American Church Group - Colorado

Take Time to Review Your Ministry's Child Protection Plan

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Though child abuse may not be something you could ever imagine happening within your ministry, sexual abuse of a minor is one of the top five reasons churches end up in court, according to Church Law & Tax. Studies also show that a child is much more likely to be sexually abused by a trusted adult than a stranger.

Ministry leaders should consider developing a formal abuse prevention document to establish a culture of safety and accountability. Here are 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 five-year 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.

The most important thing you can do to help children thrive is to prepare your ministry before you reach a crisis. Take some time this month to review and develop your child abuse prevention plan.

For more information on child abuse prevention in a ministry environment, check out this free resource from Brotherhood Mutual: “Child Protection in a Ministry Environment – Guidelines for Ministry Workers.” It includes sample policies and 16 forms and checklists.