How well do you screen your workers?

My family and I recently relocated when I came to join the KIDMO team just over a year ago. Among other things, relocating meant starting a church search that has had us dropping our grade school girls off at various venues. As a parent, I have become very aware of the range of receptions we have received and of the vast differences in security systems we have seen. Most every church has some sort of system for checking children "in" and keeping account of their whereabouts: some simple and some sophisticated. We make a point of asking about safety screening of adult workers, and have found that, in some churches, teachers, and helpers are required to have full background checks, and others... not. How are you doing in this area?

I'm sure you agree that the safety of the children in your ministry is absolutely essential. One of the best ways to protect your precious pupils and give their parents peace of mind is to thoroughly screen any adults that you allow to work with the kids in your program. According to the The Barna research group, many churches neglect to screen those working with children and youth. You can click here to read the full article at Barna's website and evaluate YOUR ministry to make sure you are adequately protecting the precious ones entrusted to your care.

~cp