Definitions
What does "failure to meet a child's basic need for food, clothing, shelter, sleep, medical attention, education and protection from harm" mean?
Neglect
Bissell, Plan to Protect, 20.
Who should report child abuse?
Anyone with reasonable grounds to believe abuse is occurring.
Bissell, Plan to Protect, 258.
Should pastors investigate allegations of abuse?
No, allow authorities do investigate.
Bissell, Plan to Protect, 266.
Who is to make a statement to the media after allegations of abuse are known by the public?
Only a designated church media spokesperson.
Bissell, Plan to Protect, 282.
What is emotional abuse?
Repeated behaviour that attacks a child's emotional being and self worth. Includes repeated criticism, teasing, belittling, insults, rejection and isolation from others. May be characterized by a lack of love, support and guidance.
Bissell, Plan to Protect, 20.
What should you do if you hear allegations of abuse?
Fill out a 'Suspected Abuse Report Form', and the Lead Pastor will be notified.
Bissell, Plan to Protect, 261.
If threats of abuse or crime could/will result in emergency who should be called first?
9-1-1
Bissell, Plan to Protect, 263.
Who needs to sign an offender's covenant?
Anyone who has been convicted of sexual crimes against children and youth, and want to attend church.
Bissell, Plan to Protect, 285.
What does "deliberate physical force or action that results, or could result, in injury to a child" describe?
Physical abuse
Bissell, Plan to Protect, 19.
Does adult abuse need to be reported?
If it is an emergent situation, call 9-1-1. If not there is no mandatory reporting, but you should support the victim if they decide to file a report or not.
Bissell, Plan to Protect, 263.
Who can use scripture out of context to manipulate another individual?
No one.
Bissell, Plan to Protect, 270.
Who can admit church responsibilities to the courts or police?
No one.
Bissell, Plan to Protect, 284.
What "occurs when a child is used for the sexual gratification of an adult or an older child."
Sexual abuse.
Bissell, Plan to Protect, 19.
Should the whole church be notified about suspected abuse so that they can pray about it?
No, protect privacy and the victim.
Bissell, Plan to Protect, 268.
What is a whistleblower policy?
A policy to protect those who speak out and raise concern for an individual, even if they are wrong, against reprisal, dismissal or retaliation.
Bissell, Plan to Protect, 273.
How many individuals need to be included in the signing of an offender's covenant?
The pastor, two representatives of the board and the convicted. Limited people need to know, only those supporting the agreement.
Bissell, Plan to Protect, 285.
What is spiritual abuse?
Using scripture out of context to manipulate, using the Bible as a weapon, remanded respect, exclusivity, excessive use of fear and shame, charismatic leaders, performative spirituality.
Bissell, Plan to Protect, 270-272.
What should you do if you have grounds to believe a child is being abused at home?
Call Child and Family Services and report the matter, ASAP. Different reporting process for abuse occurring within the church.
Bissell, Plan to Protect, 258.
If an adult who doesn’t have the cognitive ability to report abuse discloses that they or someone they know are being abused what two things should be done?
Fill out a suspected abuse report, then report to the police.
Bissell, Plan to Protect, 263.
Who can practice or exercise church discipline?
Church Leadership.
Bissell, Plan to Protect, 280.