CHURCH EXECUTIVE CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION FORUM | Page 29

Is a check of my state ’ s sex offender registry enough ? Most states have public sex offender registries that can be valuable tools for evaluating a suspicious person . However , sex offender registries include only individuals convicted of specific sexual offenses . There are a number of criminal offenses that may not result in someone being placed on a registry , but those other convictions may disqualify the individual just the same . There is no substitute for obtaining a thorough background check from a reputable provider .
Do I need written permission to screen a potential employee or volunteer ? Yes . Federal law requires that job candidates and volunteers give written permission before a background check can be conducted .
For more information on child safety and abuse prevention visit the Brotherhood Mutual Safety Library at brotherhoodmutual . com / safety .
GUIDELINES FOR MINISTRY WORKERS To help churches create a safe ministry environment , Brotherhood Mutual ® has developed a digital booklet . Child Protection in a Ministry Environment — Guidelines for Ministry Workers lays the groundwork for developing and enhancing your child protection and screening program . The booklet covers awareness and the importance of training and offers instructions for developing a screening and supervision program within your ministry . It also includes a sample policy manual with 16 forms and checklists .
CONTACT LEGAL ASSIST * As your ministry works on implementing or updating your child abuse prevention plan , feel free to reach out to our Legal Assist team . We can review your plan and provide risk management guidance on this topic . This free service is provided by our inhouse attorneys and is available to all ministries . Visit brotherhoodmutual . com / legalassist
* 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 .
Reprinted with permission of Brotherhood Mutual .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Steve Case has been with Brotherhood Mutual since 2014 . He leads a team that helps ministries manage their legal and reputational risks . His areas of focus include child protection , worker screening , faith-based decisions , safety and security , and employment issues .
Headquartered in Fort Wayne , IN , Brotherhood Mutual is a national property and casualty insurance company with a heart for helping ministries thrive . As a leader in the industry , Brotherhood Mutual provides innovative insurance coverage and risk management resources , specifically designed to help ministries operate safely and effectively . Brotherhood Mutual is licensed in most states .

Review your child abuse prevention plan

Child Protection in a Ministry Environment : Guidelines for Ministry Workers is a free , 50 + page resource for ministries packed with vital information about :
• Identifying abuse
• Preventing abuse
• Screening guidelines
• Mandatory reporting
• Creating safe spaces
• Communicating your plan
• Sample policies and forms
Download for free today at brotherhoodmutual . com / guidelines

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