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Reducing the Risk

A child sexual abuse awareness program.

Do you know the background of every ministry worker the children at your church encounter?

Child sexual abuse is a very real problem in ministries today. The good news is you can protect the precious children of your church and decrease your church's risk of a costly allegation when you implement a training program like Reducing the Risk.

Created by noted legal expert Richard Hammar, JD., LL.M., CPA, Reducing the Risk is designed to help churches train pastors, staff members, and volunteer leaders every year with ease.

Online streaming videos and downloadable training workbooks walk participants through an effective screening and selection process, common supervision scenarios that require quick, thoughtful decisions, and tips and insights on best practices that can most effectively reduce vulnerabilities.

Instant Access to Streaming Videos

Once you've purchased this program, you can download the training resources and stream the videos simply by logging in. We suggest bookmarking this page for quick access in the future.

Complete Training Resources

Leader's Guide (PDF)

Includes sample training schedules, group discussion questions, and key points of emphasis for the training day.

Screening Forms (PDF)

Customizable screening, selection, application and reference forms help to ensure no details slip through the cracks.

Trainee Workbook (PDF)

Includes activities, discussion questions, and resources to help your leaders and volunteers.

Videos

Child Protection as the Foundation of Your Ministry

Video 1: Child Protection as the Foundation of Your Ministry

Children’s ministry director David Staal introduces churches to the problem of child sexual abuse in the church.

A Victim's Story

Video 2: A Victim's Story

The true story of a victim of clergy abuse.

Sexual Abuse in Faith Communities—an Expert Roundtable

Video 3: Sexual Abuse in Faith Communities—an Expert Roundtable

Five experts who deal with different aspects of sexual abuse in the church.

Screening & Selection: Your First Line of Defense

Video 4: Screening & Selection: Your First Line of Defense

Richard Hammar's teaching session on the importance of proper screening and selection of staff and volunteers.

Screening & Selection: The Candidate (a short film)

Video 5: Screening & Selection: The Candidate (a short film)

Teaches leaders how to interview a candidate, conduct a background check, and check references.

Legal Requirements: The Church's Responsibility to Protect Kids (with Richard Hammar)

Video 6: Legal Requirements: The Church's Responsibility to Protect Kids (with Richard Hammar)

Richard Hammar explains legal requirements for protecting children in your ministry.

Supervising Scenarios: What Would You Do?

Video 7: Supervising Scenarios: What Would You Do?

Interactive segment teaches principles of good supervision.

Responding to an Allegation

Video 8: Responding to an Allegation

The story of how one church handled an allegation of child sexual abuse.

Taking the Next Steps

Video 9: Taking the Next Steps

Action steps your church can take to implement or strengthen your child-protection program.

Related Resources View All

Church Board Guide to a Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Policy

Church Board Guide to a Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Policy

Church leaders and boards can take relatively simple, yet effective steps to reduce the likelihood of child sexual abuse.

Youth Ministry in a #MeToo Culture

Youth Ministry in a #MeToo Culture

Develop boundaries and a reporting structure that keeps your youth program safe for everyone.

Essential Guide to Children's Ministry Safety

Essential Guide to Children's Ministry Safety

Understand and implement best practices to protect kids in your ministry.

Essential Guide to Youth Ministry Safety

Essential Guide to Youth Ministry Safety

Help youth ministers safely and appropriately conduct student ministry with this resource.