CHURCH BOARD GUIDE TO A CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY


public know of its commitment to safeguard children. Press conferences, community workshops, letters to the editor, and appearances on local television and radio programs provide ways for the church to generate public awareness of the problem and the solution. Your church’s policy regarding child sexual abuse should be shared with representatives of the police department and your local family service agency. Denominational officials should develop and promulgate a position paper on this topic.


Expect an emotional response Discussing a preventive program for child sexual abuse in your church will trigger a variety of emotional reactions. As with any program that requires change and involves an element of discomfort, you should expect both support and resistance, For many, trust is at the heart of the church. Screening procedures may be viewed as violating that trust. Some people will experience deep emotions because of their own past experiences with abuse. Leaders and workers may have legitimate con- cerns regarding the nature of policies and the consequences to their ministries if these policies are implemented. To help in overcoming congregational resistance, church leaders need


to anticipate concerns and reduce fears regarding this controversial issue. Effective education and training requires an implementation strategy.


Step 3: Establish an Effective Prevention Program


This book is designed not only to inform but to motivate churches and other volunteer organizations to begin child sexual abuse prevention programs. Prevention programs reduce both the risk of child sexual abuse and the legal liability of the church and its leaders. To work, how- ever, policies and procedures, and training and education, must be effec- tively implemented. This chapter illustrates an implementation strategy.


How you can change your church Initial attempts to change your church may result


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in frustration. People resist change for a number of reasons. Some people are happy


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