During the month of September, C4SO focuses on helping on our churches safeguard children and youth from any form of misconduct.

As the body of Christ, we have a spiritual mandate to protect those most vulnerable, to ensure the welfare and safety of all young people at our churches, fostering a healthy and nurturing church environment in which students can grow in relationship with Jesus Christ. At C4SO, this is who we are and how we live.

To learn more, visit our Child and Youth Protection page.

What Is Child Abuse?

Child abuse, in practical terms, refers to an act committed by a parent, caregiver or person in a position of trust (even though he/she may not care for the child on a daily basis) which is not accidental and which harms or threatens to harm a child’s physical or mental health or welfare. Each state has its own definition of what constitutes “child abuse” under civil and criminal laws, and each C4SO church should be familiar with the relevant laws and legal definitions in its jurisdiction. Many of the state laws include the following terms to define the actions of “child abuse” and “child neglect”:

  • Physical abuse
  • Neglect (both physical and mental)
  • Sexual abuse/exploitation

For specific definitions of child abuse and reporting procedures in your state, review the state-specific reporting instructions.

What is your part in protecting C4SO’s children and youth?

We ask that you complete C4SO’s Child and Youth Protection training by September 30.

Clergy, lay ministers, employees, volunteers and interns who have any contact with children must complete C4SO’s Child and Youth Protection training, MinistrySafe, which we offer to our churches at no cost to them. Child protection training is an essential part of deterring child abuse. If you have already taken the training in the past, you must renew your training every two years. Your church’s Congregation Coordinator will contact you if you are due to renew your training and send you a link.

When everyone at your church has completed or updated their training, your Rector will sign an online form indicating the whole church is compliant with C4SO’s Child and Youth Protection training.

What is MinistrySafe Training?

For our training, C4SO uses MinistrySafe, an extensive five-step safety system designed to reduce the risk of child sexual abuse in our churches. We provide it to churches at no cost to them.

Clergy, church staff, volunteers and interns must renew their training every two years. This is essential because we must hold one another accountable to care for the least of these as we seek to live out our Kingdom mission for the sake of others. Your church’s Congregation Coordinator will let you know if you are due to renew your training and send you a link.

*Not sure if you need the training for your role at church? When in doubt, get trained.*

Learn more about MinistrySafe.

How do you report suspected child abuse or neglect?

There are two difficult but important steps to report suspected serious misconduct or any breach/suspected breach of law or regulation that may adversely impact you and/or other members of a C4SO church.
 

1) Contact the Diocesan Ombudsman. The first step in the reporting process is to call the Diocesan Ombudsman, the Rev. Canon Kimberly Pfeiler (469-766-1272), within 24 hours of becoming aware of the incident. If you are unable to make contact with the Ombudsman in 24 hours, call (615-968-5348) and email (admin@c4so.org) the diocesan office for assistance in connecting with her. The Ombudsman will point you to your state-specific child abuse reporting instructions. She will also notify relevant local persons.

2) Document the Incident. Once you have spoken to the Ombudsman, we ask you to complete this Whistleblower Reporting Form to the best of your ability, documenting the incident.

Learn more about C4SO’s Child and Youth Protection.