How to Get Started

Sample Child Protection Policy & Procedures
(PDF Format)

Listings of Related Videos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Child Protection Policy

How to get started
Present a proposal showing the need to form a task force to do further research on this issue to your administrative board or council.  This governing board should accept the responsibility of choosing members for this task force.  Because this could be a time consuming responsibility, an existing committee should not be asked to develop your church’s policy and procedures.

The members of this task force could include the pastor, a representative from your pastor/staff parish, trustees and education committees, and other persons who work with the children and youth in your church.  This task force will need to meet regularly.

While child protection is a very important issue, many people within your congregation may not be aware of the need to develop a policy and supporting procedures for your church.  Some educating of individuals and the congregation as a whole may be needed.  There are many resources to assist you in this educational process.  A list of these resources can be found in the Resource Section of this document.  The Child Protection Policy Task Group especially recommends Safe Sanctuaries: Reducing the Risk of Child Abuse in the Church, Reducing the Risk (manual, guide and video), and The Good Shepherd. 

Implementation Outline
The purpose of the task force should be to:

  • educate yourselves on the issues of child abuse and protection

  • evaluate the current practices of your church related to the care and supervision of children and youth

  • become advocates for why a child protection policy and procedures are needed at your church

  • continue educating the congregation for the need for a policy and procedures

  • develop a proposed policy and procedures for your church after studying the enclosed sample and other resources

  • review your proposed policy and procedures with affected parties -- education committee, teachers, youth leaders, paid and volunteer staff, an attorney, your insurance carrier, trustees, etc., and make any necessary revisions

  • present the policy and procedures to your administrative board or council or other governing board for approval

  • request that the governing board choose an implementation individual or committee who will administer the policy, assess its effectiveness, and raise awareness of the need to make any revisions of the policy and procedures as needed set a time table for your work.

 

 

 

 

 

 RESOURCE ORGANIZATIONS

Childhelp USA 
6463 Independence Avenue
Woodland Hills, CA 91367

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
2101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 550
Arlington, VA 22201

National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse (NCPCA)
332 South Michigan Avenue,
Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60604

Center for the Prevention of Sexual and Domestic Violence
936 North 34th Street, Suite 200
Seattle, WA 98103

General Commission on the Status and Role of Women
1200 Davis Street
Evanston, IL 60201
847/869-7330

Nonprofit Risk Management Center
1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW,
Suite 900
Washington, DC 20036

United Methodist Communications
810 12th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37203
615/742-5400

Children's Defense Fund
25 E. Street NW
Washington, DC 20001

Risk Management Department
General Council on Finance and Admin.
1200 Davis Street
Evanston, IL 60201-4193
847/869-3345

The National Court-Appointed Special Advocate Association
100 West Harrison Street
North Tower, Suite 500
Seattle, WA 98119-4123

National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information
P.O. Box 1182
Washington, DC 20013-1182

National Center for Prosecution of Child Abuse
99 Canal Center Plaza
Alexandria, VA 22314

National Children's Advocacy Center
200 Westside Square
Huntsville, AL 35801

Parents' Anonymous
520 South Lafayette Park Place,
Suite 316
Los Angeles, CA 90045

Christian Ministry Resources
P.O. Box 1098
Matthews, NC 28106

Office of Children's Ministries
General Board of Discipleship
P.O. Box 840
Nashville, TN 37202-0840
615/340-7143

Your state and/or county child and family protective services department.