The gospel calls us to engage in ministry with children and youth. Yet any organization involved with children is a place where abuse could occur, as well as a place where children who have been abused in other settings may participate. Tragically, churches have not always been safe places where children can be nurtured in their faith and grow strong, or where they can disclose abuse that has occurred somewhere else. In this one-hour session, participants are introduced to the key elements that can help congregations respond to the challenge of protecting children and other vulnerable persons from sexual abuse, including developing policies, education for adults and children, on-going training for staff, and safety procedures and guidelines.

PREVENTION of child sexual abuse is a process of both education and understanding. Just as it is crucial we understand the steps perpetrators take to engage children in sexual acts, it is equally vital we practice and encourage open dialogue with our children beginning at a very early age. In this one hour session, parents and others learn how to explore their own attitudes, give children age appropriate, accurate information about their bodies, teach children about the continuum of touch, talk to children about personal safety, and communicate values.

• I am a child of God.
• My body belongs to me.
• My feelings are a part of God’s creation.
• My feels are clues about what is happening to me.
• I can say “NO”!
• God will comfort me.
• No one has the right to touch me and make me feel bad.
• God cares about the suffering of people.
• I have learned ways to protect myself.
• God gives me strength.
• I can talk to a trusted adult.
• The church can be a place to go for help.
• People who have hurt someone should be sorry for what they have done.

• I have rights and responsibilities
• Just because others do something doesn’t mean its right for me

Step 1:
This two-hour session helps to prepare teachers and parents for introduction of the curriculums. Participants view and discuss the powerful video Bless Our Children, which depicts one congregation’s quest to implement a curriculum of sexual abuse prevention into their children’s religious education. The video and discussion includes practical methods to educate others in the congregation about the need for and appropriateness of such a curriculum; strategies to address possible resistance; and actual classroom examples and case studies.

Step 2:
We schedule a 2.5 hour training session for your teachers. The first hour focuses on defining child sexual abuse, recognizing signs, the grooming process, mandated reporting, and what do to when a child discloses. The second hour focuses on the curriculums and teaching methods. During this period of time, the church may also want to schedule additional educational sessions for adults on child sexual abuse prevention.

Step 3:
You schedule one or more groups of children to study the curriculums, which range from 6 – 10 weeks. If requested, we will come in mid-course and hold a discussion with parents or other interested members of the congregation. We will also, at your request, schedule a de-briefing session for the teachers after conclusion of the courses.

Total Hours: 4.5 - 7

To learn more about the curriculums or to purchase, go to Faith Trust Institute.

For more information, contact Linda Crockett at 717-560-9969, extension 226.