Legal expert Richard Hammar is working to help churches prevent childhood sexual abuse through a kit called “Reducing the Risk.” Hammar states that most churches are not equipped to properly protect children from predators and that training is much needed.
It is estimated that 12 percent of all lawsuits against churches pertain to sexual abuse, and while the church should be a safe haven for the most innocent among us, it often can be the most dangerous if workers and volunteers are not screened and selected properly.
The “Reducing the Risk” kit provides churches with a training dvd, screening forms, workbook and more to assist churches in learning how to screen and supervise congregants, as well as how to deal with allegations if, God forbid, they should arise.
Church leaders can also visit reducingtherisk.com to take a test to see how well they are prepared in keeping the children in their congregation safe.