Legal Counsel >  For Congregations > Safeguarding Children

Safeguarding Children, Youth, and Members

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.

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.

Resources for Congregation Policies

Resources are available to you on the Internet to assist you in developing screening and other risk management policies to best suit the needs of your congregation.  It is always important to seek legal advice when drafting policies relating to employment and misconduct issues.  Here are links to some resources. 

• ELCA Safe Place prepared by the Vocation and Education Unit  of the ELCA
• Safe Haven for Children an ELCA Initiative for a New Century Safe Haven Packet
• 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 Excerptsof 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 C7.45.
  Questions regarding this Constitutional provision should be reviewed with your synod office or other knowledgeable ELCA advisor.

See also:

• Resource Materials for Congregations concerning Screening, Hiring, and Supervising, Non-Rostered Employees and Volunteers
• Resource Materials for Congregational Policies Concerning Sexual Misconduct committed by Non-Rostered Persons

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