Faith resources

"About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 'Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?' Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, 'I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea. . . . Beware that you don't look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.'" (Matthew 18:1-6,10 New Living Translation)

Archdiocese of Omaha, Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People - To make effective our goals of a safe environment within the Church for children and young people and of preventing sexual abuse of minors by clergy in the future, we, the members of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, have outlined in this Charter a series of practical and pastoral steps, and we commit ourselves to taking them in our dioceses and eparchies.

Packet for Reporting Suspected/Alleged Child Abuse/Neglect [pdf] [File in Word 2003, so you can edit, if desired]

Virtus Online, the National Catholic Risk Retention Group, Inc - VIRTUS is the brand name that identifies best practices programs designed to help prevent wrongdoing and promote "rightdoing" within religious organizations. The VIRTUS programs empower organizations and people to better control risk and improve the lives of all those who interact with the Church.

Christian Reformed Church, Abuse Prevention - The ministry of Abuse Prevention is a pioneering effort by the Christian Reformed Church to respond to emotional, physical, and sexual abuse among its members.

The Evangelical Covenant Church, Sexual Violence and Women - Goals: Provide resources to bring healing to victims of abuse. Equip the Church to minister to victims. Promote preventative measures against abuse.

Safe Sanctuaries - As Christians, we must take our responsibilities to our children very seriously. We fail in our responsibilities if we neglect to take adequate precautions against abuse in our churches. It is unlikely that we can completely prevent child abuse in every situation, but it is possible for us to greatly reduce the risk by following a thorough practical policy of prevention. This policy attempts to do just that for the Conference agencies that deal with children, youth and vulnerable adults. It is based on our understanding of the widespread problem of abuse throughout our country.

Religion and Violence e-Learning (RAVE) - RAVE seeks to shatter the silence surrounding abuse, particularly in families of faith.

HALOS (Helping And Lending Outreach Support) - HALOS is a public/private partnership that provides much needed resources and services to abused and neglected victims served by the Charleston County Department of Social Services. A professional case manager is linked with a faith, civic, or business group, and together they work towards breaking the cycle of abuse and neglect.

Faith Trust Institute - FaithTrust Institute is an international, multifaith organization working to end sexual and domestic violence. We provide communities and advocates with the tools and knowledge they need to address the religious and cultural issues related to abuse. FaithTrust Institute works with many communities, including Asian and Pacific Islander, Buddhist, Jewish, Latino/a, Muslim, Black, Anglo, Indigenous, Protestant and Roman Catholic.

Tamar's Voice - online support for victims of sexual abuse by clergy

Reducing the risk - Reducing the Risk materials help you protect the children and youth in your ministry.

Abel Screening - Abel Screening, Inc. develops psychological tests to protect children from sexual abuse. The Diana Screen is used by religious and secular organizations to identify applicants who have sexually abused children in the past.

Devereux - The Devereux mission is to change lives and nurture human potential. We inspire hope, ensure well-being, and promote meaningful life choices. Our mission is achieved through a wide range of services and supports for individuals and their families.

White House Faith-Based and Community Initiatives - Faith-based and community organizations (FBCOs) have a long tradition of helping Americans in need and together represent an integral part of our nation's social service network. Yet, all too often, the Federal government has put in place complicated rules and regulations preventing FBCOs from competing for funds on an equal footing with other organizations. President Bush believes that besides being inherently unfair, such an approach can waste tax-payer dollars and cut off the poor from successful programs. Federal funds should be awarded to the most effective organizations-whether public or private, large or small, faith-based or secular-and all must be allowed to compete on a level playing field.