CHURCH BOARD GUIDE TO A CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY


agent to obtain input and information. Solicit the input of ministry leaders and volunteer workers within the church. Create a sense of broad ownership for both the process and the policies that emerge as a result of your efforts. An attorney should review your policies to see that they conform to state law. Once congregational leaders approve the initial policies, you are ready


to build consensus and revise policies if necessary. Meet with department heads and ministry leaders. Thoroughly discuss each policy and proce- dure. Work through all concerns. If problems exist in the policies, con- sider revisions, but do not sacrifice the integrity of the program. Work at developing a sense of unity before educating workers and volunteers.


Step 8: Educate Workers and Volunteers


By now your workers should be well aware of the efforts to formulate a prevention plan. A strategy must be developed to train all existing workers. Once that has occurred, routines must be established for the training of all new workers who serve the church.


Existing Workers Schedule a mandatory training session for all existing staff, paid or vol- unteer, who work with youth or children. Since not everyone will be available, a second session should be offered on a different date. Prior to the session, distribute the policies and procedures, and the screening forms to the workers so they can read them prior to the meeting. At the training session focus on the following:


• Begin with a devotional including prayer. • Review the reasons why the church is implementing the pro- gram (Video segment 1 can be used for this session).


• Explain the prevention plan. • Review the forms. • Explain implementation procedures including how the screen- ing forms are to be completed and returned.


• Answer any final questions. • Conclude with prayer.


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