<p>In this episode, I speak with Josh Navey, children's pastor at Summit. He is involved in ministering to the children of Summit, from birth to the fourth grade level. </p> <p>Three different kinds of child safety are discussed in this episode:</p> <ol> <li>Physical Safety at Church from Intruders</li> <li>Sexual Abuse Prevention</li> <li>Safety from Natural Disasters and Fire</li> </ol> <p>Child abuse is the #1 reason that churches are taken to court. </p> <p>Having a child safety policy in place, even if you are a small church, is important. Look online for child safety policies. In some cases, if insurance companies see that you have a policy in place, it could affect your rates positively, depending on what that policy is. </p> <p>Two important things to enforce when allowing workers to interact with the children: </p> <ul> <li>Background checks on all workers 18 years and older. Accufax and other companies can do background checks for you. Make sure these checks are updated every 3-5 years. Be aware that there are rules on how the background check reports can be stored properly; the company you choose to run the checks should be able to help you so this properly. </li> <li>2 adult rule: No one is ever left alone with any child/children. Even if there is only one child needing care, two adults must accompany at all times. </li> </ul> <p>Consider the design of your building and how it affects child safety. Some recommendations include:</p> <ul> <li>Making sure every full door has a window in it.</li> <li>Using Dutch style doors that keep the children in, keep those outside fenced away from the children, but allow visual access to the room is a great practice.</li> </ul> <p>Also, have a secure system for making sure each child is reunited with the correct adult.</p> <p>How can parents work to keep their children safe?</p> <ul> <li>Serve in the children's ministry!</li> <li>Teach kids about their bodies. </li> <li>Joyfully honor and respect the rules in place at your church. Be aware that lacking a cheerful spirit in doing so says that the workers enforcing the rules care more about your child's welfare than you do. </li> </ul> <p>To prepare for an emergency situation like an active shooter intruding, a natural disaster, or a fire, make sure that each room is equipped with a map detailing an exit plan. Make sure that the workers know that it is there.</p>