TO PREVENT ABUSE
Churches should never assume that “abuse would never happen here.” Abuse happens where trust is high and accountability and procedures are low. Any church of any size might fit this description. The best way to prevent abuse is to be informed, proactive, and vigilant.
IBSA recommends these best practices for churches:
1. Create a team to oversee abuse prevention and response for your church. This team should manage steps 2-5 below.
2. Implement a screening policy for all workers and volunteers, including staff.
3. Establish protective practices and policies to be followed by all staff and volunteers.
4. Prepare for how you will properly handle disclosure of abuse.
5. Plan training and review.
we recommend
Essentials sexual abuse prevention & response
For access to the entire Essentials Sexual Abuse Prevention & Response Toolkit, click here.
brotherhood mutual
IBSA ministry partner Brotherhood Mutual also provides many helpful abuse prevention resources for churches, including checklists and sample forms. Access them here.
ministry safe
For churches looking for an an online tool for churches to use in training volunteers who work with children. IBSA recommends Ministry Safe and uses it to train all summer camp staff and volunteers who participate in IBSA sponsored children’s and student camps. Ministry Safe also offers a selection of sample policies and procedures for local churches. To learn more about Ministry Safe click here.
LIFEWAY ONE SOURCE
Lifeway offers discounted background checks through it’s relationship with Clear Investigative Advantage (CIA) for only $9. You can find out more here.