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It Should Never Happen Here: A Guide for Minimizing the Risk of Child Abuse in Ministry

NCJ Number
176485
Author(s)
E J Zarra J,
Date Published
1997
Length
144 pages
Annotation
This book suggests steps for Christian churches, schools, and daycare centers to use in preventing child sexual abuse by any member of the program staff.
Abstract
Part 1 details how to implement the screening of staff applicants, including how to select the screening committee and how to conduct the primary and secondary phases of the screening process. Once the appropriate body has decided to screen children's ministries workers, accurate supporting information is the key to winning over those in the organization who are resistant to screening. Further, ministries should consult legal and financial experts, who can provide an important perspective on the legal implications of a sexual abuse incident for a ministry. Ministry leaders would do well to consult with other ministers to determine their position on screening. Finally, any effort to implement a screening program must have the support of the ministry leadership. The book suggests a 3-month plan for introducing screening. A screening committee should be established to examine applications and check references. This committee should be composed of persons with appropriate Christian maturity, compassion, and sensitivity toward the issues of abuse, as well as a respect for confidentiality. Following a description of the selection of committee members, the screening process is explained. It encompasses the application form, processing the application, interviewing applicants, background checks, and the decision about whether or not to hire the applicant. Part 2 of the book focuses on postscreening issues. This section covers such issues as how to ensure children's safety in the context of program operations, what a worker should do if he/she suspects that one of the children is an abuse victim, how a church should respond to an accusation of child abuse, and the church's responsibility in ministering to an accused perpetrator as well as to the victim. 41 notes and 19 references