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Protecting Children From Abuse
Why should the church be concerned about child abuse?
- To avoid the trauma of abuse to those entrusted to our care.
- To protect a worker from false accusation.
- To guard against expensive litigation.
What steps can be taken to minimize the chances of a child becoming a victim?
- Proper screening and selection of staff.
- Proper supervision of workers.
- Proper procedures of reporting abuse.
- Proper response to allegations.
How can church leaders implement these steps?
- Educate the congregation of the need.
- Develop proper forms and establish procedures for screening all who work with children and youth.
- Contact prospective workers’ references and document responses that include records of child molestation. This provides evidence the church was not negligent in selecting workers in case an allegation is made.
Create a strategy for supervision.
- No worker is to ever be alone with a minor.
- Windows in the classroom or doors are to remain open at all times.
- Church leaders are to make casual visits to classrooms to reduce the risk of abuse.
Formulate a policy for reporting suspected child abuse.
- Obtain pertinent information from your church’s legal counsel or local child welfare agencies.
- Inform teachers and workers who the contact person should be in the case of suspected child abuse.
Develop a policy for responding to a charge of child sexual abuse.
- Determine who will speak for the church (to the individuals involved, legal authorities, and the media).
- Include other necessary procedures to assist the victim and protect the rights of the accused.
Resources available through Gospel Publishing House:
- Preventing Child and Substance Abuse – Item # 02-2137
- Preventión del Abuso Infantil y de las Drogas – Item # 02-2155
Reprinted from Sunday School Administrator’s Manual, compiled by Clancy P. Hayes, Gospel Publishing House, ©2003. English version #714-520; Spanish #714-521; 1-800-641-4310
Used by permission.
