Additional Information
Abuse/Suicide Outcry Policy
Sexual Abuse
Renew Life Church is a mandated reporter of ALL cases of sexual assault and/or abuse, past or present.
If a child/youth reaches out to you as a volunteer and explains an abusive situation and/or event or if you notice cutting, bruising, scratching that looks either self-inflicted or abusive:
1. Tell your Children’s Pastor
The children’s pastor(s) will meet with the student to gather all necessary information.
The children’s pastor(s) will discuss the incident with the parents and gather all necessary information.
Fill out an Incident Report
2. The campus Children’s Pastor will report it to DFPS.
Texas law requires that any person suspecting that a child has been abused or neglected must immediately make a report. If there is an emergency, call 911 and then call the DFPS Texas Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400. You can also make a report online.
Professionals (pastor) must make a report no later than the 48th hour after first suspecting a child has been abused or neglected or is a victim of an offense under Section 21.11, Penal Code.
**In the case that a child shares an incident of abuse but asks that you keep it confidential, explain to them that it can no longer stay confidential because you are required by law to report such instances.
Suicidal Behavior
Every threat of suicide should be taken seriously.
If you notice any of these things, tell your Children’s Pastor:
Excessive sadness or moodiness: Long-lasting sadness, mood swings, and unexpected rage.
Hopelessness: Feeling a deep sense of hopelessness about the future, with little expectation that circumstances can improve.
Sleep problems.
Sudden calmness: Suddenly becoming calm after a period of depression or moodiness can be a sign that the person has made a decision to end his or her life.
Withdrawal: Choosing to be alone and avoiding friends or social activities also are possible symptoms of depression, a leading cause of suicide. This includes the loss of interest or pleasure in activities the person previously enjoyed.
Changes in personality and/or appearance: A person who is considering suicide might exhibit a change in attitude or behavior, such as speaking or moving with unusual speed or slowness. In addition, the person might suddenly become less concerned about his or her personal appearance.
Dangerous or self-harmful behavior: Potentially dangerous behavior that might indicate that the person no longer values his or her life.
Recent trauma or life crisis: A major life crisis might trigger a suicide attempt. Crises include the death of a loved one or pet, divorce or break-up of a relationship, diagnosis of a major illness, loss of a job, or serious financial problems.
Making preparations: Often, a person considering suicide will begin to put his or her personal business in order. This might include visiting friends and family members, giving away personal possessions, making a will, and cleaning up his or her room or home. Some people will write a note before committing suicide. Some will buy a firearm or other means like poison.
Threatening suicide: From 50% to 75% of those considering suicide will give someone -- a friend or relative -- a warning sign. However, not everyone who is considering suicide will say so, and not everyone who threatens suicide will follow through with it.
What Should I Do if I Think Someone is Suicidal?
Tell your Children’s Pastor.
If someone you know is exhibiting warning signs for suicide:
Don't be afraid to ask if he or she is depressed or thinking about suicide.
Ask if he or she is seeing a therapist or taking medication.
Rather than trying to talk the person out of suicide, let him or her know that depression is temporary and treatable.
In some cases, the person just needs to know that someone cares and is looking for the chance to talk about his or her feelings. You can then encourage the person to seek professional help.
What Should I Do if I See the Warning Signs of Suicide?
If you believe someone you know is in immediate danger of killing himself or herself:
Tell your pastor.
Do not leave the person alone. If possible, ask for help from friends or other family members.
Ask the person to give you any weapons he or she might have. Take away or remove sharp objects or anything else that the person could use to hurt himself or herself.
If the person is already in psychiatric treatment, help him or her to contact the doctor or therapist for guidance and help.
Try to keep the person as calm as possible.
The children’s pastor(s) will contact their parents and discuss the next steps.
The campus children's pastor will report the instance to DFPS.
Disturbing/Violent Behavior
If anything seems “off” or out-of-the-ordinary, tell your pastor.
If you notice any of the behaviors below, tell your pastor:
A withdrawn, non-assertive behavior in relation to most of their peers, perceived or act as loners
A history of being victimized, teased, taunted, humiliated, and rejected by the more mainstreamed peers
A generally low self-perception along with unstable self-esteem
A dysfunctional family life in which parents are unaware of or have conflicted relationships with their children
A high level of aggressive and suicidal ideation, including fantasizing about and planning for aggressive action
Aggression towards peers and/or leaders. There should be ZERO verbal and ZERO physical outlashes towards a leader. Maintain a separation between the adults and the children in the room.
A high interest in and access to guns
Skill and experience using guns
A high interest in violent games, videos, media, etc.
Any verbal or non-verbal conduct including mental exploitation, degrading communication, or humiliating or threatening conduct that may or may not include bullying or as defined by state law.
Sexual Misconduct and Abuse Policy
The following document establishes general (though not all-inclusive) guidelines for safeguarding against misconduct or abuse. The guidelines herein are intended for employed personnel and volunteers. Federal, State, and Local laws related to this topic supersede RLC policy and should be consulted. This document suggests appropriate conduct, proposed actions to be taken, and serves as a crisis management plan in the event of an act of sexual misconduct or abuse. Application of the principals herein or the failure to follow all or part of these guidelines does not constitute an admission of liability or an act of negligence on the part of Renew Life Church (RLC), its employees, or volunteers.
Mandated Reporting
RLC recognizes that all adult residents of Texas are mandated reporters and should be familiar with state laws regarding reporting of abuse.
Suspected Abuse or Misconduct - Indications of:
Significant changes in child’s behavior or appearance
Significant changes in a relationship between a child and suspected person
Witnessed misconduct by parent or another adult
Refer to Texas DCS training material for other indicators
Requirements and Reminders
The child’s wellbeing is our foremost concern
Children will be appropriately observed and listened to, with attention to signs of abuse
Confidential records or factors causing concern and/or changes in a child’s behavior or appearance should be established/kept; including times, dates, and unbiased observations
Suspicions of abuse will be reported immediately to authorities
Beyond proper reporting, complete confidentiality should be maintained
All children and adults should be treated with civility
Allow and assist authorities in the investigation of alleged or suspected abuse
Refrain from retaliatory actions against suspected abusers
Refer to DCS training material for other actions and requirements
Child Abuse Reporting Procedure
When you become aware of possible child abuse (physical, neglect, sexual), remember that in the State of Texas, everyone is a mandatory reporter, therefore, follow this procedure for reporting:
1. Collect information and submit a written report immediately to the appropriate authorities. As you collect information, include the following as you are able (DCS and law enforcement will ask for this kind of information).
Child’s name, Date of Birth, Address, and Phone Number
Parents’ names and phone numbers
Name(s) of alleged perpetrator(s)
Current whereabouts of the child
Details of the alleged abuse (situation, who, what, where, when, how)
How you received this information (include your relationship to the child)
Is this child in immediate or imminent danger?
Who else knows about the alleged abuse?
Do you know anyone or have available resources for helping the child/family?
If the parents are not the alleged perpetrator(s), do they know about the abuse? If they do, what are their feelings regarding the situation?
2. Contact the Department of Children’s Services and file your report.
Report by phone if possible: 1-800-252-5400.
In order to ensure that a report will be received, also report online at: txabusehotline.org
3. After reporting the information to law enforcement, notify your ministry’s Lead Pastor. Email a copy of the written report to your Lead Pastor, Executive Pastor, and Human Resources for the church to confirm that this was reported.
4. If alleged abuse, allegedly happened on a RLC campus or during a church-sponsored activity off campus, the Next Gen Pastor, Lead Pastor, or Human Resources (or their designee) will contact the parents of the child immediately after a report has been filed with DCS or law enforcement. We will share information we have concerning the alleged abuse, and other information relevant to the future well-being of the child while under our supervision. If the parent is the perpetrator or somewhat responsible for the alleged abuse, we will NOT contact the parents but defer to law enforcement and the lead of DCS.
5. Once a report has been made; you are responsible for checking the status of the report by going online. Report any updates to your Lead Pastor, Executive Pastor, and Human Resources.
What Not To Do When Reporting Child Abuse
Do not talk with colleagues or volunteers about alleged abuse as the information involves a minor and must remain confidential to protect them.
Do not delay in reporting.
Do not speak with media (see Official Spokesperson Policy) and maintain appropriate confidentiality.
Remember you do not have to collect proof before you report child abuse. You need only “available information.” You are responsible for reporting anything you observe that “reasonably appears to have been caused by brutality, abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse.”