March 31, 1999

Tips for safe child care
___WACO--Churches can help prevent child abuse and protect themselves and their workers from lawsuits by putting together prudent policies, a Fort Worth attorney told participants at a Baptist-sponsored church-state conference.
___Liability arises because of alleged negligence in selection, supervision and retention of workers with children, Fort Worth attorney Butch Korb told participants in a conference sponsored last week by Truett Seminary and the Baptist Joint Committee.
___Korb suggested four actions churches can take:
___ Adopt worker screening policies. The courts have ruled that churches and charitable organizations have a duty to exercise reasonable care in selecting workers who are in contact with children. Screening is needed both for volunteer and paid workers, he said.
___ Follow the "two adult" rule. At no time should one adult be left alone with children. Having at least two adults present takes away the opportunity for a bad worker to commit an act of child abuse. It also protects good workers from false claims of abuse by providing a corroborating witness.
___ Practice the "six month" rule. Churches should determine a "reasonable time," usually at least six months, to become acquainted with new members before recruiting them to work with children.
___ Memorialize due diligence. Document everything. Write down every step taken in the selection and supervision of workers with children.

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