Episode 42 | 19 min | April 8, 2024 Legal Considerations for Youth Ministry, with Guest Jeff Dalrymple Jeff Dalrymple from ECAP talks about the proactive ways churches can protect their youth from personal injuries and prevent abuse. Erika Cole
Federal Case Offers Insight into Protecting Minors From Abuse on Church Property Churches can use this federal case out of New York when seeking to protect minors from abuse on church property. Richard R. Hammar
Does Your Church Have Sexual Abuse Liability Coverage? Understanding sexual abuse liability coverage is key to a building a strong ministerial insurance portfolio. Charlie Cutler
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. Richard R. Hammar
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. Richard R. Hammar
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. Richard R. Hammar
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. Richard R. Hammar
Court Affirms Massive Prison Sentence for Pastor The case underscores the need for vigilance in safeguarding and monitoring adult interactions with minors. Richard R. Hammar
Episode 15 | 29 min | May 5, 2022 Keeping Children Safe in Your Church, with guest Matthew Branaugh, Esq., of Christianity Today’s Church Law & Tax Protecting your congregation and its children from sexual abuse. Erika E. Cole
Volunteer Youth Leader Sentenced to Five Years for Molesting Teen Girl Case illustrates high-risk behaviors that should alert churches to the potential for sexual abuse. Richard R. Hammar
Sexual Abuse Victims Can Sue a Church and Regional Denominational Offices This case demonstrates the potential liability religious denominations may face when misconduct happens at a local church. Richard R. Hammar
A Church Could Be Liable for a Retired Pastor’s Acts of Sexual Abuse Claims of negligent hiring and retention depend on whether he was an agent or employee of the church. Richard R. Hammar
Failure to Conduct Criminal Background Check Showed Negligence This court case demonstrates the need for churches to properly screen candidates for youth and children’s positions. Richard R. Hammar
Youth Pastor Sentenced to Up to 12 Years for Secretly Video Recording Four Girls Appeals court: consecutive sentencing was reasonable and didn’t “improperly rely on religious grounds.” Richard R. Hammar
Former Youth Leader Convicted for Attempting to Engage Minors in Sexting Churches should be alert to the grooming behaviors that can lead to sexual abuse. Richard R. Hammar
Sexting Contributed to Court’s Sentencing a Man to a 52-Year Prison Term Decision carries implications for how youth leaders communicate with teens. 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
Woman Could Sue Her Former High School for Negligent Supervision in Abuse Claim But the appeals court ruled that she could not sue for negligent hiring. Richard R. Hammar
Q&A: How Do We Deal with Sex Offenders Who Attend Church How do we protect our members from known sex offenders? Richard R. Hammar
Preventing Abuse in Youth Ministries Churches need to develop solid boundaries and a good reporting structure. Ashley Grace Emmert