WASH LINE - Winter 2000

By Peggy Harris, W.A.S.H. Board Chair
Women and Men Against Sexual Harassment and Other Abuses
www.tagnet.org/wash

EDITORIAL
By Peggy Harris

Christmas is past and we have entered January 2000.  As we see some things grow worse throughout the world let us look for some good things to happen in this New Year.   As more people become aware of the problems with abuse in churches and are taking steps to prevent abuse, we can instigate more methods to stop this scourge. 

Burying our heads in the sand can no longer be an excuse to do nothing.  As church members or church leaders we have a responsibility to act positively on behalf of those too weak or disabled to fend for themselves.

Children look to adults to protect them.  How are we doing it? Some conferences and churches are developing means to effectively prevent abuse situations in their churches and schools as well as educate both children and adults in abuse prevention.

This year we will be discussing some of these methods.  You are encouraged to share with us what you find happening in this area.  By sharing and continually improving what we are doing we can inspire others who have done nothing to begin!  This is truly where success breeds
success.  It is most important to do something however simple it may seem.

STEPS TO PREVENT ABUSE IN YOUR CHURCH OR SCHOOL

Here are several procedures listed in the Winter Issue 1999 of "We Are Family", Oregon Conference Family Ministries in an article by Nancy Daily, Director, Human Resources/Risk Management and Family Ministries Advisory Board for Abuse Prevention:

"New members who desire to work with children and youth must have been an active member of the local church for a minimum of twelve (12) months before beginning to work with children."

"All workers shall observe the "two person" rule which means that there will be a minimum of 2 adults supervising any function.  Workers will avoid being alone with a child.  This protects the child as well as protecting the adult from possible allegations."

"Individuals who have committed physical or sexual abuse, whether or not convicted, may not work in any church-sponsored activity or program for children."

"Any behavior which seems abusive or inappropriate shall be reported to the pastor of administrator."

"No child shall be allowed to roam around the church area without adult supervision.  Children shall be supervised at all times."

"No child shall be allowed to leave the classroom unless in the accompaniment of an adult."

"No child shall be released to any adult other than his/her parents or legally appointed guardians without express written permission from the parent or guardian."

"No child shall be released to another older child or permitted to go to the restroom accompanied by an older child."

"A child shall not be assisted in using the restroom unless there is a second adult near the area who understands the reason for the assistance."

"No child shall be disciplined unless in visual contact with another adult who is aware of the situation that requires the discipline.  Any form of corporal punishment is strictly forbidden."

"Any meeting conducted off the church premises must have the approval of the pastor or elder in charge."

"All overnight activities or miscellaneous trips must have the express approval of the church board.  All minor attendees must have a signed parental permission slip for each trip as well as an emergency medical treatment release.  Parents must be notified of adults supervising
the activity."

"If there is a known sex offender attending church, a deacon or other responsible adult will be assigned to monitor the person while on the premises."

"Any church knowing that a sex offender is transferring to another church will notify the next church of the previous history."

CONNECTION WEB SITES
Here are some helpful web addresses to check out.

CEASE at http://www.advocateweb.com/cease.   Clergy and Educator Abuse Survivors Empowered was created by victims and survivors of sexual, physical and spiritual abuse committed by employees and volunteers of the world-wide Seventh-day Adventist Church.  This organization is dedicated to educating church leadership about the prevalence of these abuses within the denomination, and bring about changes to church policy in order to protect others from the devastation experienced.

EMERGE at info@emergedv.com. counselling and education to Stop Domestic Violence.  What is domestic violence? Services for Men, Battered Women Programs, Training for Counselors, counselling/Training Materials and related links.

We will list more sites from time to time.

W.A.S.H. GOALS

1. ADDITIONAL MATERIALS
As additional information, articles and materials are developed they will be added to our web site.

2. HUMMINGBIRD AWARD
Look for more information as this is developed for schools to inspire principals to provide education to protect children. 
 

LETTERS TO WASH LINE

Your letters and comments are welcome and encouraged.

"..Thanks for the way you (W.A.S.H.) push to the forefront in our church."   L.

"..May our Lord continue to bless and prosper all your works.  May He pour out upon you (W.A.S.H.) in rich abundance the blessings you give to us."  R.

This page last updated on Sunday January 29, 2006 11:21 AM

Disclaimer: We are not a counselling service.  We prepare materials to help church
members and church leaders better understand the problems abuse brings and prevention methods.

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