Recently, one of our district churches reported a potential child safety concern that occurred on a Sunday morning. They wisely contacted the local authorities and are working closely with them.

 

This situation is a sobering reminder that protecting children and youth must remain a high priority in every church, regardless of size or setting.

Even though the situation did not occur during a staffed children’s ministry program, it highlights that creating a culture of safety is extremely important and extends beyond times of formal programming. 

As you care for the children and families in your church, we would encourage you to do some evaluation. A few suggestions:

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• Know your reporting process. Are you familiar with who to contact in your local area if abuse is suspected or disclosed? This would likely include Child Protection Services and/or your local sheriff's office. There may be specific protocol for reporting abuse to these agencies, such as not leaving a message. It would be wise to contact them before a crisis occurs and find out what their process is. 

• Screen and train your volunteers. Are all volunteers and staff who are in positions of trust appropriately screened and equipped for their role? Note that persons in a "position of trust" would extend beyond children and youth ministry volunteers to include people like staff members, elders, and ushers. 

• Review your policies. Are your child protection policies current, clearly communicated, and consistently followed? If you haven't looked at them in a while, this may be a good time to review and update as needed.

• Foster a culture of safety. Do your leaders, volunteers, and church family feel that they can speak up? Is your church culture one that protects and cares for the vulnerable, and where concerns are taken seriously rather than swept under the rug? 

• Encourage parent involvement. Are parents encouraged to keep watch over their children? 

• Evaluate your facility. Are spaces well-lit and visible (for example, using motion-sensor lighting so no one enters a dark room)? 

 

We are grateful for churches that are committed to creating safe, Christ-centered environments where children can grow and thrive. Let’s continue to support each other in this important calling.

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~Jessi Borchardt