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CHURCH BOARD GUIDE TO A CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY


they do not prove abuse, they are warning signs of possible problems.


4. A procedure to follow when possible abusive or unhealthy activities are suspected. All reports should be documented in writing and brought immediately to the attention of your church’s leadership.


Establish a line of reporting Church leaders should institute a line of reporting that should be fol- lowed in every case of suspected abuse. Reports of possible child abuse should be quickly communicated to the proper church leader. Reports reflect a serious obligation at the highest levels of church leadership. No report should be lost in “middle management.” Here are some factors to consider in deciding whether or not to report a particular incident of suspected abuse to the state:


1. Are you a mandatory or permissive reporter under state law? Man- datory reporters (as defined by state law) face criminal penalties for not reporting. Permissive reporters are permitted to report but they are not legally required to do so. However, it is possible that permissive reporters who do not report reasonable suspi- cions of abuse will be sued later by victims who allege that their suffering was perpetuated by the failure to report. Therefore, do not automatically dismiss a duty to report on the ground that you are a permissive reporter under state law.


2.What is the definition of child abuse in my state? Some states define abuse very narrowly to include only abuse inflicted by a parent or caretaker.


3. Do I have reasonable cause to believe that abuse has occurred? Remem- ber, most state laws require mandatory reporters to report not only actual abuse, but also reasonable suspicions of abuse. Our recommendation—interprets


“reasonable cause” very broadly.


Also, note that child abusers, when confronted with their mis- conduct, often deny it. Any allegation must be treated seriously.


4. Be especially aggressive when dealing with pedophilic behavior (that is, sexual molestation of a pre-adolescent child). Some studies


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