CHURCH BOARD GUIDE TO A CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY


parents want to know that their children are safe. Proper implementa- tion and communication provide the answer to this concern. The focus should be upon providing a safe place for the youth and children of the church. Congregational members will rally around that objective.


“This violates our trust in one another.” Response. Just the opposite is occurring. As members recognize that their church cares deeply about the welfare of the youth and children, their trust in church programs and their appreciation for the church’s leadership will go up. They can have confidence that their church pro- vides a safe and secure environment for youth and children. In whose custody would you prefer your children to be—in a church with an established and caring prevention program, or one where anyone can have access to your children? The key to promote trust is how the Key note Sunday morning sermon program is implemented and communi- cated to the congregation.


Step 6: Raise Congregational Awareness


Now that the decision has been made to establish a prevention plan, attention should be given to raising the awareness level of congrega- tional members. The purpose is to inform the congregation of the key issues pertaining to child sexual abuse and why a decision has been made to establish a prevention plan. Begin to nurture an emotional commitment within your membership to develop a safe church envi- ronment for all children and youth. To accomplish this goal, a communication strategy is needed. For


example, designate one Sunday to introduce the issue. Develop a theme that will challenge and enlist people. A theme like, “Children—Our Most Valuable Gift” or “Responding to the Problem of Child Sexual Abuse” can be used. Since this issue touches people at a deep emotional level, careful planning should be done in advance. You may consider dismissing children prior to the sermon or a presentation on the topic. Recognition should be given that some members of the congregation may be adult survivors of abuse, and that you recognize the pain asso- ciated with this topic. The pastor may find a number of adults seeking


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