“Celebrating the Church of the Brethren’s 300th Anniversary in 2008″
(Jan. 10, 2008) — The Association of Brethren Caregivers is conducting a survey of Church of the Brethren congregations, districts, camps, programs, and agencies to gather information in response to the query on Child Abuse Prevention that came to the 2007 Annual Conference.
The effort surveys how the recommendations made in previous church statements and documents–“Conditions of Childhood in the United States” (1986), the “Child Abuse Prevention Handbook” (1991), and “Ethical Guidelines for Congregations” (1996)–are being utilized and implemented. The survey will be conducted between Jan. 15-Feb. 15, 2008.
Church board chairs, district executives, and directors of camps, agencies, and programs have been contacted, asking them to complete the short survey online. The survey will be posted soon at the website http://www.brethren-caregivers.org/. The website also will offer sample policies, FAQs, and links to child abuse prevention resources to assist organizations in responding to child protection issues.
Those without Internet access should contact the Association of Brethren Caregivers at 800-323-8039 to receive a paper copy of the survey by mail.
The Association of Brethren Caregivers will report the findings of the survey to the 2008 Annual Conference in Richmond, Va. Questions about the survey or other response to the Child Abuse Prevention query can be directed to Kim Ebersole, director of Family and Older Adult Ministries, at 800-323-8039 or kebersole_abc@brethren.org.
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The Church of the Brethren Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board. Newsline stories may be reprinted if Newsline is cited as the source. To receive Newsline by e-mail go to http://listserver.emountain.net/mailman/listinfo/newsline. Submit news to the editor at cobnews@brethren.org. For more Church of the Brethren news and features, subscribe to “Messenger” magazine; call 800-323-8039 ext. 247.