CHURCH BOARD GUIDE TO A CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY


adults are present for activities that involve children and youth. Having multiple adults present decreases the risk of isolation, and helps to main- tain a better balance of power and control. While the ideal situation is to always have two or more unrelated adults supervising children and youth, that is not always possible. From a policy standpoint, it makes sense to have two or more unrelated adults present in higher risk set- tings. For decision making purposes, higher risk might be defined as any event held off of church property, or on church property at a time or location that increases isolation, or that poses a risk of personal injury to either a participant or the supervisor. Many churches now have pol- icies that no adult can be alone with a child. In essence, one adult can supervise only in group situations, and those activities should occur in settings of low isolation. It is also a good idea to appoint someone to serve as a building monitor to inspect vacant rooms, buildings that are set apart, and private areas such as restrooms. People are less likely to engage in inappropriate conduct if they think someone is watching.


3. Degree of openness and approval Openness is also important for accountability to occur. Programs that involve children and youth should not be cloaked in secrecy. Church leaders should be fully aware of all activities in advance, and approve the content, activities, and leadership of each program. Individuals acting in secrecy raise immediate red flags. This can be formalized in a policy that requires all church workers, paid or volunteer, to obtain advance approval before any activity can be sponsored in the name of the church or on church property. The person who gives that approval can make sure that proper safeguards are in place. Other factors such as lighting, windows, open doors, and the use


of video surveillance equipment can enhance the level of openness and reduce secrecy of activities that occur on church property.


Risk Factor 3: Power and Control Risk increases when there is an imbalance of power, authority, influence, and control between a potential abuser and a potential victim.


One reason that children are so vulnerable to sexual predators is the imbalance of power related to age, size, strength, and also control and


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