Dear Classis Delegates,

Two available videos:
As stated in our September classis report, we have two abuse prevention videos. The first one is titled, "Hear Their Cries - Religious Responses to Child Abuse" (45 minutes). The second one is titled, "Bless Our Children - Preventing Sexual Abuse" (40 minutes). One classis church is currently viewing them. Let John Gilson know if you also would like to view these videos and he will see that you get them.

Sexual harassment:
This past year we gave advice to one classis pastor on a case of sexual harassment (not sexual abuse). The matter was eventually dropped as the plaintiff decided not to pursue the matter. However, even an accusation of sexual harassment can cause a lot of concern, stress and time for a pastor. Remember that the Abuse Response Team and the Abuse Prevention Office are always there to assist and give advice. 

From last September’s Classis meeting:
At the September ‘05 classis meeting, a final resolution was made concerning a sexual abuse case against an unordained pastor. The Abuse Response Team is very pleased with the resolution as is the Abuse Prevention Office. We would like you to know that the victim is also pleased with the outcome and stated that she is blessed to have seen God's justice in her life through His body. After going through a long dark period, she is again experiencing God's grace, and is again learning to put God first in everything.  She is currently saving money to further her Christian studies and then hopes to serve the Lord in the mission field.  Praise God for the new joy and restoration He has granted this person!

Abuse prevention policies:
We anticipate that each Classis Hamilton church now has an abuse prevention policy in place or is well into having one developed. If your church does not yet have a policy, you should check with your insurance company to see if you are covered in the event of a lawsuit connected with an allegation of abuse. Since our last classis report we have assisted one classis church in helping them go through the steps of developing a policy. 

If you are still developing a policy, here are some suggestions that you may wish to consider:

1. It is important that everything in the policy is enforceable. In other words, the bar has to be low enough that everyone can reach it. Too many times policies look great on paper but in reality has parts that cannot realistically be enforced. In other words the bar has been placed too high. If there is anything in your policy that may not be enforceable then it would need to be looked at again. There is nothing worse in a court of law than to say that "It is in the policy but was not enforced".
    
2. One insurance company (Robertson Hall Insurance) has made two things mandatory.
   (i) That churches require potential employees to fill out application forms that address lifestyle statements and a release for references and police criminal checks.
   (ii) That churches also conduct personal interviews for all new volunteers (it is not necessary to interview current volunteers).
   We suggest that you check with your insurance provider what their requirements are for coverage.
    
3. It is also important to address the privacy issue of what happens to the police checks when they are handed in and who sees them. Privacy is a big issue these days and a Privacy Policy is a requirement by law. If your church does not have a privacy policy then this should be the next policy to develop.
    
4. Since this policy affects every child and youth related organization in the church, it will most definitely affect the leaders, superintendents, head counsellors and anyone in charge of a child or youth organization. It is therefore important to give each leader a copy of the draft policy as it relates to their group. Ask them to study the policy for their area of responsibility and see if there is anything in the policy they feel cannot be enforced or an area that is going to cause problems. Experience has shown that you will receive back both concerns and positive suggestions. Going through this step has each leader taking ownership of the policy. It is also good to involve them as they could be assisting in ensuring police checks are carried out and also possibly handing out policies to their volunteers.
    
5. Once the leaders have had their input, it then needs to go to Council for comments. It does not have to be approved at this time - just get their input. After all, council will ultimately be responsible for the policy.
    
6. Once you have received input from all leaders, council members and anyone else that may have an interest in the policy, and have made all adjustments to the policy, you should then email a copy to Beth Swagman of the Abuse Prevention Office. Her email address is swagmanb@crcna.org. This is Beth’s area of expertise.
    
7. Once Beth has had a look at it, we then suggest you give it to your lawyer to have a look at it. There may be a small cost involved with the lawyer studying the policy.
    
8. Once the lawyer has given his approval, the policy can then be officially presented to Council for approval.
    
9. Once council has approved the policy, a copy should be sent to your insurance company.
    
10. It should be noted that the committee or individual creating the policy does not have to be the one to implement it.