Get Serious About Protecting Children and Youth
Churches and nonprofits must shield children from abusers through a culture of zero tolerance.
The leading reason churches are sued is over sexual misconduct.
Let that sink in. This often-unaddressed vulnerability has tattered the reputation of pastors, churches and nonprofits. And everyone thinks “It could never happen here.” The record, however, demonstrates this is wishful thinking or even denial.
How can churches and nonprofits become a safe haven for children? It begins by acknowledging the risk. We can’t fight what we won’t admit exists. From there, a trifecta of screening, training and policies can lead an organization to a hard-earned reputation as a place that truly cares about child and youth safety. This presentation, from D.J. Paxton of Compass Abuse Prevention Services®, will benefit churches starting from scratch as well as those who are seeking continuous improvement in their child protection policies.
Topics include:
•Understanding the real risk of abuse.
•Effective screening of volunteers and employees.
•Training volunteers, parents and children.
•Creating policies that work – and enforcing them.
•Behavioral codes.
•The role of insurance.
•How to respond to an allegation of abuse.
•Attitudes and behaviors that sabotage child protection efforts.
OUR GUEST
DJ Paxton, founder and CEO of The Learning Factory® and Compass Abuse Prevention Services®, is a pioneer in online training compliance solutions. With over 20 years of experience, he crafts innovative, interactive learning systems for non-profits, faith-based organizations, and educational institutions. Paxton's expertise in holistic design, risk management, and compliance training drives impactful learning experiences that help clients achieve their goals and make a real difference.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON CHILD PROTECTION
Child protection expert Jeff Schweig* explains how churches, nonprofits and youth organizations can step up to keep their kids safe.
In this episode of Ministry Pacific Insights, the late Jeff Schweig, founder and president of Capital Live Scan, discusses the keys to protecting children through a culture of accountability and integrity.
Reports of abused children never cease to alarm – especially when it occurs at churches or organizations created for their benefit. Schweig, a retired police officer and sex crimes investigator, emphasizes that every organization's first obligation is to children. However, pastors and youth leaders don't have to choose between paranoia and a laissez-faire attitude toward adults who work with children. Training and uniform standards can eliminate the temptation and opportunity for sexual misconduct to occur.
Organizations' first line of defense is to prevent sexual misconduct. In addition, with states rolling back or eliminating statutes of limitations, sexual misconduct liability insurance is a firewall to protect your organization from bankruptcy in the event of a civil or criminal trial directed at a member or volunteer. Finally, no misconduct has to occur for a lawsuit to be filed. A simple allegation, however unfounded, can be devastating financially and in the eyes of the community. Listen to this interview, take notes and take action today.
*About Jeff Schweig
The late Jeff Schweig was the founder and president of Capital Live Scan, an organization that protects children in California by helping organizations screen volunteers through the state's fingerprint database. He was a tireless public advocate, trainer and protector.
Next steps to protect children at churches and youth organizations
If you’ve watched one of our presentations on child protection, you may wonder what to do next. We’re here to help. Download the free Ebook from GuideOne, “Child Safety for Nurseries, Daycares and Playgrounds: A comprehensive guide to creating safe spaces for children and youth.” It’s a concise guide, covering everything from volunteer screening and incident reporting to playground safety.
Although child safety is an urgent matter, we encourage you to methodically improve your current reality. Although you can’t do everything at once, you can do something.
