|
Frequently
Asked Questions
Question: Who is required to participate in the Protecting God’s
Children Program?
Answer: New USCCB Guidelines require that
parents, ministers, educators, church personnel, volunteers, and
others regularly involved with minors be trained on the issue of
child abuse, including sexual abuse. The Protecting God’s Children
for Adults awareness session is a first and critical step in the
awareness and training of adults.
Question: What if I don’t wish to
participate in the Protecting God’s Children Program?
Answer: It is understood that we are all
living extremely busy lives. However, if one wishes to remain
involved in parish ministry, participation is not optional. If one
chooses not to participate, he/she will no longer be eligible to
volunteer in the parish.
Question: I really enjoy being in the
company of children. How do I spend time with kids and not raise
suspicion?
Answer: Those of us who are CCD Teachers, CYO
Coaches, Choir Directors, etc. are involved in these ministries
because we love kids. This is a GOOD thing, and continues to be
encouraged. The warning signs we want to be aware of, is an
individual who:
·
Always wants to be alone with children
·
More excited to be with children than adults
·
Thinks the rules don’t apply to them
·
Allows children to engage in activities their parents
would not allow
The Protecting God’s Children for Adults
identifies those behaviors that are warning signs of abusers. If we
know the warning signs, then we can identify potential abuse before
it happens. If we know the warning signs, we do not have to rely on
a child to report the incident.
Question: I teach small children in CCD.
Some children are extremely affectionate and often give me a hug.
Is it ok for me to hug them back?
Answer: YES. However, it is very important
that our programs that involve the interaction of adults and
children are conducted in an open location where others are
present. We all need to be aware of our surroundings, and the
impression our actions may have on others. We may need to modify
our behavior, so that those who are truly acting inappropriately are
that easier to identify.
Question: What is a mandated reporter?
Answer: A mandated reporter is a person whose
work regularly brings them in contact with children and have been
specifically designated by the legislature to report suspect abuse
or neglect.
Clergy became new mandated reporters by law
effective May 3, 2002. Clergy is identified as:
·
Priest, rabbi, clergy member ordained or licensed
minister, leader of any church or religious body, accredited
Christian Science practitioner, or
·
Person performing official duties on behalf of a
church or religious body that are recognized as the duties of any of
the above, or
·
Person employed by a church or religious body to
supervise, educate, coach, train or counsel a child on a regular
basis
Question: When must a mandated reporter
file with DSS?
Answer: Whenever the reporter has reasonable
cause to believe/suspect that a child under the age of 18 is being
abuse or neglected. Reasonable cause is defines as anything which
creates reasonable suspicion that a child may be abused or
neglected. Absolute proof is not required. |
