For those who think I'm being too hard on biblical counselors--

THIS is how reporting of disclosed abuse is handled in their child protection policies, a sample of which is linked on their "free resources" section from their home page:

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/acbcdigitalresources/resources/2018+Annual+Confrence/Breakout+Sessions/Session+3/Steve+Viars+-+Policies+for+Interacting+with+Minors+and+Child+Abuse+Detection+and+Reporting.pdf

Let's walk through it. A child disclosed to an adult volunteer about abuse that occurred during church activities (part E). The volunteer must immediately inform the supervisor. (E2).

NOTE: They are told to go to supervisors, NOT to authorities.

They must fill in an incident report within 36 hours, which includes (3b12) "Basis/rationale for why there was or was not “reason to believe” that child abuse or child neglect occurred."

NOTE: this should be up to AUTHORITIES to investigate, not staff to decide.

"All reports of abuse must be handled in a quiet and confidential manner and no disclosure should be made to any persons other than as provided in this policy." (3c4)

Presumably that includes authorities, since they are told to only notify supervisors.

Next: "When the pastors and the director of human resources receive a report about abuse, the first question to answer will be whether there is “reason to believe” that abuse has occurred such that there would be a reasonable cause for further investigation." (part E3d).

The pastor must then decide whether it is warranted to inform the parents, or whether the perpetrator should be removed from volunteer positions.

Then: "Report to the authorities when required by Indiana law." (3d1E).

So unless you're required, don't worry about reporting.

Now we move from reporting to investigating (which apparently is STILL up to the pastor, and not the authorities). (Part F in the document)

"When further investigation is appropriate, the pastors ...will investigate the allegations and assist with the resolution of the case."

When an allegation is confirmed (so abuse HAPPENED at the church) Part G:

"Provide appropriate information to the family and others on a “need to know basis” regarding the allegations, investigation and results."

And who decides who "needs to know"? The pastors.

THIS is how the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors is advising churches handle child abuse perpetrated WITHIN THE CHURCH WALLS or AT CHURCH ACTIVITIES.

Please, look at what policies your church has. Please, church: Do better.

This document is linked from the home page.

Scroll to "Free Resources." Click on "Resources". Choose "Church Policies for Interacting with Minors" (sample) near the bottom. https://biblicalcounseling.com/ 

#churchtoo #metoo #CSA #SBC #biblicalcounseling