ICOM 2025
RAPHA WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
Marriot Gateway, Ballroom B
November 21 & 22
TRACK NAME: PROTECTING CHILDREN IN MISSIONS, MINISTRY AND CHURCHES
Family Strengthening and the Institutionalization of Children
Friday, November 21 at 9am | Heather Nozea and Elli Oswald
Join experts from Faith to Action and Rapha International for a critical conversation about best practices in caring for vulnerable and orphaned children. God’s concern for the orphan is among the most prominent themes of Scripture. Christians have generously and selflessly responded to this call since the early church. Discussions about family strengthening and the limitations of the orphanage model are the next step in this response to God’s command to care for vulnerable children. This session will highlight the importance of caring for vulnerable children in families and how to shift support to strengthen families, increase alternative family care options, and empower communities.
Child Protection on Short Term Mission Trips
Friday, November 21 at 2pm | Heather Nozea and Elli Oswald
Experts from Faith to Action and Rapha International will provide guidance and better practice standards for short-term missions to ensure positive outcomes for vulnerable children, their families, and their communities. This session is meant for a diverse audience of churches, mission agencies, faith-based organizations, donors, and others who are interested in promoting care for orphans and vulnerable children through sending or joining short-term mission teams. It encourages short-term missions to shift their focus from engaging with children in residential care centers to activities that support family-based care. The information in this session is built on best practices in child protection, missiology, and cross-cultural engagement.
Engaging the Community and Context in Serving Vulnerable Children
Friday, November 21 at 4pm | Heather Nozea and Elli Oswald
Join experts from Faith to Action and Rapha International for a discussion of best practices in serving vulnerable children. The way we “help” has come under important criticism in recent years, highlighting complicated power dynamics and cross-cultural challenges. However, by taking a systems approach to designing ministries for the poor and vulnerable one can contribute to building ownership and empowering others, leading to deeper and sustainable impacts. This workshop is designed for Christian individuals, ministries, and organizations committed to helping vulnerable children and families, who are seeking greater impact and alignment with best practices. Attendees will discover how to maximize their impact by leveraging resources to create long-term, positive, and lasting change.
Shaping a Child Protection Culture
Saturday, November 22 at 9am | Jessica Pommert
This interactive session explores ways to integrate child protection into the policies and culture of your organization. Whether you work at a church, a ministry, or on the mission field, your organization is a piece of the safety net that children depend upon. Durable and creative safety protocols, clear and accessible channels for reporting abuse, a detailed understanding of the impacts of internal investigations, and many more complex issues are at the heart of shaping a culture of protection. Join us to learn practical ways to make sure that safety net is strong.
Recognizing and Responding to Trauma Part 1
Saturday, November 22 at 2pm | Angie Brower
Children who have already experienced trauma are at high risk to be traumatized again. Providing a caring and safe environment for a trauma survivor is critical in walking alongside them in healing and supporting their safety in the future. Often, recognizing the signs of trauma can be difficult. Working closely with children with past trauma can be even more challenging. This session will equip attendees to recognize the signs of trauma and respond with the best possible types of support. It will also provide a view into how trauma impacts the brain, the body, and, often, a person’s behavior and worldview. Churches, ministries, and missions strive to be a safe place for everyone, and understanding trauma is an essential part of achieving that goal!
Recognizing and Responding to Trauma Part 2
Saturday, November 22 at 4pm | Angie Brower
This session is a continuation of Recognizing and Responding to Trauma Part 1, but can stand on its own! Children who have already experienced trauma are at high risk to be traumatized again. Providing a caring and safe environment for a trauma survivor is critical in walking alongside them in healing and supporting their safety in the future. Often, recognizing the signs of trauma can be difficult. Working closely with children with past trauma can be even more challenging. This session will equip attendees to recognize the signs of trauma and respond with the best possible types of support. It will also provide a view into how trauma impacts the brain, the body, and, often, a person’s behavior and worldview. Churches, ministries, and missions strive to be a safe place for everyone, and understanding trauma is an essential part of achieving that goal!
