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.
Children & Youth
Understand the potential risks when conducting ministry with children and youth and learn how to keep them safe.
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.
The Top 5 Reasons Churches and Religious Organizations End Up in Court
And how you can make sure your church isn't one of the statistics.
Recommended Reading
Protecting Children and Youth
Learn how to help keep kids safe, the right way to respond to allegations of abuse, and legal requirements related to reporting and screening.
How Well Do We Screen and Train Children’s Workers?
12 question checklist to help you identify gaps in your screening process.
15 Things Richard Hammar Wants Pastors to Know
Child Abuse Reporting
Learn what it means to be a mandatory reporter and state-by-state reporting requirements.
Few Church Leaders Discuss Abuse Crisis Says Pew Research
Most startling is how little church-goers in Protestant faith traditions indicated leaders actively raised the topic.
Q&A: What If a Prayer Request Card Implies Child Abuse?
Start with knowing your state's mandatory reporting laws.
Annual Nondiscriminatory Policy Reporting Deadline Looms for Church-Run Schools
Filing Form 5578 is one of the most commonly ignored federal requirements of church-run schools and preschools.
Preventing Abuse in Youth Ministries
Churches need to develop solid boundaries and a good reporting structure.
Five Lessons from the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report
How church leaders should respond as public revulsion for child-abuse scandals grows.
Congress Enacts New Requirements for Child Abuse Prevention
Eight provisions to protect children from sexual molestation that are relevant to churches.
Child Abuse Prevention and Reporting: Protecting Your Church in the #MeToo Era
Webinar Recording: Create a plan for your church to help prevent child abuse and sexual harassment.
Parental Permission and Medical Consent Forms
While release forms cannot avoid liability for injuries to minors, there are other forms that
Protecting Your Church in Case of Allegations of Abuse
Around a year ago, attorney Richard J. Mathews shared lessons he learned from advising the
9 Tips for Planning a Safe VBS
How to prepare for this significant summer event.