Child Abuse Policies

“In America, 6 children are reported abused or neglected every minute. Research tells us that for each child reported there are 18 more harmed in the same 60 seconds. What this means for churches is that none can expect to remain unaffected by the problem.”

Churches today are writing policies for reducing the risk of child abuse. Procedures are written for the protection of children, staff members, child care employees, adult volunteers and the church family.

I.  Adoption of policy

  1.  Appoint a committee expressly for the purpose of policy development. The
       committee members should be comprised of several disciplines (law, 
       counseling, medicine, religion and education, etc.) 
       and represent a broad spectrum of church membership.
  2.  Create a perception that the church is acting proactively to reduce the risk of
       a future problem, and not in response to past occurrences. Ask for input 
       from everyone. Let the entire church know that a policy is being developed.
  3.  The final policy should attempt to be comprehensive, should be in writing,
       should be adopted as an official policy of the church in a church business
       meeting, and should be available for review at all times.

II.  Worker Enlistment

   •  Every applicant for any paid position shall complete an employment 
      application and a consent form for a background check.
   •  All prospective volunteer children’s teachers shall complete a questionnaire, 
      and a consent form for a background check. No person shall be accepted for 
      volunteer service before the church has received and studied the completed 
      questionnaire.
   •  The prospective volunteer shall be a committed Christian, at least 18 years 
      old, a church member for six or more months, good physical, mental, and 
      emotional health, and have a pleasant manner with children.
   •  At least two adult workers shall be present at all activities involving children. 
      At no time shall only one worker be allowed to be alone with one child. Also 
      needed is a small window in classroom doors, and protective procedures for 
      changing diapers and assisting in rest rooms. Supervision of teachers should 
      be ongoing, with designated staff members or division directors available to 
      teachers, as needed.
   •  No adult or youth with known prior incidents of sexual misconduct with 
      minors shall be permitted to serve in any capacity involving custody or 
      supervision of children.

III.  Worker Training

   Each new worker should be given the legal definition of child abuse in writing, 
   as well as the policy of the church on reporting of child abuse.

IV.  Worker Supervision

   Church staff should supervise on an ongoing basis and make unannounced 
   visits into classes or other program sites from time to time.

V.  Reporting Sexual Abuse

   In the case of an actual allegation, it is imperative that the church report
   sexual abuse.  The Church Law & Tax Report-Reducing the Risk of Child Sexual
   Abuse in Your Church suggests several guidelines:

  1.  Document all your efforts at handling the incident.
  2.  Report the incident immediately to your church’s insurance company, 
       attorney, and appropriate church staff.
  3.  Contact the proper civil authorities.
  4.  Notify the parents.
  5.  Do not confront the accused until the safety of the child is secured.

A sample copy of a Confidential Volunteer Application Form is enclosed. This form includes Permission for Release of Information from Criminal Records.

Additional information can be found at www.churchmutual.com or www.screenchurchstaff.com
Prepared by: Linda Reeves, Mississippi Baptist Convention Board
Edited by: Jim Murphy, South Carolina Baptist Convention