Background Checks for Churches

Responding to children and young people’s disclosures of abuse

admin — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:48:28 +0000

The Australian Institute of Family Studies has published a helpful paper which discusses the topic of children and young people’s disclosures of abuse called Responding to children and young people’s disclosures of abuse by Cathryn Hunter.

It outlines what the AIFS knows through research and practice about how, why, what and when children and young people are likely to disclose. It offers suggestions for parents, family members, friends, professionals or others to help respond to children and young people at the time of disclosure and in the longer term. Most research into children and young people’s disclosures has focused on disclosures of child sexual abuse, however, many of the issues canvassed are also likely to be relevant to disclosures of other types of abuse (i.e., physical, psychological and emotional abuse). The information in this paper is drawn from a range of sources developed through both research and practice.

Download printable version Responding to children and young people’s disclosures of abuse (PDF 455 KB)

Church Background Checks and The Holiday Season

admin — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:53:16 +0000

As the Holiday Season approaches, most Ministries will have a flurry of activities. Offerings will be at an annual high as attendance goes up. Volunteers will be utilized more as various holiday activities are planned. Once again, I must stress background checks as a means to protect your church finances. Of course, background checks are a must to keep our youth and senior populations safe. However, many churches forget they need to safeguard their finances from embezzlement as well.

We have seen an uptick in theft from ministries in the past several years. Remember to do a thorough background check on everyone involved in handling your church finances.

How does or will your church deal with a sex offender?

admin — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 16:17:47 +0000

Here at True Hire we focus on background checks and keeping your congregation safe. Does your church have a policy on Sex Offenders? Will you let a sex offender in your church? Do you have young children attending your church? What policy should you choose? True Hire offers a Sex Offender search as part of our basic background check program starting at $9.99 per person. We will uncover any sex offenses and the conditions of that crime. Recently I came across a good article that talks about the consequences of allowing a sex offender entrance to your church. Please read more at http://www.churchlawandtax.com/private/library/viewarticle.php?aid=81 this article is written by Richard R. Hammar.

Church Background Checks

admin — Tue, 10 May 2011 20:24:29 +0000

It has amazed me to watch so many churches implement church background check programs to protect their youth- which is great, but they do not do background checks on their staff or those handling the money. We have handled two investigations in the past 6 months involving churches that had significant funds embezzled- one over a quart million dollars! In both cases, the individual responsible would likely have not been hired with a proper background check.

While we certainly must do all we can to protect our youth population, we must no forget to protect the churches finances as well.

Are Churches and youth organizations required to do background checks?

admin — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 18:05:01 +0000

Two church volunteers have been charged with allegedly luring a 13-year-old into an inappropriate relationship in Jackson County, Florida.

It has also become an unfortunate reality that anyone who is in a position to have regular access to young children and teens needs not only to be trustworthy, but also to be screened. Schools and daycare centers are required to do background checks on employees. Other organizations, however, don’t. Many feel that they know their volunteers and workers well enough that such checks aren’t necessary.

It isn’t required that churches, extracurricular and youth organizations do background checks. But it’s not a bad idea. It won’t weed out every potential problem, but it would make some predators think twice. And in cases where someone has a history, it would allow the organization to take the appropriate steps to protect children.

True Hire for Churches can reduce the hassle and expense for churches. We offer special low pricing for non profits and can even set up a no-cost option where applicants can donate the fee of the background check directly to your organization. We have several packages for your convenience, but a custom package can be created for your specific needs.

T. D. Jakes conference in Orlando draws pastors and leaders from around the world

admin — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 19:01:23 +0000

The 2011 Pastors and Leadership conference, founded by Bishop T. D. Jakes, provides pastors and leaders from around the world the tools needed in order to Catalyze change in their ministry.

During the conference participants attend power packed sessions that address a variety of concerns from ministerial, how to use marketing platforms to financial and personal matters…

It’s time to stop fighting today’s battles with yesterday’s weapons. It’s time to put a crisis management plan in place. It’s time to create a succession plan for your church. It’s time to arm yourself with the right lawyers to help you triumph over a scandal.

Come learn how to effectively lead a 21st century ministry with both wisdom and excellence. Make plans today to join us for our transforming Pastors’ and Leadership Conference and prepare to be empowered, inspired and refreshed. We’re saving a place just for you. You can’t afford to miss this!

March 31–April 2, 2011
Orlando World Center Marriott Resort & Convention Center
Orlando, Florida