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Children & Youth

Understand the potential risks when conducting ministry with children and youth and learn how to keep them safe.

Association Calls for Prevention Commitment by Churches

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.
Matthew Branaugh
Keeping Children Safe in Your Church, with guest Matthew Branaugh, Esq., of Christianity Today’s Church Law & Tax

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
New JerseyNew Jersey

Volunteer Youth Leader Sentenced to Five Years for Molesting Teen Girl Member access only

Case illustrates high-risk behaviors that should alert churches to the potential for sexual abuse.
Richard R. Hammar
New MexicoNew Mexico
New Mexico

New Mexico Court: Child Abuse Reporting Laws Did Not Apply to Pastor’s Testimony Member access only

The defendant in this case was protected by both the clergy-penitent privilege and state statute.
Richard R. Hammar
New JerseyNew Jersey

Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to Five Years for Violating Megan’s Law Member access only

This case underscores four vulnerabilities creating risks, including the failure to consistently enforce an abuse-prevention policy.
Richard R. Hammar
TexasTexas

Intentional and Grossly Negligent Acts Negate Release Forms Member access only

A Texas appellate court says a signed release form didn’t bar an injured soccer player from pursuing an assault lawsuit.
Richard R. Hammar
IllinoisIllinois

Failure to Conduct Criminal Background Check Showed Negligence Member access only

This court case demonstrates the need for churches to properly screen candidates for youth and children’s positions.
Richard R. Hammar
MichiganMichigan

Youth Pastor Sentenced to Up to 12 Years for Secretly Video Recording Four Girls Member access only

Appeals court: consecutive sentencing was reasonable and didn’t “improperly rely on religious grounds.”
Richard R. Hammar
North CarolinaNorth Carolina

Former Youth Leader Convicted for Attempting to Engage Minors in Sexting Member access only

Churches should be alert to the grooming behaviors that can lead to sexual abuse.
Richard R. Hammar
FloridaFlorida

Sexting Contributed to Court’s Sentencing a Man to a 52-Year Prison Term Member access only

Decision carries implications for how youth leaders communicate with teens.
Richard R. Hammar
Best Practices for Recording Church Events and Activities

Best Practices for Recording Church Events and Activities Member access only

From worship services to children's programs and business meetings, a sound policy ensures legal compliance.
Sally Wagenmaker and Micah Chetta
The Top 5 Reasons Churches and Religious Organizations End Up in Court

The Top 5 Reasons Churches and Religious Organizations End Up in Court Member access only

And how you can make sure your church isn't one of the statistics.
The Editors
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