Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Forum
Review your child abuse prevention plan
This year has been a season of disruption .
And in a time of disruption , it ’ s more important than ever to ensure your ministry is following its policies and procedures — especially when it comes to staff who work with children .
A key aspect of risk management is safeguarding the physical and spiritual wellbeing of the children , youth and vulnerable adults in your ministry . There ’ s a heightened legal duty when you ’ re ministering to children . You have a duty to protect and keep them from harm . This duty exists regardless of where children ’ s ministry takes place — whether it ’ s in-person at church , off campus , or via online or web platforms . As you focus on staying connected with your people , you must also remember to protect them . At times like this , a predator can take advantage of the turnover happening in your staffing because of lax screening measures , delayed child abuse prevention training , a loss of supervisory staff , or relaxed digital communication procedures . Don ’ t let this time of disruption be a sexual predator ’ s point of entry into your children ’ s and youth ministry .
What ’ s the plan ? Ministries tend to do a good job in understanding basic procedures to screen out predators . But screening alone isn ’ t enough . A formal abuse prevention document establishes a culture of safety and accountability with a written record of policies , practices , guidelines and procedures designed to protect the vulnerable . The following are just a few key areas to consider including in your child abuse prevention plan :
Six-month rule — Consider a requirement that individuals interested in volunteering with children attend your church for at least six months . Sexual predators seek easy access to children and typically won ’ t wait a long period of time to gain contact .
Strengthen screening processes — Unless a sexual predator has been previously convicted , the individual most likely won ’ t show up on a criminal background check . That ’ s why you need a multilayered
screening process that includes a written application , a reference check and interview , a background check , and a personal interview . Everyone working with the vulnerable — both paid and volunteer — should be screened , even if you know them well . When doing a background check , you ’ ll want to work with a reputable provider to do a national criminal record check and a local background check . A local background check will often cover a fiveyear period , looking at the county and city in which the applicant lives . Not all local jurisdictions report to the national database — so , a local check is important .
Training and education — Educate anyone who will be working with children 18 years and younger in your ministry . Have training in place that empowers your volunteers and employees to recognize the signs of predatory and grooming behaviors .
Supervision — Good supervision helps to deter abuse . The goal is to prevent situations that leave one employee or volunteer alone with minors in rooms , vehicles , restrooms or via technology .
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The services offered through Legal Assist are intended to provide general legal information . It does not constitute legal advice . The free service is intended to provide information that is helpful but is not a substitute for the advice of a licensed attorney in your area .
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