In the Footsteps of Mary and Joseph: The Role of Adult and Child Education in the Prevention of Abuse

Abstract

In order to make faith communities safe places for children, four things must happen. Adults must take ownership of their role in the prevention of abuse and neglect. Adults must be educated so that they implement and enforce prevention policies and training and are otherwise vigilant in protecting the children God has placed in their care. Children should receive personal safety education as a tool that may prevent some abuse or empower a child to disclose maltreatment. Finally, faith communities must evaluate and continually improve their prevention programming.