Youth minister, youth worker, children's volunteer, camp counselor -- whatever the title, the impact of adults on our youth is in the limelight like never before. The positive work of many of these volunteers has been tainted by paranoia of sexual abuse as courts and tribunals lay bare the sins committed by leaders and laity, giving rise to unprecedented measures of protection within the Church.

"No longer can we simply say children are safe in the church because we are the church, even though our theology and Bible demand it," said Rev. Diane Olson, a United Methodist Church deacon at the Chicago Temple and author of Out of the Basement: A Holistic Approach to Children's Ministry. "The Christian church has always had a concern for the protection of children, but there is a much greater understanding since the early ‘90s of the necessity to take specific actions.

Moving away from the "it won't happen here" mentality to recognition of the need to respond has become a necessity.

"And, of course, parents are looking for safe places for their kids," Olson said, "and are more aware of the questions they should ask.

Valid questions include:

* Are the teachers and helpers screened?

* How are they trained?

* Will they ever be alone with my child?

* Can the workers be trusted?

* Who should I contact in case of a complaint?

Prevention Strategies

As heinous as the cases of abuse are, the subsequent media attention has served as a catalyst to promote reform within the church at large.

"In 1996, the General Conference (all-church meeting) of the United Methodist Church met and passed legislation stating that every church should establish a child-protection policy," said Olson. "That was a response to the growing number of reported and prosecuted incidents in churches and in church-affiliated organizations, such as camps."

Even before the widely publicized sexual abuse scandals within the Catholic Church, the Archdiocese of Washington laid down its "Policy Concerning Child Abuse by Archdiocese Personnel" in 1986; it was one of the first dioceses in the nation to do so. As abuse allegations mounted, the policy was updated in 1993 and again in 1999. Finally, last year, on the heels of a series of national meetings of Catholic bishops, professional help outside the church was tapped, and the Child Protection Advisory Board was created.

Shay Bilchik, president and CEO of the Child Welfare League of America, is the board's first chair. He said accountability and transparency to the manner in which the Catholic Church reacts to cases of child sexual abuse is now in place, thanks to the enactment of the advisory board.

A. Sidney Johnson III, president and CEO of Prevent Child Abuse America  (PCAA), added "Reporting of suspected abuse and a zero-tolerance policy toward its perpetrators are certainly important, but that will not prevent children from being abused in the first place. That's why we're pleased to see that the bishops have called for the establishment of ‘safe environment' programs."

These programs focused on preventive education are similar to what PCAA has provided for other large organizations with internal sexual abuse issues, including the Boy Scouts of America. Johnson said the only sure way to adequately respond to the problem is with a "comprehensive, binding and fully implemented prevention program."

This goes for all churches and church systems, large or small, he added, and ultimately focuses on how to properly interact with each child.

"Most common protection measures call for two adults in every situation with children, no persons working with kids who aren't church members for a specific period of time, insurance updates, and windows in classroom doors," Olson said. "Some churches will no longer change diapers."

The Churches' Child Protection Advisory Service  (CCPAS) based in Kent, England, reports receiving up to 30 calls a week from churches seeking advice on sexual abuse. According to director David Pearson, ignorance, disbelief that abuse happens in churches, or even a desire for secrecy about that fact has caused some churches to handle abuse allegations "very badly indeed."

To minimize the potentiality of abuse, CCPAS suggests considering the following "good practice" measures:

* When the need arises to speak to a child privately, the adult should remain within sight of a coworker.

* Church staff overseers of children's ministries should schedule regular meetings with workers in order to keep communication lines open regarding policy clarification, concerns and guidance.

* Use standards common in the secular job marketplace when assigning leaders and workers, such as clearly defining the job function and the age group of children, even signing a contractual agreement of understanding of such policies.

The frequency and severity of sexual abuse claims not only threaten to dismantle a church's credibility, but also ushers in lawsuits and huge expenses. This reality has called for assistance from risk management experts and insurance carriers, firms that also promote less blind trust and more research when considering workers.

Jeff Hanna, executive director of the GuideOne Center for Risk Management , an insurance carrier for the Presbyterian Church in America, explained some basics that must be addressed when recruiting helpers:

* Require references from all potential employees and volunteers, and check them thoroughly.

* Conduct background checks using a professional screening service or state agency on employees and volunteers. Some states require this for individuals who work with children.

* Require a six-month waiting period prior to allowing new staff members or volunteers to work with children.

* Set counseling guidelines for ministers and staff members.

* Develop an action plan to confront and handle any sexual misconduct complaints.

* Take all allegations seriously and respond to them immediately and thoroughly.

* If needed, add additional liability insurance coverage to the church's current policy.