How safe are the kids in your ministry?

One of the most important aspects we always explore when interviewing grant applicants is what kind of background checks they run on their staff and volunteers. It surprises us when we come across a ministry that does not conduct any kind of background check. An interview and an application is not enough anymore to know that the kids are safe. At FKO, we work with all kinds of organizations and churches, big and small, but regardless of size, we believe that it is so important to protect both the children and the organization by having mandatory background checks on everyone interacting with the kids.

There are many different organizations that provide reasonable prices for comprehensive checks on potential volunteers or staff members. International Network of Children’s Ministry partners with Protect My Ministry to provide discounted background checks. Church Volunteer Central works with LexisNexis in providing affordable background checks for your ministry. Each offer different options allowing a ministry to choose the depth of the background check they wish to perform.

Another aspect to consider is if you partner with other ministries or churches. We often see organizations that bring in other ministries to assist in the program and reach more kids for Christ. If you are collaborating with another ministry for a summer camp or weekly outreach, it is essential to know that they also are conducting background checks on their volunteers. It is imperative to keep the children as safe as possible, and it is important to take the opportunity to protect your ministry in the possibility that something does happen. The book Protecting Your Church Against Sexual Predators by Voyle A. Glover provides great information to help keep your church, ministry, and children safe before anything ever happens. It even gives you a guide on what to do if any kind of incident does happen in your ministry.

For ministries and organizations that currently do not run checks on their volunteers and staff, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible. We know that this will not stop every child who is victimized in any way, but it provides a peace of mind that a precautionary step has been taken. If anyone has other leads on affordable background checks, we would love to hear about it!

Free Webinar for Non-Profit Leaders!

Program Effectiveness: How Do You Define Success?

Free one-hour Webinar April 29,2009 - 1:00 PM, E.T.

Jacob Harold, program officer for philanthropy at the Hewlett Foundation, will discuss how non-profit leaders can provide quality program information and measure short-and long-term success.

Space is limited. Register early at: https://www.livemeeting.com/lrs/8000725774/Registration.aspx?pageName=czkf1w40tmzpj2kj