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4 Steps for Small Group Leaders Dealing with a Student’s Abuse or Neglect
Most small group leaders won’t have the experience of dealing with a student in imminent danger of abuse or neglect. We do trust you to use discernment and handle most of the typical situations that will arise during the small group year. But there is the chance that a student will reveal something extremely serious, and this is how we’re preparing for that eventuality. Here’s four steps of response to a major crisis taught during small group leader training this week:
Step 1: Alert the Student
Let the student know that you have the responsibiltiy to make someone else aware of the situation. While we still very much agree to the covenant that includes confidentiality, a small group leader should never promise to “never tell anyone what I am about to tell you.” In some cases, you simply must. Let them know that you are not prepared to handle these types of situations alone, and that you care for them and want to make sure they are safe. Be ready for the student to object, and do your best to ease their fear. Do not let them talk you out of taking the next step. Just encourage them, and let them know they will not go through this alone.Step 2: Partner with the Team
Call the church office – these situations are never easy to handle, and we want to help you through it. Our team can help you decide if this situation is, indeed, one in which a report to authorities must be made and discuss further action with you. Even if you aren’t sure this is “big enough” to warrant reporting to the authorities, let us know what’s going on so we can pray for you and help you lead your student back toward health.Step 3: Report to the Authorities
After partnering with the team, together fill out the report and beging the process. You’re not expected to be a professional with this, so don’t worry if there are questions that you cannot answer.Step 4: Follow Further Instructions
The church team will instruct you on what steps, if any, need to be taken from here. Most likely, your role in the reporting of the situation will be complete at this point, it woudl be rare for your involvement to be required beyond the initial report. Continue to pray for the situation and that it will be resolved quickly.
Again, these steps should only be followed in the most extreme cases of abuse or neglect.
JG
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