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<h2>Why It Matters</h2>Allegations of abuse are one of the most serious and frequent legal matters religious non-profits face. No organization is immune. That’s why having strong, modern, and enforceable children’s policies is absolutely essential—not just legally, but morally and spiritually.<h2>What Makes a Strong Children’s Policy?</h2>Think of it like a hybrid between a legal document and a handbook. You don’t necessarily need a lawyer to write it from scratch—there are excellent consultants who specialize in this—but you do need legal eyes on it.Best-in-class policies typically include:<ul style="list-style-type: disc"><li>No adult alone with a child</li><li>No one-on-one texting between adults and minors</li><li>No adults entering bathrooms with children</li><li>Clear supervision rules and boundaries</li></ul>These policies should be written down, up-to-date, and actively used—not sitting on a shelf.<h2>Training Is Non-Negotiable</h2>Once the policy is in place, train your people:<ul style="list-style-type: disc"><li>Onboarding for staff and volunteers</li><li>Regular refreshers every 6–12 months</li><li>Zoom sessions, in-person workshops—whatever works for your team</li></ul><h2>Accountability Is Key</h2>Policies and training mean little without enforcement. If someone violates a rule—like being alone with a child in a bathroom—it must be addressed. Accountability protects everyone.<h2>Background Checks</h2>This is low-hanging fruit. Background checks are affordable and should be required for anyone working with children. Refresh them every 1–3 years.<h2>Reporting Requirements</h2>When an allegation arises, the first legal question is: Do we need to report this? Whether or not the organization believes the claim, reporting may be required by law. We help our clients navigate this, assess liability, and determine whether an internal or external investigation is appropriate.Increasingly, organizations are opting for outside investigations. Why? It removes the perception of bias and shows the organization is taking the matter seriously. It also provides professional recommendations and protects the organization from PR and legal fallout.<h2>Caring for Everyone Involved</h2>Religious organizations are unique. Unlike businesses, the responsibility isn’t just to protect assets and shareholder value—it’s to care for people. That includes the alleged victim, the alleged accused, their families, and the broader congregation if a church.There are no easy answers. Sometimes someone must be removed for safety. Other times, the challenge is reintegration with grace and accountability. Having legal counsel that understands both the law and the heart of ministry is crucial.<h2>Public Relations Matters Too</h2>If an allegation becomes public, your organization will need to communicate—internally and externally. We work with PR professionals who can help craft statements, manage media inquiries, and guide sensitive communication.Want to discuss this issue further? Connect with our faith-based legal team today:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.michaelbest.com/Industries/Non-Profit-Social-Enterprises/Faith-Based">Faith Based - Michael Best &amp; Friedrich LLP</a><h3>Disclaimer</h3>This article includes content generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. While AI was used to support drafting and idea generation, all final content has been reviewed and edited by legal professionals to ensure accuracy and appropriateness. This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Readers should consult qualified counsel for advice tailored to their specific circumstances and jurisdiction. Laws and regulations regarding AI are evolving, and this content may not reflect the most current legal developments.&nbsp;<div class="passle-featured-image passle-featured-image-position-bottom"><img src="https://images.passle.net/fit-in/400x400/filters:crop(0,44,2121,1187)/Passle/5f6edd8e8cb62a0bec3e5fd2/SearchServiceImages/2026-02-19-16-42-55-041-69973d8fe26d413e491ad9f0.jpg" alt="Featured Image" /></div>

Children’s Policies: Protection, Accountability, and Compassion

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