By its very nature, churches are trusting institutions.
The Church provides a trusting atmosphere for child molesters.
Willing volunteers are almost always needed and often complete strangers are permitted to work with children.
No background checks or screening policies are normally followed.
The church may not have established policies and procedures to prevent child sexual abuse.
Often, there is a lack of proper supervision.
Church staff and volunteers lack education and training in child abuse, more specifically, child sexual abuse. They need to know the Church’s child abuse policies and procedures.
Most churches do not have insurance coverage that will protect the church from the liability created by child sexual abuse.
What can the Church do to Decrease Their Liability?
Take a positive stand to protect children and the church.
“He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe”. - Proverbs 28:26 (NIV)
Implement a Child Protection Program that provides risk management.
Screen all workers working with children and youth.
Maintain watchful supervision over children and youth.
“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel”. - Ezekiel 3:17 – also 33:7 (NIV)
Provide Education - Educate in child abuse and, more specifically, child sexual abuse.
Provide Training - Train in policies and procedures adopted by the Pastor and Church Board.
Report to authorities all sexual abuse allegations or suspicions.
Appoint a media spokesperson, preferably a Senior Pastor, to represent the Church should there be allegations of child sexual abuse.
Carry insurance policy providing liability coverage for child sexual abuse allegations.