What Is Your Philosophy of Risk? | | |
In this newsletter, we continue to unpack the principles of safeguarding. This month, we consider risk. When providing programming and activities for children, youth, and vulnerable adults, there is always a risk to their safety and well-being. However, having a philosophy (and, if you are a faith-based organization, a theology) of risk will influence your response to risky activities.
Here are two sample statements to consider when developing a philosophy or theology of risk:
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Philosophy of Risk ~ We value the children, youth and adults that we serve and will take steps to reduce the risk of injury, harm and abuse. We have a comprehensive plan to protect our people.
Theology of Risk ~ We believe that God is a sovereign and good Creator and protector. God has entrusted us with the care of creation. We will use our God-given skills, gifts and discernment to reduce the risk of injury, harm and abuse of creation, including children, youth and adults in our care.
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While Plan to Protect does not encourage avoiding all risky activities, we do encourage you to spend ample time identifying and actively mitigating the risks you face.
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Here are five strategies for identifying, mitigating and responding to risk:
- A risk assessment will be conducted prior to launching any new program or activity or when planning an off-site trip.
- Policies will be established by the Board to clearly communicate a commitment to safety, zero tolerance for abuse, and extend compassion and concern for those who have been harmed. The policies will establish parameters for engagement with the vulnerable sector. All staff members and volunteers are responsible to adhere to the policies of the organization.
- No person is beyond suspicion of abuse. Therefore, we will conduct comprehensive screening and training for all our staff members and volunteers to reduce the risk of harm.
- All staff members and volunteers are required to take annual training on risk management, safeguarding and reporting and responding to abuse.
- All accidents, injuries and reports of abuse will be well documented and brought to the attention of our leadership, not negating our immediate duty to report when a child is in need of protection to child protection services and local law enforcement.
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Concern of the Day...
The common belief that “having no policy is better than having a policy that is not enforced” is incorrect. In 2024, pretending not to know or avoiding the issue will not be acceptable in a legal setting, especially since the standard of care for organizations working with vulnerable groups is clearly established. It’s also inadvisable to have policies that are not implemented or adhered to. Instead, organizations with established policies should dedicate the necessary effort to monitor compliance through regular oversight, policy audits, and staff and volunteer evaluations.
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Are you still sitting on the fence trying to decide if you should become a member of Plan to Protect? | | |
Take it from our members…
We recently asked some of our members what they felt the greatest benefits of membership were. Our top five contenders for the best loved benefits include:
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Email and phone support “I can call or email my Account Manager, and they get back to me within one day, if not sooner.”
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The research and development of new and updated best practices and policy and procedure statements. “We know you will keep us informed of changes in standards of care, legislation and insurance requirements. We listen to every one of your Special Interest Webinars to stay informed.”
- The database of Best Practices collected from Plan to Protect, industry experts, and clients of Plan to Protect.
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Recognition that we partner with and are members of Plan to Protect. “We proudly hang our certificate on the wall and include the member logo on our materials.”
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The discounts on training and criminal record checks. One member pointed out that even with the cost of membership they save money with their discounts on criminal record checks and certification training.
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Join us in June for our LIVE Trainings! | | |
Don't miss our... Plan to Protect®
Orientation LIVE Webinar for CAMPS
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June CAMP
Orientation Training
We invite you and your team to join other camps for a LIVE
2.5 hour orientation training covering awareness of abuse, our responsibility, definitions of abuse with potential recognition signals, reporting and response, and child and youth protection procedures.
This training meets insurance company requirements and is designed for CAMP staff and volunteers working with children and youth. Have your camp counsellors, staff and volunteers attend one of two LIVE camp orientation trainings we are offering in June and save with a group purchase!
$38.00 plus tax per person.
Discounts apply!
Bundle options are available.
Pay ONLY $500* for unlimited seating for both dates!
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Unlimited Seating Savings Option
*Some conditions apply:
Prices subject to taxes. Purchase must be complete prior to training. No other discounts apply.
Not to be applied to other training events. No refunds.
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Don't miss our... Special Interest Webinar:
Picking up the Pieces Post Trauma
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June 13, 2024
12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
Whether we are working alongside of or being a friend to someone who has experienced trauma, it is helpful to understand traumatic stress reactions and common trauma responses.
Dr. Melodie Bissell, a dedicated and tenacious victim advocate, will help unpack the importance of empathy and understanding how trauma can impact how an individual interacts with the world. This session examines common experiences survivors may encounter immediately following or long after a traumatic experience and how we can help them pick up the pieces and walk the road to recovery and healing.
FREE for Members
$50.00 per organization plus tax.
Discounts available!
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June 11, 2024
12:30pm - 1:00pm Eastern Time
Learn the basics and standard of Plan to Protect®. This is a complimentary webinar. Register to participate LIVE with Q&A time, or to receive access to an instant replay.
FREE!
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Plan to Protect® Refresher LIVE Webinar | | |
June 20, 2024
8:00pm - 9:30pm Eastern Time
Great for individuals and groups who need to be refreshed in Plan to Protect® policies and procedures.
This training meets insurance requirements.
$33.00 plus tax per person.
Discounts apply!
Bundle options are available.
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Plan to Protect® Orientation LIVE Webinar | | |
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June 22, 2024
1:00pm - 3:30pm Eastern Time
Join us for this two-and-a-half-hour orientation training covering awareness of abuse, prevention, reporting and response,
and so much more!
This training meets insurance requirements.
$38.00 plus tax per person.
Discounts apply!
Bundle options are available.
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Purchase one certification training,
and receive the second at half price!
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When you purchase one certification training course at the suggested retail price of $749 plus tax, you can receive the second at half price!
That's a $374.50 savings!
Courses that qualify for this discount include:
Administrator /Leader Certification (Level 1 or 2)
Train the Trainer Certification (Level 1 or 2 or Evergreen)
Crisis Response and Management Certification
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Some conditions apply.
Certification is valid for three years.
Training materials may be used by the Trainer during their three-year certification for the church, charity, or organization they registered under.
Select 'June Special' on registration form. No other discounts apply.
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