Association Calls for Prevention Commitment by Churches
Resolution calls pastors and church leaders to adhere to high ethical standards and establish practices to prevent misconduct and address accusations appropriately.
Child Sexual Abuse
Minimizing the Risks of Child Molestation in Churches
How this 14-step plan can help protect the most vulnerable.
Court Decisions Recognizing Negligent Selection Claims
Key point 10-04.01. Some courts have found churches liable on the basis of negligent selection
Court Decisions Rejecting Negligent Selection Claims
Key point 10-04.02. Some courts have found churches not liable on the basis of negligent
Risk Management
Key point 10-04.03. Churches can reduce the risk of liability based on negligent selection for
The Relevance of Sexual Orientation in Selecting Youth or Children’s Workers
Key point 10-04.04. The courts have generally ruled, in recent years, that homosexuals are no
Risk Management
Key point 10-07.03. Churches can reduce the risk of liability based on negligent retention for
Risk Management
Key point 10-09.03. Churches can reduce the risk of liability based on negligent supervision for
Court Decisions Rejecting Negligent Supervision Claims
Key point 10-10.02. Many courts have ruled that the First Amendment prevents churches from being
Statutes of Limitations
Key point 10-16.04. The statute of limitations specifies the deadline for filing a civil lawsuit.
Ratification
Key point 10-14. Churches may be liable on the basis of “ratification” for the unauthorized
Negligent Supervision of Church Workers—In General
Tip. A number of courts, in addressing the question of whether clergy are employees or
Negligent Supervision of Church Workers—Sexual Misconduct Cases Involving Minor Victims
Many of the cases in which churches have been sued for negligent supervision involve incidents
Negligent Selection of Church Workers—Sexual Misconduct Cases Involving Minor Victims
Resource. For comprehensive training for church leaders, staff, and volunteers, see R. Hammar, Reducing the
Reference Letters
Key Point 8-24. A reference letter is a letter that evaluates the qualifications and suitability
Sound Rooms
Key point 7-20.06. Many churches have installed sound rooms on their property to centralize and
Failure to Report Child Abuse
Key point 4-08. Every state has a child abuse reporting law that requires persons designated
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.
Statute of Limitations Bars Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
Woman's lawsuit seeking monetary damages for the sexual abuse she suffered at the hands of a youth ministry volunteer over several years was barred by the state statute of limitations
Child Abuse Prevention and #MeToo: How to Protect Your Church
What to consider as you create plans and policies.