RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – An Abuse Prevention + Response Conference, presented by Arkansas Baptists, is scheduled Feb. 7 at Fair Park Baptist Church in Russellville.
“It’s difficult to be 100% risk-free in our ministries, but there are steps or essentials one can take to help minimize the risk of abuse,” said Emily Smith, Abuse Prevention + Response consultant at Arkansas Baptists. “Join us and Arkansas River Valley Baptist Association for an Abuse Prevention + Response Conference as we walk through the Essentials to actively assist and encourage Arkansas Baptist churches to train, screen, protect, report, and care when it comes to abuse prevention and response.”
Danny Green, associational missions’ strategist for the Arkansas River Valley Baptist Association, said the logo they use to promote church safety says, “Every church a safe church.” That’s their goal, and even though it is difficult to be 100% safe, he said “there is no reason not to try.”
The event will cover five essential actions churches can take to help prevent abuse and create a safe environment for minors:
- TRAIN – Provide initial and ongoing TRAINING for staff, volunteers, and church members that raises awareness and shares effective actions to prevent incidents of abuse in the church.
- SCREEN – Adopt a careful vetting process for all those working with children, youth, and vulnerable adults. SCREENING should include an application, interview, references, social media review, and background checks.
- PROTECT – Create and implement policies that PROTECT children, youth, and vulnerable adults from grooming and abuse.
- REPORT – Have a written plan in place to REPORT abuse to the appropriate government authorities and communicate with the church in the event of an abuse allegation.
- CARE – Identify and offer resources that will provide victims, survivors, and their families with options for ongoing CARE.
Legal issues such as “Church Safety Policies” and “How to Respond if a Registered Sex Offender (RSO) desires to attend your services” will also be discussed.
“As Arkansas Baptists, we are continually working to expand abuse prevention, implement safety practices, policies and procedures, and show compassion and care for survivors of abuse,” Smith said. “We grieve for anyone who suffers abuse and we desire for all Arkansas Baptist churches to be safe places.”
Additional help and resources for Arkansas Baptists churches can be found at ABSC.org/APR. To register for the Feb. 7 training, click here. Though early registration is not required, it is encouraged.