"Men and women who abuse […] are master liars who manipulate not only their victims, but also parents, churches, and communities into believing their crimes are not particularly egregious or are even the fault of the victim." -Victor Vieth |
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Offenders often have lifelong patterns of manipulation and deception. Too often I hear from victims that their abuser was a master manipulator and communicator, possessing a dynamic personality and a successful career. At the same time, they are scheming to position themselves to have more access to their targeted victims. |
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They break the rules, they think they are above policy and procedure, they are “too cool for rules!”
How do we turn a new leaf and become wiser than they are? How do we find a balance between safeguarding and empowering leaders to do their work without mistrusting their motivation and tactics? Or, should we?
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I believe every organization needs the following thirteen initiatives in place to raise the bar on safeguarding. Take the assessment and let us know how you did for a chance to win a copy of our newest manual! |
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- Promoting a culture of accountability and transparency, and a commitment to do what is right and safeguard your community.
- Adhering to a code of conduct or lifestyle agreement that personnel are required to sign and agree to on an annual basis.
- Establishing a cross-functional committee (that reports to the Board) that has the mandate of safeguarding the organization.
- Committing to lifelong learning and professional development in safeguarding.
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- Defining the different forms of abuse, sexual harassment, and misconduct.
- Follow a model of Board governance that ensures policies are established and complied with and that major breaches of policy and code of conduct are brought to the attention of the Board.
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- Documenting and establishing procedures that ensure everyone knows what is expected of them, including knowing what the parameters for engagement are.
- Screening of all personnel, being cautiously selective in who your team members are.
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- Providing annual and ongoing training on abuse awareness, prevention and response.
- Delivering progressive steps of discipline for personnel who break the code of conduct and breach policies and procedures.
- Identifying a safe place or person to bring concerns, disclosures, and allegations to.
- Providing trauma-informed responses to individuals who raise concerns and victim-survivors of abuse,
- Conducting annual audits by an independent party to ensure that the initiatives are in place and can assure the Board that their trust is well founded.
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To qualify to win a complimentary copy of the new manual, take the assessment and go find one of our social media posts for our May newsletter and comment on how many of the 13 initiatives you have in place. If you tag others on the post, you will have additional chances to win! (Include social media links)
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We are shipping the newest version of our manual. By the end of June, we will have shipped out close to 1,200 copies! Over 1,000 copies will be shipped out by the end of May.
One copy of the manual is being sent to every member organization in good standing.
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Watch for your copy in the mail! |
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Check out our Training in May! |
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May 04, 2022
7:00pm - 8:00pm Eastern Time
A one-hour seminar designed to raise the awareness of Elder Abuse. During this community event, we will learn what Elder Abuse is, how to recognize and respond to it, and valuable strategies to prevent Elder Abuse from happening. Everyone is welcome! Let's plan to protect!
for details and registration.
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May 17, 2022
12:30pm-1:00pm Eastern Time
This is a complimentary webinar. Register to participate LIVE with Q&A time, or to receive access to an instant replay.
for details and registration.
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May 19, 2022
7:30pm - 9:00pm Eastern Time
We have modified our Plan to Protect® Orientation training for Board Members and Trustees.
Come one, come all!
for details and registration.
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May 26, 2022
8:00pm - 9:30pm Eastern Time
This webinar is great for individuals and groups who need to be refreshed in Plan to Protect® policies and procedures.
for details and registration.
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May 28, 2022
1:00pm - 3:30pm Eastern Time
Join us for this 2 hour orientation training covering awareness of abuse and so much more!
for details and registration.
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The question has been asked,
“How do we implement the new manual?"
We can help you!
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If you already have safeguarding policies and procedures in place: |
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1) Begin by reading through the manual and putting a sticky note on different policies:
a. Add it!
b. Discuss it!
c. Consider it!
d. Table it!
e. Ignore it!
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2) Use the compiled policies and Word document available with the manual to update your policy and procedure handbook with the policies that you want to add for Board approval.
3) Review the updated appendices and forms and replace your existing ones for forms that you would like to include.
4) Train your staff and volunteers on the new and modified policies and procedures.
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