Part 1 of 4: More States Expand Victims’ Rights to Sue for Abuse
New laws extend, and in some cases, eliminate statutes of limitations for filing civil lawsuits in connection with abuse cases.
Child Abuse
Sexting Contributed to Court’s Sentencing a Man to a 52-Year Prison Term
Decision carries implications for how youth leaders communicate with teens.
The Top 5 Reasons Churches and Religious Organizations End Up in Court
And how you can make sure your church isn't one of the statistics.
On-Demand Webinar
Child Abuse: Emerging Trends from the Biggest Legal Threat to Churches
Important insights and best practices for keeping your church and children safe from child abuse.
Woman Could Sue Her Former High School for Negligent Supervision in Abuse Claim
But the appeals court ruled that she could not sue for negligent hiring.
Keeping Children and Teens Safe While Ministering Online
Six ways to minimize risk while fostering teaching and community during the pandemic and beyond.
Protect the Children in Your Church’s Small Groups
How churches can help prevent child abuse in the context of a small-group gathering.
Victim May Sue Religious School and Its Leaders for Failing to Report Abuse, Court Says
A negligence claim can proceed on evidence that religious leaders failed to follow state reporting laws.
Pastor Sentenced to Prison for “Sexting”
A New Jersey appeals court affirmed the prison sentence of a pastor who engaged in “sexting” and sexual contact with 14-year-old-girl.
Church School Could be Liable for Failure to Comply with State Child Abuse Reporting Law
A church can be liable on the basis of negligence for an employee’s acts of child molestation if it was aware of prior acts of molestation but failed to report them to the agency designated by state law.
Six-Year Sentence for Youth Pastor Who Engaged in Sexting with a Member of His Youth Group
When social media communications evolve into “sexting,” this can expose the adult participant to felony criminal liability.
Childcare Centers Did Not Owe a Duty of Care to the Victim
Court ruled that two childcare centers were not responsible for the death of an infant in another facility on the ground that they failed to report the worker’s prior acts of child abuse to civil authorities.
Minimizing the Risks of Child Molestation in Churches
How this 14-step plan can help protect the most vulnerable.
Five Lessons from the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report
How church leaders should respond as public revulsion for child-abuse scandals grows.
Child Abuse Reporting
Key point 3-08.08. Clergy who are mandatory reporters of child abuse are excused from a
Congress Enacts New Requirements for Child Abuse Prevention
Eight provisions to protect children from sexual molestation that are relevant to churches.
Child Abuse Prevention and Reporting: Protecting Your Church in the #MeToo Era
Webinar Recording: Create a plan for your church to help prevent child abuse and sexual harassment.
Child Abuse Prevention and #MeToo: How to Protect Your Church
What to consider as you create plans and policies.
Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting Laws
State by state laws to report child abuse.
Child Abuse Reporting Laws: 22 Facts Church Leaders Should Know
How state laws define who must report actual or suspected abuse, when a report must be made, and how.