When I first joined the Children’s Ministry and even when I eventually led it, child abuse was not an issue we considered. We definitely did not have any sort of training about it. Now, every year, we hold a Child Abuse Prevention Training so we can recognize signs of abuse and know what to do about it. We found out it’s also required by our church insurance! However, the most important goal is for us to be able to protect the children that God entrusts in our care and sends our way.
Who’s required to attend? Anyone who works with children (17 years and younger) in any capacity. That means:
- Children’s ministry staff and volunteers
- Youth ministry staff and volunteers
- Other ministry (besides children and youth) staff and volunteers that work with children
- Any ministry staff and volunteers with underaged (minors) staff/volunteers
- Cell group (home group) leaders meeting in homes with children present, whether the children belong to the homeowners or group members
- All staff and pastors
We can’t be caught off-guard by child abuse. Not knowing what to do is not a reason or excuse for doing nothing. Below is the training I use to hold our Child Abuse Prevention Training. It is based on my state’s (California) free Mandated Reporter’s Training – General Training and Clergy Training.
I encourage you to do a little bit of research and see if your state provides the same kind of training, and I encourage you to take it. Again, this training is based on California laws. With a little bit of research, you can find your state’s laws.
Meanwhile, feel free to use our training below as a starting point or to build your own training for your church/ministry.
Child Abuse Prevention Training PDF
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