Accreditation means transparency. Accreditation is a review process where an organization makes available information through an audit process to demonstrate compliance to an established standard of quality or criteria. Subsequent audits are conducted regularly in order to maintain accreditation. An audit may consist of both a remote “desk audit” as well as site visit based on criteria and standards protocols.

For more information, see our Resource, What Is Accreditation?

This program is intended to help churches, schools, and ministries understand the complex topic of child protection and abuse prevention.

ECAP is a religious non-profit ministry that will provide our accreditation and then auditing services to churches, schools, and organizations. Our team of experts will establish the industry standard for guidelines, requirements, and protocols necessary for child protection and abuse prevention. The standards will become the basis of the accreditation program. Organizations that demonstrate compliance to these standards will receive our “stamp of approval” and can be publicly recognized as ECAP members. Once they become accredited, they will pay annual membership fees and undergo recurring audits to maintain their accreditation.

Currently, industry standards do not exist to protect children or vulnerable persons from abuse in churches and ministries. It is important for organizations to have an independent, outside organization verify compliance for transparency and quality assurance.