IMPORTANT RESOURCES
Here is a list of additional resources to help you. Some of these resources are to assist you in knowing and learning about trafficking and modern-day slavery. Maya Angelou’s famous words, “We do the best we can, and when we know better, we do better.” are a cornerstone of our culture at Rapha International. Right now, this quote sits in our office gallery as a reminder of why we do what we do, and how we can always do our best to learn and grow.
WHAT IF A CHILD TELLS YOU HE OR SHE IS BEING ABUSED?
DO
Remain calm.
Believe the child.
Allow the child to talk.
Show interest and concern.
Take action, it could save a child’s life. Call the hotline. If they child is in danger right now, call the police.
DON’T
Panic.
Press the child to talk or ask a lot of questions.
Promise anything you can’t control.
Confront the offender.
Blame or minimize the child’s feelings.
REPORT CHILD ABUSE
Missouri Child Abuse or Neglect Hotline
1-800-392-3738
MANDATED REPORTING
This document contains details about mandated reporting laws and guidelines in every state. Even if staff or volunteers at your church or ministry are not mandated reporters, it can still be a policy at your organization.
BACKGROUND CHECKS AND REGISTRIES
While background checks and screenings alone are not sufficient for protection, it is a great way to send a message that your church or organization does not tolerate abuse.
Here are resources for conducting background checks and searching registries in the US:
CONNECT WITH A CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER
Most people have a child advocacy center nearby. We recommend connecting with a child advocacy center, a child protection agency, or other child serving organization for training on mandated reporting and ongoing partnership in child protection.
Find your local child advocacy center:
RECOMMENDED ORGANIZATIONS
There are organizations that exist to help safeguard child safety in churches and ministries. They can assist with training, standards of practice, institutional response investigations, and more. Two we recommend are GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in a Christian Environment) and ECAP (Evangelical Counsel on Abuse Prevention).
GENERAL RESOURCES
Evidence-based training for all adults on recognizing and responding to child sexual abuse.
Data, research, and training about human trafficking in the United States.
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Research-driven publications, resources, and learning tools about child welfare and the systems that support it.