What is Plan To Protect?
Plan To Protect is designed to assist local church leaders in developing clear policies and procedures that will help protect our children, youth, ministry, personnel and our churches.
Understanding the need:
Child abuse occurs every minute of every day, and it occurs in every community. Child abuse occurs in every economic, racial, ethnic, religious, or other demographic group. As Christians, we are called to be vigilant in protecting the children in our midst and in preventing child abuse in the community of faith. This issue of abuse is not limited in its scope. It affects organizations regardless of size, function or geography. And regrettably, it is also present in our churches.
In the Church:
Local church leaders have a spiritual, moral, and legal obligation to provide a secure environment for children, youth and volunteers who participate in church ministries. Child abuse is a criminal offense as well as a violation of human conscience and dignity. It is a violation of God's moral law within the trusted context of relationship. The emotional, physical, and spiritual trauma to victims, the destructive consequences for abusers and the devastating effects on the credibility of the church ministry and the name of Christ make it essential that the church take all appropriate steps to aid in the prevention of abuse.
Church's responsibility:
A) The Spiritual and Moral Responsibilty: We recognize that we are a reflection of God's love to those in our care and we take our responisbilty seriously. We must not be afraid to engage in these difficult areas, trusting in God who walks with us as encourager, friend and guide. B) The Civil and Legal Liability.
This manual is written to help churches as they work toward fulfilling their responsibilities to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children and youth. Plan to Protect is designed to assist church leaders in their recruitment of ministry personnel and, to the greatest extent possible, provide for the safety of those served as well as those who serve. Church leaders are strongly encouraged to follow these guidlines and procedures and view them as a necessary component of church ministry and overall church health.
