CHURCH BOARD GUIDE TO A CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY
Leadership Church leaders require extensive teaching and training on this issue. Training should be done to impart both vision and commitment. First, leaders should understand the potential danger of child sexual abuse and why churches must do something to prevent it from occurring. Second, leaders should develop a commitment to implement a prevention plan. Third, leaders need to understand the legal basis for policy decisions and the rationale for changes that may be required to implement a plan. In essence, leaders require education and training regarding the entire contents of this book. Furthermore, that training must continue over time. As new leaders enter service, they will require an orientation to this issue. In addition, leaders must stay informed regarding changes in the law that affect the church’s program.
The family The family remains the most critical and necessary place for preven- tion education to occur. The church should make available information about child sexual abuse to parents. The first segment of the Reducing the Risk II video can be used in conjunction with adult Sunday school classes or special workshops to help educate parents concerning child sexual abuse and why the church is implementing a prevention program. Parents should be instructed on teaching their children on how to
respond to inappropriate touching. Parents are often reluctant to teach their children that they can be victimized by people they know. The church should work closely with parents to provide balanced materials and techniques for home instruction. In addition, the church should provide education through its youth programming to instruct teens about the dangers of sexual abuse. A social worker from the Depart- ment of Social Services can assist with this training.
Church workers A prerequisite to establishing a solid prevention program requires regular in-service training of all workers involved with children and youth. Due to the frequent changes in church staff and volunteer work- ers, continual training must be built into all programs that work with youth and children. Ideally, such training should occur in a group setting, but individuals can view the video at home. The church can
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