Child security is one of the most important issues in the church and truthfully, most churches do a really good job – with children.
Granted, our natural tendencies lean towards protecting the younger church (typically under age 10) and perhaps why most “protection policies” are labeled something similar to a Child Protection Policy, but with the highest concentration of sexual abuse or misconduct victims falling into the 11 to 14 age group, we need to be careful and expand our thinking and our procedures to extend to the teenage years as well.
The purpose of this article is to simply challenge you to review and test your own policy and procedures in the area where most claims actually occur – in those precious adolescent years.
1) Never be alone with a Minor who is not your own.
If we could adhere to this one rule and not deviate from it, we would significantly reduce the number of sexual abuse/molestation cases or allegations. Youth pastors, young adult volunteers – understand how critical this is, on campus and off. Simply ask yourself, who would be your witness if someone made an allegation against you?
2) Establish a waiting period (recommend 6 months) for all volunteers.
We often think of this in terms of just being a member or attending for a period of six months but more so, it should be six months or more of becoming known in the congregation. Perhaps one that serves in another volunteer capacity but always someone that has faithfully attended and participated in the church for at least this period of time.
3) Have a written application and interview.
Every applicant for youth or children’s ministry should complete a “screening application”. Following a written application, conduct an in-person interview. Interviews provide the church with an opportunity to inquire into each applicant’s background and make a determination into that person’s suitability for the position.
4) Background Checks.
We’ve stated this many times – if all a church does as a screening for prospective volunteers is a background check, you do not have a valid screening program. Too many churches rely on a background check as full clearance to work with youth or children and while a necessity, it’s effective only when partnered with these other preventive measures. Repeat these annually or up to every three years, depending on the effectiveness of your other preventive measures and training.
5) Put everything in writing and remember what it says.
Most churches fail in their efforts not because of a lack of concern, but because of a lack of consistency. You might be surprised at the number of churches that do not know if they have a written policy and if they do, fewer still could tell you what the guidelines are. So, first things first, you need a separate written policy specifically addressing the prevention of a sexual abuse/molestation event within your church, every staff member needs to be well versed on it, and a documented copy shared with every volunteer that works with minors. Annual training of some form (there are multiple options available) will help keep these guidelines fresh so don’t discount the importance of training.
If you need samples of sample policies, click this link for access to these on our website.
Few if any churches have waiting lists of workers in these critical areas of youth and children’s ministries and it’s understandable that you want to get people plugged into ministry, but this is one area where there just cannot be any shortcuts. It’s an unsafe world and you are on the front line to protect those from it.
