Why Your VBS Needs the Two-Adult Rule for Child Protection
Vacation Bible School creates exciting ministry moments—but also unique risks. Learn why the two-adult rule is vital to your child protection strategy.
Abuse Prevention
Why Institutional References Matter When Screening Church Volunteers
Richard Hammar urges churches to shift from personal to institutional references when screening youth workers.
Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting Laws: What Church Leaders Must Know
Every state has child abuse reporting laws—and many apply to clergy. Learn what your church needs to know, how to comply, and why immediate action is critical.
Takeaways for Church Leaders From the Boy Scouts’ Bankruptcy
Behind the Boy Scouts' bankruptcy are victim-plaintiffs whose enormous pain, suffering, and loss hold valuable warnings for church leaders.
Colorado Supreme Court Overturns Part of Sexual Abuse Claims Law
The Colorado Supreme Court says the Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Act goes against the state's constitution.
Part 4 of 4: The ‘Discovery Rule’ and What It Means for Abuse Victims and Churches
The discovery rule is an exception to the statute of limitations with far-reaching implications for both abuse victims and churches.
Part 3 of 4: A New Federal Law May Expand Abuse Victims’ Rights to Pursue Damages
The Eliminating Limits to Justice for Child Sex Abuse Victims Act of 2022 places no time limits on when victims can sue.
Part 2 of 4: Is Your Church Prepared for a Decades-Old Abuse Claim?
Pastors, church boards and everyday church members should understand the liability that can come with a decades-old abuse claim.
Part 1 of 4: More States Expand Victims’ Rights to Sue for Abuse
New laws extend, and in some cases, eliminate statutes of limitations for filing civil lawsuits in connection with abuse cases.
4-Part Series: Expanding Abuse Victims’ Rights and What It Means for Churches
As state and federal lawmakers understandably expand abuse victims' rights, Church Law & Tax examines what it all means for churches.
Downloadable checklist: Are We Protecting Our Youth Ministry?
This 12 question checklist can help your church assess the safeguards it has in place.
Take These Steps When a Sex Offender Wants to Attend Church
How do we protect our members from known sex offenders?
Protect the Children in Your Church’s Small Groups
How churches can help prevent child abuse in the context of a small-group gathering.
Minimizing the Risks of Child Molestation in Churches
Our checklist can help your church protects the most vulnerable members from abuse and molestation.
Child Abuse Reporting Laws: 22 Facts Church Leaders Should Know
How state laws define who must report actual or suspected abuse, when a report must be made, and how.
Are Criminal Background Checks Legally Required for Youth Ministry Workers?
A California case shows why criminal background checks for youth ministry workers are advisable.
What I Learned from Advising the Boy Scouts of America During Their Abuse Crisis
An attorney’s advice for organizations on preventing and responding to child sexual abuse.
The Ongoing Risk of Child Sexual Abuse in Churches
Far too many churches are legally vulnerable.
Records Retention for Churches: Consent Forms and Screening Records
Churches must be ready to document its due diligence dating back decades ago.
Protecting the Elderly from Abuse
Create policies and procedures to protect older adults in your church.