Stay Proactive

• Biblical Pursuit: The church should understand, recognize, and offer biblical teaching about the subjects of righteousness, love, justice, mercy, and redemption.
• Policies/Procedures: Policies written in an effective manner could help protect innocent lives from sexual abuse. Policies should be written proactively that will help reduce risk and reflect proper training. These policies should include periodic training for ministerial staff, support staff, and lay members of the church. It is important for the church leadership and members to be educated. One possible way to adopt these policies and procedures is during a scheduled church business meeting.
• Training: Appropriate training is an effective tool for all adults who work with minor children. Find more resourcing material.
• Hotline: Phone numbers and links are provided for confidential reporting and counseling resources. Here’s who you need to call.
• Check List: Guide for steps of reporting and follow up. Get additional resources.
• Background Checks: Proper background checks are good and necessary to have on all individuals who work with minor children. The background checks involve a fee. Learn more about background checks.
• Resources and Reporting: It is important that current, legal, and valid resources be utilized in reducing sexual abuse risk. See list of resources and material.
• Victim Support: It will be important for the church to provide support to help the victim and family. Get help now.
• Insurance Companies/Law Enforcement Agencies: Church insurance companies offer liability coverage, training, and assessment tools to help the church reduce their risk of sexual abuse. It is also strongly encouraged that churches will contact local professionals, attorney, and law enforcement.
• Children and Adults: It is important to know that there are different reporting protocols for children and adults. Learn the differences.