Child PrOtection

WHy Child PrOtection?

• It teaches us about how kids ministry works.
• It helps adults grow in responsibility.
• It instructs about volunteering do's & don'ts...
• It helps protect our kids from abuses.
• It develops leaders who are trustworthy.

Is abuse really a problem?

• Michigan's abuse & neglect rate is state #42.
• That means only 8 states are worse than ours!
• Ottawa County currently has the lowest rate.
• But nearby county stats are 1 in every 25 kids!
• As adults, we can & should do better.

What does abuse cause?

• Sometimes physical development damage.
• A wide range of psychological effects.
• Severely impaired social ability.
• Often, it perpetuates an inherited sin cycle.
• Inhibition of the Kingdom of God.

1,250,000 - U.S.A.

- Matt. 19:14

How to Guard our children:

• This class will help you recognize child abuse.
• It will teach you to avoid unintentional mistakes.
• You'll also understand some basic practices to do.

ABUSE: Physical

Do you see physical abuse?

• Take notice of bruises, welts, burns, cuts, or sprains.
• Observe if a child has difficulty walking or sitting.
• Pay attention to excessive itching in the genital area.
• Look out for torn clothing & poor hygiene or nutrition.
• "Red Flag" any abrupt change in a kid's personality.

Then What do I do?

• Casually ask the parent about it, some accidents happen.
• If able to communicate reasonably, ask the child about it.
• Notify the church staff member in charge of your area.
• DO NOT be in an alone situation with that child.

ABUSE: Developmental

Do you see developmental issues?

• A large amount of anxiety in the child's check-in or check-out.
• Noticeable depression or withdrawal from other kids.
• Unusual difficulty in concentration.
• Sharp difficulty with or fear of sleeping.
• Pronounced academic problems in school-aged children.

Then What do I do?

• Lovingly ask the parent if they have noticed it too.
• If able to communicate reasonably, talk with the child about it.
• Notify the church staff member in charge of your area.
• DO NOT be in an alone situation with that child.

ABUSE: Coping Behavior

Common ways a child copes:

• Eating disorders (gorging, abstaining, regurgitating).
• Harmful actions toward others or themselves.
• Difficulty with, or extreme avoidance of sleeping.
• Sharp discomfort with common physical touch.
• Over-liberal and inappropriate touching of others.

Then What do I do?

• Try to stop any immediate danger occurring in the situation.
• Promptly notify the church staff member in charge of your area.
• The church staff will communicate with the parent or authorities.
• Again: DO NOT be in an alone situation with that child.

- John: 15:12

The How To:

Behind the scenes basics:

• All FBC volunteers undergo a criminal background check.
• All volunteers are checked against the sexual offender registry.
• All classes are staffed so no adult is ever alone with kids.
• No male volunteers change diapers... ever!
• No students are ever in charge of other students or kids.

basic volunteer practices:

• Limit your physical contact with children, especially hugs.
• Always conduct interactions in an open or public space.
• Never transport children alone.
• Do not use any kid of physical discipline.
• Allow parents to be responsible for their children.

NURSERY: Infants

INFANT NURSERY practices:

• Males may not change diapers.
• Always call a parent, do not bring the baby to the parent.
• Handle all babies gently at all times.
• Let infants cry no more than 15 minutes then call a parent.
• Always be aware of any food (and other) allergies!

INFANT NURSERY MINISTRY:

• Speak with gentle authority.
• Try to avoid preferential treatment.
• Be sure to pray over the group each session.
• Focus on the babies... play, engage, love.
• Talk about any issues with the parents at pick-up.

INFANT NURSERY Goals:

• Help parents to worship unhindered by childcare.
• Provide a safe and nurturing environment.
• Establish FBC's relationship with each infant in prayer.
• Meet the physical needs of each one in our care.
• Be a partner resource with parents in child-rearing.

NURSERY: Toddler

TODDLER NURSERY practices:

• Males may not change diapers.
• Always call a parent, do not bring the toddler to the parent.
• Handle all toddlers gently at all times... watch where you step!
• Let toddler's cry no more than 15 minutes before calling a parent.
• Always be aware of any food (and other) allergies!

Toddler NURSERY MINISTRY:

• Speak with gentle authority.
• Try to avoid preferential treatment.
• Be sure to pray over the group each session.
• Focus on the toddlers... play, engage, love.
• Talk about any issues with the parents at pick-up.

Toddler NURSERY Goals:

• Help parents to worship unhindered by childcare.
• Provide a safe and nurturing environment.
• Establish FBC's relationship with each toddler in prayer.
• Meet the developmental needs of each one in our care.
• Be a partner resource with parents in child-rearing.

In Both Nurseries:

• Make every effort to arrive 10 minutes before your shift.
• Learn how to use the Silent Deacon system.
• Keep your class list updated and prepared for emergencies.
• Teach respect for others: sharing, manners, safety, etc.
• Put away all toys and supplies used after each session.

KINGDOM KIDS: 4's-5's

4's & 5's  practices:

• Always leave the door open for bathroom visits.
• Always call a parent, don't bring the child to the parent.
• As much as possible, stick to the schedule for the session.
• In discipline issues, allow 10 minutes before calling a parent.
• Always be aware of any food (and other) allergies!

4's & 5's   MINISTRY:

• Treat children with patience, gentleness, and love.
• Be prepared to help a child learn appropriate behavior.
• Be sure to pray over the group each session.
• As much as possible, engage every child.
• Talk about any issues with the parents at pick-up.

4's & 5's   Goals:

• We will model a basic group prayer each week.
• We will learn and sing praise songs together.
• We will often use projects to emphasize the lessons taught.
• We will cover basic Bible stories and Jesus' life.
• We will cultivate hearts that love God and other believers.

KINGDOM KIDS: 1st-5th

1st - 5th  practices:

• Always call a parent, don't bring the child to the parent.
• As much as possible, stick to the schedule for the session.
• In discipline issues, allow 10 minutes before calling a parent.
• Always be aware of any food (and other) allergies!
• Do not accompany children into the bathroom.

1st - 5th   MINISTRY:

• Treat children with patience, gentleness, and love.
• Expect a child to use appropriate behaviors.
• Be sure to pray over the group each session.
• As much as possible, engage every child.
• Talk about any issues with the parents at pick-up.

1st - 5th   Goals:

• We will cover the major scope of the Bible, both Old and New Testaments.
• We will learn and sing praise songs together.
• We will often use a project which encourages outreach.
• We will discuss what scripture means in small groups.
• We will cultivate hearts that are responsive to the Holy Spirit.

Middle School: 6th - 8th

Middle school practices:

• Always call a parent, don't bring the child to the parent.
• As much as possible, stick to the schedule for the session.
• In discipline issues, warn twice before calling a parent.
• Always be aware of any food (and other) allergies!
• Never be in an alone situation with a student!

Middle School  MINISTRY:

• Treat preteens with patience, gentleness, and love.
• Expect each student to use appropriate behaviors.
• Be sure to pray over or with the group each session.
• As much as possible, engage every student.
• Invite kids to participate, but do not force them to read aloud.

Middle School Goals:

• We will journey through the whole Bible, cover to cover.
• We will discuss what scripture means in small groups.
• We will cultivate hearts that are responsive to the Holy Spirit.
• We will model how to do discipleship together.
• We will learn to make the choices of Christ-followers.

High School: 9th - 12th

High school practices:

• Never be in an alone situation with a student.
• Avoid overuse of even limited physical contact.
• Always alert the Youth Pastor regarding discipline issues.
• Encourage appropriate focus and preparedness.
• Model appropriate attire for group activities.

High School  MINISTRY:

• Treat teens with patience, gentleness, and love.
• Expect each student to use appropriate behaviors.
• Be sure to pray over or with the group each session.
• As much as possible, engage every student.
• Invite and encourage teens to participate in all class activities.

High School Goals:

• We will journey through the whole Bible, cover to cover, twice.
• We will discuss what scripture means in small groups.
• We will cultivate hearts that are responsive to the Holy Spirit.
• We will model how to do discipleship together.
• We will learn to make choices that keep Jesus Christ first.

Additional  Info:

• Each ministry area has more specific policies you'll learn on the job.
• Be sure to turn in your FBC Volunteer packet to the church office.
• Please hand in your Protection Class notes to the Youth Pastor.
• We are excited about partnering with you in ministry!.
• Please pray diligently for the other volunteers in your area.

FBC Child PrOtection