CHURCH BOARD GUIDE TO A CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY


basis, and a copy of the schedule is given to the partici- pants, their parents, and the pastor. The youth pastor was screened before being hired, including a criminal records check. The church has a policy that the youth pastor may not individually socialize with any member of the youth group, invite individuals to his home, or give any individual member a gift without the knowledge of the pastor. All parents are asked to sign a permission form before their child can participate in the discipleship program.


The programs in the above scenarios could both potentially result in


very effective and rewarding discipleship efforts. The difference is that the first scenario is a high risk environment that could just as easily result in child sexual abuse with catastrophic results for the child, the child’s family, the youth pastor, the church leadership, and the entire congrega- tion. A simple analysis using the factors of isolation, accountability, and power and control create a stark contrast between the two programs. The first one has high isolation, low accountability, and factors that could be used as means of seductive control. It maximizes the potential risk of each factor. The second scenario has low isolation, high accountability, and uses policies to maintain control over the program, and reduce the potential for an improper use of authority—spiritual or otherwise. The risk factors and principles discussed in this chapter provide a


basis for supervising activities involving children to reduce the risk of child sexual abuse. Churches should train both paid and volunteer staff members to understand these principles and to apply them as they plan and supervise activities.


Additional Factors for Consideration


Suspicious behavior. Any inappropriate conduct or relationships between an adult volunteer worker and a member of the youth group or a child should be confronted immediately and investigated. Prompt warnings should be issued when appropriate, and the situation monitored very closely. The adult worker’s services should be terminated immediately for continued violation of such warnings, or for a single violation of sufficient gravity. Church staff members should note when a member of the youth group appears aloof or withdrawn, or exhibits a marked personality change. This may indicate a problem that deserves attention.


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