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. Richard R. Hammar
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. Richard R. Hammar
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. The Editors
On-Demand Webinar Child Abuse: Emerging Trends from the Biggest Legal Threat to Churches Important insights and best practices for keeping your church and children safe from child abuse. Featuring Richard R. Hammar, Attorney, CPA
When Does the Clergy-Penitent Privilege Exempt Reporting Child Abuse? Montana Supreme Court interprets the state's mandatory child abuse reporting law did not apply and rules in favor of church. Richard R. Hammar
Advantage Member Exclusive 15 Things Richard Hammar Wants Pastors to Know On-Demand Webinar: Attorney Richard R. Hammar identifies 15 topics that frequently trip up pastors and church administrators. Richard R. Hammar
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. Richard R. Hammar
Q&A: What If a Prayer Request Card Implies Child Abuse? Start with knowing your state's mandatory reporting laws. Kelli Marsh
Preventing Abuse in Youth Ministries Churches need to develop solid boundaries and a good reporting structure. Ashley Grace Emmert
Five Lessons from the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report How church leaders should respond as public revulsion for child-abuse scandals grows. Richard R. Hammar
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.
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. Attorneys Richard R. Hammar and Matthew J. C. Branaugh
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. Richard J. Mathews
Child Abuse Reporting and the Clergy Privilege Ministers must consider the serious legal ramifications of not reporting abuse. Richard R. Hammar
The State of Abuse Prevention in the Church Awareness of the issue has grown, and caring for victims of past abuse is key Interview by Ashley Emmert
Common Church Board Blind Spots Facts worth noting as you plan your board's next meeting agenda Interview by Ashley Emmert
How to Respond to Reports of Child Abuse Reasons why training and a legal and ministry-minded response plan are needed Interview by Ashley Emmert