St. Sophia Website

　　

"Mandatory Safe Environment -- Child Sexual Abuse -- Program & Training"

Presentation by Karen Takes Pappis, Licensed Master Social Worker

Dear Parishioners,

On Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 7:00 pm, we will be presenting a mandatory "Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Training Class" for all clergy, volunteers, church personnel, educators, and parents/grandparents with children under the age of 18, and who are regularly involved with minors throughout the year.

St. Sophia is committed to providing a "safe environment" for everyone, especially our children and youth. We are living in a time when all people need to be educated about problems, such as the sexual abuse of children. Nevertheless, the benefits carry beyond the immediate welfare of the children of our parish. Insurance companies increasingly are setting stricter sex-abuse policy requirements as a prerequisite for coverage, and to protect against lawsuits and false accusations. Many carriers are dropping coverage of churches without screening policies.

We were mandated to write a policy and guidelines manual, which was approved by our Insurance Carrier and Parish Board. It is maintained in the office, for the St. Sophia Parishioners to view and follow. Part of our policy is to have all church personnel and volunteers attend a child abuse prevention and awareness training session, before continuing as a volunteer. This is mandated to include all Sunday School Teachers, Greek School Teachers, Youth Program Advisors, (Joy, Goya, Choir, Soccer, Basketball, Jr., Olympics Advisors and Coaches and Alter Supervisors). All must follow the code of conduct pertaining to the interaction with our youth, as well as, discourage child abuse offenders from infiltrating the children’s programs at St. Sophia.

A "code of conduct" establishes acceptable behavior that is legal, professional, and responsible and it must include standards of conduct with regard to sexual abuse and harassment. Written copies will be provided to each employee/volunteer who must acknowledge in writing that they understand and must abide by it.

The two-hour session consists of a presentation of printed materials, video, group discussion, and the following:

What constitutes child abuse, including sexual abuse?

What actions, procedures and policies are used to prevent child abuse in any form?

How does an adult identify instances of abuse of a child, including sexual abuse?

What signs should an adult look for in a child who may be abused?

What signs should an adult look for in a person who may be abusing a child in any way?

What actions should an adult take when they believe that child abuse, to include sexual abuse, may be occurring?

What are the laws and policies regarding the reporting of abuse, to include sexual abuse, of children?

Please note: Volunteers need to attend only one training session, but must be present for the entire session. No one will be admitted after the session has begun, and no children are permitted to be present. All attendees will sign in and certify that they have attended the session. This form will be maintained in individual volunteer files, along with the mandated application and code of conduct forms. It is very important that you pre-register to make sure you receive credit and setup can be prepared. Registration Forms will be in and outside of the office.

If you already attended a Mandatory class at St. Sophia, you need not attend. However, you are welcome to come for a refresher and updates. Remember you are the first line of defense for our children. The more you know and understand the importance of this critical issue the better our children will be.

Respectfully Yours,

Norma Damascos, chair Rev. Patric Legato, pastor

　

　