CHURCH BOARD GUIDE TO A CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY
church. A screening program may be started, but then disintegrates over time due to lack of sustained support and interest. Generally this happens if those responsible for establishing the program leave the church. To be sustained over time, a program must become part of the fabric and commitment of the congregation regarding the safeguarding of children. Ownership and felt responsibility must reside within the congregation itself rather than in the hands of just one or two people. This requires the ongoing training of both leaders and congregational members.
Establish threshold requirements The starting point in a screening strategy for volunteer workers is to establish threshold requirements for working with children or youth. Attention should be given to two factors: (1) how long the person has been part of the congregation, and (2) the level of involvement the person has in the church.
1. The six-month rule Start by establishing a length of time the person must first attend the con- gregation, such as six months, before he or she can volunteer to work with children or youth. We call this the “six-month rule.” The purpose of this rule is to prevent predators from gaining quick access to potential vic- tims. A preferential molester will not want to stick around a church for an extended period of time waiting to get access to children, especially when he can go elsewhere and have almost immediate access. Six months pro- vides time for individuals to become better known, and gives an opportu- nity to evaluate their suitability for volunteer service. Some congregations may opt for a shorter time than six months, but the principle remains the same. Do not give volunteers who are new and unknown immediate access to children. Develop a process so that you know the motives and character of volunteers before they begin working with youth or children.
2. Membership or equivalent This threshold requirement focuses on the individual’s commitment to and involvement in the congregation. Volunteers who work with children should be involved in the church, know other adult members, and be able to list several other church members who can serve as references. These
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