I have been invited to submit a chapter of a book that is being written on sexual abuse and sexual exploitation.  The question that has been posed to me is:

Why are we so slow to put child protection measures in place? Why are faith based organizations so vulnerable to pedophiles?

This question assumes we are slow.  Is we meaning society or is we meaning the church?  Most would say we (society and the church) are.  Are we (in this context the church) slower than other organizations and associations? 

The standard answers are because we are so trusting and we are "people of faith."  Do you think there are other reasons than this?

Does this come down to a faith issue?  A budget issue?  A trust issue? An ignorance issue?  Or all of the above?  Am I missing anything?  I would love some feedback on this one? 

With little to no warning CPIC decided within the last 10 days to restrict access to criminal records by 3rd party organizations. We appreciate the dilgent efforts of Dave Dinesen (President of BackCheck) for lobbying in Ottawa to have this decision reversed. I want to also thank our many clients who have sent letters to the Minister of Safety and the Commissioner of the RCMP voicing your concerns. 

You may ask .... What is all the fuss?" 

The best way for me to discribe this is  ... 3rd party processing of Criminal Record Checks is one of the great inventions next to the discovery of Epiderals; that is if you have ever been in labor.  I can't believe I suffered so long trying to process Criminal Record Checks on my own until I discovered BackCheck. The pain immediately ceased! I was an Executive Director of a not-for-profit that recruited hundreds of volunteers and summer staff. Processing each criminal record check on time was often a nightmare. 

Now, I believe so strongly in the service provided by BackCheck that we are pleased to provide it to our clients as part of their Plan to Protect. 

I must not be the only one who has found it much more efficient than sending volunteers to the Police Station for we now provide the service to hundreds of clients who process many each month. 

The foreseeable changes will impact many of us whether you use the system or not.  

The decision was that third party organizations could not provide criminal record checks. (Thankfully this is now changed and approval has been granted to permanently allow third party organizations to provide criminal record checks).  They have also said we cannot be given the details of the convictions without fingerprinting. (This decision will impact all police stations and third party providers across Canada).  They also are not allowing third party organizations to do vulnerable sector scans.

This is not only about BackCheck. Third party means anyone other than the individual themselves. 

Third party processing would mean that organizations cannot send a pile of checks to be processed to the local police station to be done in bundles;

Third party should mean the RCMP officer that attends your church should not be able to take a bundle into work on Monday and return them processed;

Third party will mean every dear volunteer (Aunt Ida) who serves faithfully in your organization must make the trek down to the police station ... pay for parking ... wait in line with others ... complete the paper work ... and repeat the trek in 2 days ... or 2 weeks ... or 2 months when it is ready to be picked up.  As the administrator not only will you have to ask Aunt Ida to go for her police record check but if she has any type of criminal activity in the past ... you will now need to ask her to be finger printed so you can find out exactly what the criminal activity is.  Needless to say, you may need to remind Aunt Ida many many times to remember to pick up the criminal record check from the Police Station and return it to the organization at which time you may need to reimburse her individually for her out-of-pocket costs. Thankfully we can trust Aunt Ida not to manipulate the results before she returns the completed Criminal Record Check. Or can we? Perhaps she does not want us to see the Disturbing the Peace or DUI that occurred 30 years ago ... so she actually doesn't submit it to the organization or worse yet she alters it to her favour. Aunt Ida may be safe but what about the young adult that has found a trusting organization where he can groom children and can quickly be placed in a position of trust. 

What's all the fuss? 

The system was working. It was a well-oiled machine .... the pains had ceased for thousands of organizations who were on top of their Criminal Record Checks. It has been working well for the past ten years (thank you BackCheck!). With this decision being made; without input from Canadians (who are willingly granting permission for their personal information to be shared) we have taken a step backward in protecting our children -- what happened to the past ten years.  So much for winning the race against abuse!

This is what all the fuss is about! 

There are 7.5 million volunteers in Canada. Many of us volunteer in numerous settings. Each location should have an original Criminal Record Check on file demonstrating they have done due diligence in screening. As willing volunteers we do not want to add another two or three hours over numerous occassions to go to a police station. It isn't necessary when there is a 3rd party industry who has partnered with police stations to provide quick and secure criminal record checks. 

With the excellent service of BackCheck and a local police station we recently were able to process a criminal record check in 22 minutes. That is amazing! That is a great start in demonstrating due diligence.  No fuss at all!

Is it true that most organizations only implement Plan to Protect™ for their children’s programs and not their youth activities; that Plan to Protect is designed for those up to the ages of 12 years old?

In the last three weeks I have heard many questions about implementing Plan to Protect in youth ministry and programming, and the challenges with implementation that arise within these settings. 

Myth:  Plan to Protect is a protection plan for children not youth

The youth component of the manual was researched and written by Dave Brotherton, Professor of Youth Ministry at Ambrose University and Seminary and National Youth Facilitator for the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Canada.  He knows youth ministry well and is passionate about protecting youth and protecting youth leaders. 

Hats off to Dave and those of you who are youth leaders that wrestle to create safe environments for your youth; we know it is not an easy task but you are raising the bar. 

One of the biggest challenges youth leaders face is interacting with and mentoring young people without putting themselves in vulnerable situations. They also face the challenge with how to communicate with youth when the name of the game is emailing, texting, Facebook and MSN. Top this with the issue of youth with camera phones tagging images of young people on the internet and posting videos of them on YouTube. 

We recognize that implementing abuse prevention in youth programs is a challenge. But please don’t throw out the program or plan because it is a challenge. Youth ministries and activities are often very high risk. 

Myth:  Plan to Protect says you cannot mentor youth off-site and you cannot do off-site programs

Myth:  Plan to Protect says you can’t email students or communicate via facebook. 

When I hear the resistance that some youth leaders have to Plan to Protect I sense the need to emphasize again that Plan to Protect is not a policy but a plan to establish a policy. It is the responsibility of the organization’s leaders and board to establish a policy. We recommend that these policies be set up in conjunction with the youth leaders where they address challenges and concerns being mindful that within youth programming there are many risks. 

I prefer not to focus on specific scenarios as the possible number is great. Can we throw the ball back into your court youth leaders and encourage you to embrace these five principles. The first four principles are adapted from Reducing the Risk. At Winning Kids we have added one which we believe is key in demonstrating due diligence and reflects the plan. We encourage your supervisors to hold you accountable to these principles. 

Five key principles:

      I.        As risk increases, supervision should also increase.

    II.        Risk increases as isolation increases.

  III.        Risk increases as accountability decreases.

   IV.        Risk increases when there is an imbalance of power, authority, influence, and control between a potential abuser and a potential victim.

     V.        The key to demonstrating due diligence (sufficient care) is collecting and retaining documentation. 

The tips for success could be lengthy.  I am also adding this FAQ to our blog.  Please feel free to comment and add more tips for success.

Tips:

·         Mentor youth in teams of two with another leader.  You could sit at separate tables at a restaurant but still within sight of each other.

·         Have parents drop off and pick up students.

·         Invite a third person to sit at another table in the restaurant or coffee shop for accountability.

·         Ensure that there are clear site lines into your office and classrooms.

·         Avoid taking youth to your apartment or home without another unrelated screened worker.

·         Mentor in small group settings rather than one-on-one.

·         Avoid driving alone with a student – if you find yourself in this situation have the student call home and talk to his parents or another unrelated screened leader during the car ride home.

·         Copy another youth leader on emails and text messages.

·         Secure written permission from parents prior to communicating with youth electronically.

·         Avoid the use of web cams as the young person may not be properly dressed or may be in the privacy of their own room.

·         Avoid public locations where there is no one who can account for your conversations and provide testimony.

·         Don’t promise to keep secrets if it would jeopardize your legal responsibility to report abuse.

·         Clearly post behaviour guidelines and expectations.

·         Avoid travelling by cars when possible and use commercial vehicles for off-site trips

·         Communicate wall to wall and not with private messages on Facebook.

·         Avoid instant messaging on Facebook.

·         We believe that one of the most important pieces of documentation is “An Informed Letter of Consent with a Release and Waiver.”  Provide this as a download from your website for easy access. 

On behalf of the many young people that have been exploited and abused, we want to say a big thank you for doing your part to protect youth. On behalf of youth leaders that have been falsely accused of abuse, please don’t let down your guard. On behalf of Winning Kids we are so encouraged to see many youth pastors and youth leaders attend our training courses as this provides opportunity to network together to learn from each other. 

If you would like to continue the conversation please visit our blog and add your two cents. 

Disclaimer:  The development, preparation and publication of this work has been undertaken with great care. However, the publisher, editors, employees and agents of Winning Kids Inc., are not responsible for any errors contained herein or for consequences that may ensue from use of materials or information contained in this work. The information contained herein is intended to assist organizations in establishing policy. Plan to Protect and references to the manual are only as current as the date of the publication and does not reflect subsequent changes in law. This information is distributed with the understanding that it does not constitute legal advice. Organizations are strongly encouraged to seek legal counsel as well as counsel from your insurance company when establishing a policy.

We are often asked the question, “Do we need to comply to all of the Plan to Protect™ policies?” I was asked also the question, "What is the minimum we need to do?"

Not on your life. Or should I say not on the life of a child or youth!

One of the myths of Plan to Protect™ is that the manual is a policy. Plan to Protect™ is not a policy but rather a plan to protect children and youth and a plan to protect your organizations, volunteers and staff. With the help of the manual you are able to customize your own policy to reflect the needs of your community, venue, and staffing. You will also want to take into consideration your insurance company’s standards. If you are able to demonstrate that you do adhere to these standards you may qualify for abuse coverage insurance and have the exclusion clause for abuse removed from your policy. Many of the sample policies that we have included in Plan to Protect reflect the insurance standards, i.e. recruitment and screening and procedures for children and youth programming. 

Not all of the sample policies are required by your insurance company. One of the member benefits of Winning Kids® is that we will research and draft policies requested by our members In the past year we have drafted policies for the use of computer and internet, H1N1, and off-site trips with housing in hotels and motels. These sample policies have been prepared at the request of our members. We want to commend these members for continuing to raise the bar on the protection of children and youth. Winning Kids recommends that you embrace as many of these policies as you are able in order to demonstrate sufficient care and due diligence. 

As with all of our work, the information is distributed with the understanding that it does not constitute legal advice. Organizations are strongly encouraged to not only consult your insurance company but to also seek legal counsel when establishing and customizing a policy. 

On a personal note, the authors of Plan to Protect™ do work directly with children and youth in small, medium and large sized organizations, in rural and urban settings and in settings that are multicultural. We know from experience that it is a challenge but well worth the effort. 

We know our standard is high. We don’t apologize for it but we are committed to helping you achieve that standard. 

Both United States and Canada continue to prepare against a pandemic!  Daily we hear of rising numbers of North Americans with H1N1.  Within the last few days we have heard of the announcement of the first vaccination available which will be administered by nasal spray to ward off this influenza.  Many of us eagerly await this year’s flu shot hoping it will ward off illness.  I currently am fighting a flu and it is not fun! 

Recently I was reflecting on the numbers of Americans that have come down with the Swine Flu.  The numbers continue to increase.  We know though that if a pandemic hits, the numbers will be staggering.  As a result, it is not uncommon to see adults walking with masks on and utilizing the sanitizers that have been installed in public buildings. 

Even in our churches and schools senior leadership and politicians are addressing a plan to protect us from H1N1.  Even in my own province, Premier Dalton McGuinty was at Rolph Road School in Toronto the first week of school to help teach students their first lesson of the school year -- proper hand washing. The Premier reminded kids that hand washing helps prevent the spread of germs. He also encouraged students to cough and sneeze into their sleeves.

We can be very thankful that a concerted effort is being made to prepare for a pandemic and to protect our children and youth and vulnerable people from this life-threatening disease. 

Take time to read the Health and Safety Guidelines in Plan to Protect™.  The manual addresses not only issues of child abuse but prevention for health and safety.  Keep the manual close at hand as you minimize the risk within your organization.    

Over the course of the next few weeks I will be reflecting on principles which will help us create safe environments for children. 

The principle of COMMUNICATION is key to creating a safe environment as it relates to medical issues and illness.  Communicate to parents early in the year your policies for Health and Safety.  Encourage parents to keep their children at home if they show any signs of flu and illness.  Coach your program leaders to recognize these signs and to also gain the confidence to confront parents with care.  If a parent is stressed and facing responsibilities beyond the care of their child they may feel it necessary to entrust the child into your care even when they are ill.  Finally encourage your staff and personnel to communicate through written documentation anything out of the ordinary that occurs during the program.

Document your communication and as Plan to Protect states maintain important communication permanently. 

A sample policy for H1N1 has been added to our Member Section of our website. 

For additional information from Health Canada click here!

I came upon the story of Victoria Adjo Climbié (2 November 1991–25 February 2000) who was abused and murdered by her guardians in London, England, in 2000. The public outrage at her death led to a public inquiry which produced major changes in child protection policies in the United Kingdom, including the formation of the Every Child Matters programme; the introduction of the Children Act 2004; the creation of the Contact Point project, a planned government database that will hold information on all children in England and Wales; and the creation of the Office of the Children's

At the time of her death it was noted the numerous locations of lacerations on this wee girl’s body. It was said that Victoria was beaten on a daily basis with a shoe, a coat hanger and a wooden cooking spoon and would strike her on her toes with a hammer. Victoria’s blood was found on her uncle’s football boots. He admitted that at times he would hit Victoria with a bicycle chain.

In her post mortum it was found that Victoria had 128 separate injuries on her body, showing she had been beaten with a range of sharp and blunt instruments. No part of her body had been spared. Marks on her wrists and ankles indicated that her arms and legs had been tied together. It was the worst case of deliberate harm to a child he had ever seen.

There was over 100 witnesses to Victoria’s maltreatment and abuse.  However the community did not join forces – this was not done in secret – the community services, hospitals, doctors, social workers, teachers, babysitters, neighbours all had seen the abuse, suspected it but waited for others to respond. 

Weeks prior to Victoria’s death she was taken to local church on two separate occasions.  She was ushered into the Pastor’s office who was told that Victoria was demon possessed and need prayer.  On both occasions the pastor prayed over the child and encouraged Victoria to be a good girl and to obey everything her aunt and uncle instructed of her. 

This story I find heart breaking.  Not only because of the senseless death of Victoria but because so many community workers held key information which if they had only joined forces they could have spared her life.  If onl they had built a strong wall of protection for her. 

Victoria was born days before my youngest daughter, Courtney was born.  Courtney will be graduating from high school this year. If Victoria was alive she too may be graduating from high school with her whole future ahead of her. 

The true account of Victoria Adjo Climbié’s life continues to enforce what we are all about at Winning Kids Inc.  Our desire is to put in the hands of community groups the tools and training to provide abuse prevention and recognition.  We do not exist for ourselves but to bring recognition to schools, camps, churches, sporting leagues, babysitters, piano teachers, tutors, counsellors, etc., that working with children and youth. 

Daily I read websites of individuals who are bashing churches, synagogues, schools, clergy for not protecting the children.  Let’s begin to start working together on behalf of the children and applaud the great efforts that are being made daily. 

It is alarming to continue to hear of the stories of abuse.  Unfortunately the race is still on and we have a long way to go before we win the race against abuse.  I do believe though that we will accomplish much more if we work together and create a protective environment within our communities and initiate healing communities. 

To read the BBC's account of Victoria, click here!

As an entrepreneur, visionary, and strategic planner I have really enjoyed 2008.  It has been an exciting year for Winning Kids Inc.  We want to thank so many of you for helping to grow the business especially our members, clients and students.

We said we were going to hit the road running and we certainly have.  We have added to our tool box the Association version of the manual, on-line training, sourced out an excellent information management system customized for Plan to Protect, added two new certification training courses for Trainers and  also Administrators & Leaders, and Plan to Protect lanyards for recognition of screened workers.

We have travelled now to six major cities, forged two new sub-license agreements with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada and the Evangelical Missionary Churches of Canada, and began translation of Plan to Protect into French.

This past year we have really enjoyed working alongside of our clients. We have had the privilege to work with them to either customize policies and/or conduct assessments.  Our clients include Peoples Christian Academy, Muskoka Bible Centre, Toronto Chinese Alliance Church and Upper Room Community Church.

Additional highlights include processing 1,500+ criminal record checks, welcoming our 100th member, and certifying 150 trainers. 

We eagerly look forward to 2009.  Here are some of the things we hope to accomplish:  finalizing a publishing contract for Plan to Protect which will enable us to have a much wider audience expanding to the United States, finalize the French version of the manual, and conduct training in Vancouver, Edmonton, Kelowna, and Regina.  We also hope to demonstrate to many associations and denominations that Plan to Protect is an excellent product that can be customized for their clubs, chapters and churches.  We also want to hear from you.  What additional tools, services  and training can we provide you to help you with your plan to protect?

We know we cannot accomplish this without you.  Our passion is kids ... our mandate is to create safe and winning environments for children and youth!  Please pass the word along, ask others if they have a revised plan to protect. 

Note:  We are currently seeking a full time sales person (Ontario) and part-time Winning Kids Associates (nationally). If you are interested click here!

During the first quarter of Winning Kids Inc. we have exhibited at 8 conferences, distributed hundreds of Plan to Protect III.  We have trained close to 500 people.  That represents so many kids! We are encouraged with the great feedback we are receiving both to the manual and also to our training sessions.  It is also encouraging to hear others endorsing Plan to Protect and Winning Kids Inc. 

"For over a decade Robertson Hall Insurance has recommended "Plan To Protect" to our church client organizations.  The updated version for 2007 is even more user-friendly, practical and understandable for church and charity leaders as they seek effective ways to protect the children and youth in their care against potential harm and protect their ministry workers from false allegations.   Plenty of great examples, training ideas and sample forms means that your organization doesn't have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to abuse prevention.   Having the new edition and updated materials as a resource and template for abuse prevention policies and procedures is like the benefit of an expert without having one in your congregation.  We applaud the efforts of Melodie Bissell and Winning Kids for making effective abuse prevention more understandable and achievable for the Christian community!"

Kenneth A. Hall, President

Robertson Hall Insurance Inc.