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April is Child Abuse Prevention Month—a time for churches to come alongside vulnerable families with hope, support, and action.
The Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) is continually working to aid churches when it comes to abuse prevention and response. Protecting minors and those vulnerable from sexual abuse remains a top priority.
The ABSC will host an Abuse Prevention + Response Conference on May 1 in Little Rock. Attendees will 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.
Speakers will include Emily Smith, ABSC Abuse Prevention + Response Consultant; Robert Sterling, regional sales manager for James Greene & Associates Insurance Agency; Christa Neal, Title IX coordinator at Ouachita Baptist University; and Sean Culpepper, regional supervisor at Living Well Professional Counseling.
“It is our goal to walk alongside your church as you prepare to prevent abuse and protect those most vulnerable, respond appropriately when allegations are made, and actively care for those impacted by abuse,” ABSC Abuse Prevention + Response Consultant Emily Smith said.
To register for the conference, click here.
Another resource available is MinistrySafe, which is committed to equipping parents and guardians with the tools they need to protect their children from sexual abuse.
For the entire month of April, they are providing free Parent/Guardian Training. The hour-long training helps parents and guardians recognize the grooming behaviors of an abuser, understand how abuse occurs and how to prevent it, and talk with children about boundaries and physical safety.
For more on Ministry Safe, visit https://ministrysafe.com/april/.
At Arkansas Baptist Children and Family Ministries (ABCFM), they believe preventing child abuse starts long before a crisis occurs. Research shows that most instances of abuse and neglect stem not from a lack of love, but from overwhelming stress, isolation, and a lack of parenting tools. That’s why their mission is rooted in strengthening families before they reach a breaking point.
Through prevention-focused services, ABCFM is equipping parents with the support and resources they need to thrive:
- Family Centered Treatment (FCT) provides in-home clinical case management to keep families stable and children safe.
- Desired Haven Family Care offers residential housing and life skills support for at-risk single moms.
- 100 Families Drew County helps families move from crisis to stability through a collaborative, community-based model.
Churches can make a tangible difference by referring families to these programs, volunteering in family care homes, and serving as advocates in their communities. By walking alongside struggling families, we can break cycles of trauma and create a future where every child experiences safety, belonging, and love.
Get involved at abcfm.org.