By Rod Benson
Part of the price of living in the modern world is the need for an increasing rule-based culture, no more so than in the church. John Sandeman from Eternity newspaper has listed ten rules local churches should consider to ensure child protection:
- Follow your denomination’s Safe Church rules.
- Always have at least two leaders present for child-based activities.
- Keep the door open when doing one to one ministry.
- Don’t pressure people to volunteer for children’s ministry.
- Design your building so passers-by can see into rooms.
- Install good outdoor lighting.
- Work with state authorities and know your reporting responsibilities.
- Be vigilant about connections that develop between adults and children off church property.
- Make sure parents and children know how to report suspicious activity.
- Foster a positive culture: if children don’t expect to be believed, they are less likely to report abuse.
You can be sure churches that follow these rules take child safety seriously.
Broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 6 Jan 2013.
Image source: stock image
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