reported Statistics represent only the tip of the iceberg. Current reports indicate that there are a minimum of two million children abused or neglected each year, including five thousand deaths due to child abuse.

What's Important?  The Children

Some people, whose jobs bring them in contact with children, would like to ignore the problem of child abuse in the hope that it will go away. These people either do not understand their legal responsibilities or the physical and emotional harm that come to an abused child.

The foremost reason to become actively involved in both the reporting and prevention of child abuse is to protect children. We are generally ill-prepared to handle incidents of abuse, even though we are in key positions to detect it. Abuse leaves visible as well as invisible scars that follow them into adulthood. The emotional and physical pain inflicted go far beyond the abusive encounters.

Those working with children need to be advocates for their safety. Whether working with children in a recreation, camp, or child-care setting, the safety of each child is of utmost importance. By keeping first-aid kits nearby, fire extinguishers in strategic places, and emergency phone numbers readily accessible, we prepare ourselves to act in the event of an accident.

Why Report Abuse?

Some people feel hesitant to report suspected abusive situations, knowing the possible trauma it may cause the affected family.

One of the best ways we can help an abusive family is to let the situation come out into the open. This not only provides protection for the abused person, but also forces the family to admit their need to get professional help for the problem. In seeking to deal with the situation ourselves, we inappropriately take on the roles of rescuer, judge, and professional therapist.

Our Obligation

Whether or not you are interested in learning more about this tragic societal problem, state laws mandate that you be actively involved. Those whose jobs bring them into contact with children are obligated to be informed about child abuse and about the requirement of reporting known or suspected abuse incidents. It is not optional.

We become involved because we are required to do so, but hopefully, we become involved because we care about the children. We also work to become aware of child abuse for our own protection.

Behavioral Indicators of SEXUAL Abuse

• Reluctant to change clothes in front of others
• Exhibits unusual sexual behavior and/or knowledge beyond that which is common of his/her developmental stage
• Poor peer relationships
• Either avoids or seeks out adults
• Pseudo-mature
• Manipulative
• Self-conscious
• Has problems with authority and rules
• Exhibits eating disorders
• Self-mutilating
• Obsessively clean
• Uses or abuses alcohol and/or other drugs
• Exhibits delinquent behavior such as running away from home
• Exhibits extreme compliance or defiance
• Fearful or anxious

Physical Indicators of SEXUAL Abuse

• Pain and/or itching in genital area
• Bruises or bleeding in genital area
• Venereal disease
• Swollen private parts
• Difficulty walking or sitting
• Torn, bloody, and/or stained underclothing
• Pain when urinating
• Pregnancy
• Vaginal or penile discharge

Behavioral Indicators of EMOTIONAL Abuse

• Overly eager to please
• Seeks out adult contact
• Views abuse as being warranted
• Exhibits changes in behavior
• Excessively anxious
• Depressed
• Unwilling to discuss problems
• Exhibits aggressive or bizarre behavior
• Withdrawn
• Apathetic
• Passive
• Unprovoked fits of yelling or screaming
• Exhibits inconsistent behavior at home and school
• Feels responsible for the abuser
• Runs away from home
• Attempts suicide
• Low self-esteem
• Exhibits a gradual impairment of health
• Lacks self-confidence
• Self-deprecating and negative self-image

Physical Indicators of EMOTIONAL Abuse

• Sleep disorder (nightmares or restlessness)
• Wets the bed
• Hyperactive
• Exhibits eating disorders
• Exhibits developmental lags (stunting of his/her physical, emotional, and/or mental growth)

Behavioral Indicators of PHYSICAL Abuse

• Wary of adults
• Either extremely aggressive or withdrawn
• Dependent and indiscriminate in his/her attachments
• Uncomfortable when other children cry
• Generally controls his/her own crying
• Exhibits a drastic behavior change when not with parents or caregiver
• Manipulative
• Poor self-concept
• Exhibits delinquent behavior, such as running away from home
• Uses or abuses alcohol and/or other drugs
• Self-mutilating
• Frightened of parents or going home
• Over-protective or responsible for parents
• Exhibits suicidal gestures and/or attempts suicide
• Behavior problems at school

Physical Indicators of PHYSICAL Abuse

• Unexplained* bruises or welts, often clustered or in a pattern
• Unexplained* and/or unusual burns (cigarettes, doughnut-shaped, immersion-lines, object-patterned)
• Unexplained* bite marks
• Unexplained* fractures or dislocations
• Unexplained* abrasions or lacerations
• Wets the bed

      *or the explanation is inconsistent or improbable

Behavioral Indicators of NEGLECT

• Truant or tardy to school often or arrives early and stays late
• Begs or steals food
• Attempts suicide
• Uses or abuses alcohol and/or other drugs
• Extremely dependent or detached
• Engages in delinquent behavior, such as prostitution or stealing
• Appears to be exhausted
• States frequent or continual absence of parent or guardian

Understanding Abuse

Prevalence - There are more than two million cases of serious child abuse reported every year in the United States. One of every three to four females and one of every seven males have reported being sexually molested.

Demographics - There is no pattern to abuse. Child abuse occurs in all socioeconomic, ethnic, and age groups, and in all geographic areas.

Historical Perspective - The maltreatment of children has occurred as far back as recorded history. Over the centuries, children have been killed, abandoned, neglected, and cruelly chastised. It has not been until recent years that organizations have been formed to come to the aid of abused children.

Who Abuses?  Generally, the abuser is someone the child knows-a relative, baby-sitter, family member, family friend, teacher, coach, institutional or agency employee.

What Contributes to Abusive Situations and Relationships? 

• Historical or background: The abuser was also abused, family violence, and/or neglect.
• Situational factors: The likelihood of abuse increases as the following are present: extreme parental stress, social isolation, delay in parent-infant bonding, resentment of a specific child, poor housing, marital problems, financial problems and /or unemployment, and unexpected life crises.
• Personality factors: The likelihood of abuse increases as a person manifests the following characteristics: has unrealistic expectations, controls his or her anger poorly, feels rejected, displays a poor self-image, and/or is depressed.

Types of Abuse

• Sexual abuse or sexual molestation involves any sexual act between a child and an adult or a young child and a significantly older child. Such act may range from fondling to sexual intercourse.
• Physical abuse involves physical violence toward a child where the parent or caretaker is not in control. Such maltreatment occurs when anger is transferred into physical aggression against the child.
• Emotional abuse involves verbal or nonverbal violence toward a child that gives the child the message that he/she is no good and never will be.
• Neglect is defined as omission of the child's basic needs that are necessary for a child's well-being.

Who Must Report

Every state maintains a mandatory child abuse reporting law. Many states further require that all employees who are mandated reporters sign a form acknowledging their awareness of the laws and their accompanying responsibilities. Although there are some differences in the requirements from state to state, all of the laws reflect most of the following basic information.

Those who, by nature of their employment, have contact with children are mandated reporters. These people include the following:

• Medical Workers - physicians, surgeons, nurses, dentists, residents, interns, pediatricians, chiropractors, psychologists, psychiatrists
• Public/Private Workers - employees of public and private schools, child-care personnel, resident and day-camp employees, social workers, peace and probation officers, member of the clergy and other youth/children ministry practitioners, child-welfare supervisors, certified personnel
• Anyone with Reasonable Grounds a Child is in Need of Protection - Some states require anyone to report when he or she has reasonable grounds to believe that a child has been or is likely to be abused. Indiana is such a state. In fact, those who know of a child in need of protection and don't report it may be charged with a misdemeanor.

What Must Be Reported

• Abuse, neglect, and/or abandonment
• Deliberate physical injury of a child
• Sexual molestation
• Causing pain or allowing great bodily harm, death, unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering, or danger to health
• Exploitation, child pornography and child prostitution

1. Any abuse (whether sexual, physical, emotional or neglect) will not be tolerated at any Community Church activity.

2. Any abusive conduct or allegation will lead to immediate removal of the individual in question from CCC activities until a review by proper authorities is conducted.

1. Do not put yourself in a compromising situation. Be careful where you meet.  Procedure: No one-on-one contact between adult and child in private. Always meet in a totally public place in plain view of others in the group.

2. Do not rely on your good reputation or put yourself in a position where it's your word against another individual's.  Procedure: Use the "buddy system" (two adults with child/children) as standard procedure when counseling, transporting, and working with children.

3. Be aware of what you say.  Procedure: Check your conduct carefully to ensure that you are not the cause of emotional abuse. Refrain from idioms or vernacular that could be viewed as negative or suggestive.

4. Be aware of the line between discipline and abuse. Procedure: Follow CCC recommended policy and guidelines for discipline.

5. Watch what you do. Be cautious of and avoid "bad" touch. Physical contact in group settings is OK and can be a positive dynamic.  Procedure: Avoid full frontal hugs and back rubs. Both actions can be misleading to individuals receiving and those observing.

6. Be aware of fantasy relationships. Procedure: Refrain from spending an inordinate amount of time with any one child that could lead him/her to misread your interest in him/her. Be aware of how you express your concern. When you express love, be sure children know you mean Christian love.

7. Be aware of children's needs during physical activities. Procedure: Look out for fatigue, the need for fluids, the need for treatment of an injury, and weather conditions like electrical storms or extreme heat.

8. Focus on these spiritual guidelines while working with children:

• I Thessalonians 2:11-12 - "For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.
• I Thessalonians 5:22 - "Avoid every kind of evil."
• Philippians 4:8 - "Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."
• Matthew 18:5-6 - "And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea."

1. Stabilize the immediately abusive situation by stopping the abuse. Separate the individuals involved.
   

2. Report the incident immediately to the chairperson of the Children's Ministry Team or Youth Ministry Team who will in turn report it to the appropriate church staff member.
   

3. Realize that this is an intricate legal matter. Before taking any further action, immediately contact the church office for advice on how to proceed. Leave questioning and analysis of the situation to the proper authorities.
   

4. Understand that failure to report a situation of abuse is cause for immediate dismissal from any volunteer assignment within Community Church.