SVdP Indy Safeguarding Training

[Audio] Today we will be discussing Safeguarding, the way in which we protect those we serve, those who serve and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the Indianapolis Archdiocese. This is required training for some, and optional for others. But the policy is for all..

Opening Prayer. Lord, we ask for the grace to have a Vincentian heart. We give you our gifts and talents, our dreams and visions so that we may carry the mission of St. Vincent to the poor. We ask for the grace to have hands that work for justice, so that we may show your love to all those suffering from prejudice and inequality We ask for the grace to have hearts of love and compassion, so that we may bring mercy to the broken hearts of the poor. Amen.

[Audio] Safeguarding is a sensitive topic. We will stop at strategic points for questions. We ask to reserve all questions until these points. If you don't want to ask a question publicly, feel free to ask one of us any questions via phone/email. Any examples should be anonymous. If you mention another example during this training, please change or omit any names. You do not need to omit names if you are asking us questions personally, only in the context of this training session..

[Audio] As we implement and follow the Safeguarding policy, we must focus first on the integrity of our relationships with those we serve. This is not a hunt for problems, but rather an awareness of observations..

Agenda. What is Safeguarding? Why does SVdP Need a Safeguarding Policy? Policy Scope Policy Fundamentals Requirements for all Vincentians Specific Requirements Communication, Monitoring and Compliance Next Steps.

[Audio] There are two main documents that we have used to develop Indy's Safeguarding Policy: Safe Environment Guidelines National Safeguarding Policy Other sources have also been used to fill in additional details..

[Audio] Safeguarding is just as it sounds: keeping everyone safe from abuse, injury, neglect and exploitation. It is the right thing to do, and to do now..

[Audio] Everyone we serve is likely "vulnerable" so assume all are vulnerable. Many of our volunteers are also vulnerable. This is not an Indy-specific policy but cover the entire Archdiocesan Council area..

[Audio] Creating this policy is required by the SVdP International organization with implementation in each country and Council in accordance with local, state and national laws..

[Audio] This is not an Indy-specific policy but cover the entire Council area. It includes everyone involved in the work we do, in one way or another. This policy was approved by the Council Board, effective Feb 1 2023..

[Audio] All who have access to our facilities, who interact with our neighbors, or are Conference members are included..

[Audio] Attending this training is just one part of safeguarding. These virtues explain what we do as a whole as well. Safeguarding is already built into the Vincentian mission. However, how we act to ensure safeguarding will be most important..

Questions or Comments?.

[Audio] Everyone in the Council region will be made aware of this policy. Most will sign the Code of Conduct. Some will have additional training, have background checks, and be issued a photo ID. Indiana law requires reporting of suspected incidents of abuse, neglect or exploitation of both children and adults. The Council is putting structures in place for reporting and investigating incidents..

[Audio] We welcome feedback from all as to ways to make this policy more effective, efficient and inclusive..

[Audio] Your handout shows definitions for all these terms. Most are from state definitions or from Archdiocese resources. There should be few surprises, but each term is important to understand..

[Audio] Most importantly are the definitions of children and endangered adults. Inappropriate behavior with either cannot be rationalized in any situation..

[Audio] Endangered adults include almost everyone we serve on a regular basis. Respecting their rights is very important. Observing and reporting observations or behaviors outside the boundaries must be common practice..

[Audio] Each individual we serve has rights that cannot be denied or usurped. We have an obligation to protect all against abuse, injury and neglect..

Reasonableness Test for Reporting. Reason to Believe: A person is said to have “reason to believe” an accusation when evidence that, if presented to individuals of similar background and training, would cause those individuals to believe it is more likely than not that the person had been abused..

[Audio] Physical abuse needs to be intentional, although the amount of force does not need to be intended. For example, if I talk with my hands, and I accidentally hit the person who walked up behind me, that's not abuse. But, if I push my child out of the way, and they fall down the stairs and seriously injure themselves, that could constitute physical abuse. This lists of signs in the following slides are not comprehensive. These are tailored to signs that you may see during a home visit. If you are interested in more warning signs, they are relatively easy to find online..

[Audio] Any sexual interaction with a child (or related to a child) constitutes sexual abuse, even if it seems wanted/reciprocated..

[Audio] Signs you may see: Low self-esteem and self-worth They may show signs of depression, anxiety, or social withdrawal. People pleasing or desperately seeking attention, especially the attention of particular people. More than just a child showing off in a home. Avoidance of people or situations like "I can't go around Aunt so-and-so because my hair's not done" or "I don't want to go to school." Isolation from family/friends – may be more common with elder or disability abuse..

[Audio] Neglect can happen to people of all ages. It always involves the willful failure of an adult responsible for the neglected individual..

[Audio] In recognizing the state of poverty in a household we must be aware of the capacity of the family to meet children's needs. But there are sufficient resources that children should have food, clothing, education and adequate healthcare..

[Audio] Financial abuse can be very hard to recognize and diagnose. Individuals being abused may be ashamed of the state of their lives and hide the abuse. It isn't for us to investigate but only to report suspected abuse..

[Audio] Caregivers are not always family members; they may be friends, neighbors or even paid caregivers. However, the individual being cared for deserves respect and freedom to choose as much as they are able..

[Audio] Elder abuse is one of the hardest forms of abuse to recognize. It may be financial, physical or emotional, but the toll on the abused individual is real and important to recognize..

[Audio] People with disabilities are dependent on others, and that dependency can lead to abusive situations. When there are cognitive, communication or behavioral disorders we may not be able to recognize abuse..

[Audio] Survivors of domestic abuse may try to hide injuries or rationalize the abusive behavior. Listening closely for signs of an abusive relationship may be the only key to recognizing abuse..

[Audio] As much as we all want to friendly, our actions need to be respectful of boundaries..

[Audio] Violating boundaries can lead to resistance and even hostility when we are trying to serve neighbors in need. Be conscience of potential problems..

[Audio] Our words can cross boundaries just as our actions can. Beware!.

Questions or Comments?.

[Audio] We have developed a Code of Conduct for most to sign, modeling from the Archdiocese Code of Conduct. Additionally photo IDs and training will be required for some. But not all, volunteers..

[Audio] Background checks are common these days for many groups, including schools, churches and scouts. A background check performed for another group will be accepted by SVdP Indy if it was completed in the last 3 years (proof of results required)..

Roles and Requirements Matrix. April 2023. St. Vincent de Paul – Indianapolis.

Role Definitions. Volunteers with organizational responsibility including Presidents and Treasurers Volunteer who work leading a team of other volunteers Volunteers in a capacity that faces those we serve on a regular basis, including stores, pantry intake and home delivery, as well as those with access to personal identifying information Volunteer participating at least monthly Includes both active and associate members.

[Audio] Since the Safeguarding Policy covers all SVdP facilities in the Council region as well all employees, contractors, volunteers and visitors, communicating the Policy is important. Each facility will have appropriate signage and a copy of the Policy. The Policy will also be posted on the SVdP Indy website..

Facility Signage. April 2023. St. Vincent de Paul – Indianapolis.

[Audio] Not all states have mandatory reporting. Indiana does. All adults in Indiana are mandatory reporters: if you see something your must say something. Reports are covered by a "Good Samaritan" law so long as reports are in good faith.

[Audio] There are specific reporting requirements that must be followed. Reporting may not be delegated to someone else..

[Audio] The Compliance Coordinator is responsible to see that all the critical steps are taken to both report the potential abuse and protect the rights of all involved..

[Audio] Internal reviews are important to make sure appropriate measures are taken. These reviews do not replace any investigations by law enforcement or state agencies..

[Audio] Employees will be trained annually. Key volunteers and Home Visitors will be trained biannually. Records will be kept by the Council..

Questions or Comments?.

Final Words. Safeguarding is being implemented to protect those we serve, and those who serve them Safeguarding respects the rights of both children and vulnerable adults Safeguarding is the right thing to do.

Closing Prayer. Father – Strengthen us in our mission, that we may serve all those entrusted to us with generosity, with mercy, with gentleness, and with love. In Your name we pray. Amen.