Questions About Protecting Children, Youth, and Adults from Abuse

How can my congregation develop a sexual misconduct policy?

A written policy statement is an important first step toward preventing sexual misconduct or harassment. Make sure all persons concerned are aware of the policy and understand the content. When misconduct occurs, the entire congregation suffers emotionally, spiritually and financially. Have a written policy regarding sexual misconduct and sexual harassment. Instruct all adults who work with children and youth in what is, and is not, appropriate behavior. Make it clear to the adults that following the guidelines you have established are to protect the children and youth of your congregation.

• ELCA Safe Place prepared by the Vocation and Education Unit of the ELCA
• Creating Safe Churches: Addressing Sexual Misconduct Presbyterian Church (USA)
• Policy for Screening Youth Workers PeaceMaker Ministries
• Preventing Child Sexual Abuse within Youth-Serving Organizations : Getting started on policies and procedures
• Nonprofit Risk Management Center
• Safety Tips on a Sensitive Subject: Child Sexual Abuse  Church Mutual Insurance
• Youth Safety and Your Congregation  Church Mutual Insurance
• Keeping Children Safe in Congregations from the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations
• Policies and Procedures for the Prevention of Child Abuse, Sample Policy Guide One Insurance
• Youth Protection Guidelines  Boy Scouts of America
• Sample Local Church Policy Statement United Methodist Church
• Risk Management Policies and Procedures  Rocky Mountain District Council of the Assemblies of God
• Model Policies for the Protection of children and Youth from Abuse  from the Episcopal Church
• We Won't Let it Happen Here : Preventing Child Abuse in the Church (second edition) from the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.
• What if the Abuser is One of Us? Model for Congregational Response 

Where can I find resources that provide information on child abuse reporting and clergy reporting laws relating to child abuse in my state?  For general information see: The Child Welfare Information Gateway and Clergy as Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect : Full-Text Excerpts of State Laws

Please be aware that any internet site may not be complete or current on all state requirements. It is always important to consult with an experienced attorney who works with the child abuse reporting laws of you state when questions and concerns arise.

Also, when seeking to understand child abuse reporting it is important to have read ELCA Constitutional provision 7.45. 

Questions regarding this constitutional provision should be reviewed with your synod office or other knowledgeable ELCA advisor.