MINISTRY SAFE

Here on the South Arkansas District, we are committed to protecting our children from the devastating consequences of sexual abuse.

Here are some FACTS about sexual abuse:

• Sexual abusers will seek access to children where protective barriers are low.

• Protective barriers in the Church tend to be critically low, creating a target for predators.

• Ongoing failure to address this issue results in increased risk to children in ministry programs


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Less than 10% of sexual abusers will EVER encounter the criminal justice system

• A criminal background check alone is NOT an effective Safety System.

• Sexual abusers KNOW when there is no criminal record to be found.

• Criminal background checks are vital, but they have limitations and are NOT a silver bullet


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There is NO visual profile for molesters

• Most molesters appear helpful, trustworthy and responsible
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• Abusers come from all segments of society and many are married, educated and have families


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90% of victims are abused by someone they know and trust

• Abduction offenses (the ‘snatch and grab’) are a fraction of sexual abuse occurrences.

 

• Sexual abusers groom children and gatekeepers prior to sexual behavior
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• Staff members and volunteers are gatekeepers and MUST understand and be able to recognize the abuser’s ‘grooming process'.


Here on the South Arkansas District, we have discovered that many of our churches wish they knew how to better protect those within their ministry.

However, many churches don’t even know where to start nor can they even afford the tools needed to ensure the safety of children and/or the most vulnerable within our churches.

Here’s the great news!

The South Arkansas District can now help your church with little money coming out of your budget.

We have partnered with MinistrySafe, a premier training tool specifically designed to help the local church prepare and protect those within our ministries.

There are three key areas we want to help you with.

1) Background Checks - Backgrounds need be done every 2 years.  They are logged in a district database and will allow your workers to be cleared for any church, district or field events during those 2 years.  Cost is $10 per person.

2) Worker Trainings - We have access to all of the videos and tests necessary to be a trained Ministry Safe worker.  Churches can now provide group training and testing.  Answers will be provided to the local pastor upon request.  Trainings are good for two years.  Some training materials available in Spanish as well. (link attached to their location).

3) Policies and Procedures - Church boards should approve safety policies and procedures.  Sample policies and procedures are supplied for the local church to customize and implement for their local ministries. 

 

Samples are in attached link.

 

Policy and Procedure Samples