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Welcome Awana Members

Join as an ECAP Member and get the support you need to establish an effective Child Protection Program.

Introduction to ECAP

The Evangelical Council for Abuse Prevention was created in 2019 to provide awareness, accreditation, and resources to help Christian organizations that serve kids protect the vulnerable in ministry. 

Over several years, ECAP developed a set of Child Safety Standards which were drafted by an committee of experts and reviewed by a team of attorneys with related professional experience. These standards now serve as the basis for our Accreditation Program. ECAP awards accreditation to ministries that demonstrate compliance to Child Safety Standards through an assessment and audit process.

ECAP Memberships are designed to serve and support organizations that want to tap into resources from ECAP or our Affiliates. Membership can aid ministries in working toward compliance and accreditation at their own pace.

ECAP is partnering with NorthStar Network churches to help them make their ministries safe for kids. 

What is an ECAP Member?

ECAP Members are part of the ECAP community in the process of developing a Child Safety Program that is compliant with ECAP Child Safety Standards. Members are granted full access to the ECAP Community (or Member) Portal which includes member-only Resources, Affiliate offers, and the ECAP Forum where community members (candidates, affiliates, accredited members, and staff) exchange methods, best practices, and support. 

There are three membership tiers to fit your ministry’s unique needs. We also have a membership type specifically for church plants.

Why should I become an ECAP member?

Developing an ECAP-compliant Child Program is a lot of work, and many people don’t know where to start. When you become an ECAP Member, you immediately gain access to the ECAP Community and resources that help you on your way to full accreditation. 

Other benefits include:

  • Access to a shared network of like-minded ministries
  • Discounted products and services from Affiliate organizations such as legal expertise, training providers, insurance, etc.
  • Access to exclusive resources for your Child Safety Program
  • Access to training events from experts in the field
  • Discounted admission to ECAP events 

The earlier you join ECAP, the sooner our affiliates, resources, and community are available to you!

Learn more about Membership

How can I decide if joining ECAP is the right decision?

ECAP recommends you conduct an initial assessment, where you ask yourself a series of essential questions that will bring your program “into focus” – to understand how effective your Child Protection Program is now.  Most ministries’ initial assessment reveals significant deficiencies.  These deficiencies are your reason or justification to invest in your ministry’s Child Protection Program by joining ECAP as a Member. Work with your leadership to road-map your pathway toward full compliance.

ECAP INITIAL ASSESSMENTFREE ASSESSMENTS

Member Benefits

Guidance from ECAP staff

Get individualized advice and consultation on building your Child Protection Program.

Exclusive Child Safety Resources

Delve into a treasure trove of resources to fortify your knowledge and practices.

Discounted Offerings from Affiliate Providers

Access exclusive deals on products and services from trusted organizations.

Discounted Access to ECAP Events

Enjoy reduced rates for or free admission to ECAP events.

Empowerment through Unity

Forge connections with ministries sharing your mission to safeguard children.

Join Now

Not sure where to start?

Check out our Checklists page! We have self-guided checklists that correspond to each of the 5 ECAP standards to help you determine where you should focus your work in optimizing your ministry’s child safety measures.

See how your Child Protection Policy measures up.

With an Initial Assessment, ECAP staff will assess your current Child Safety Program against the ECAP Standards.

Receive an unbiased, confidential, and itemized assessment of where your current child safety measures need improvement and where they are already in compliance with our standards.

Click here to learn more and to purchase.

WHAT'S NEXT?

When you’re ready, begin the accreditation process.

Learn more about Accreditation

 

Resources for Awana:

STAY IN THE LOOP ON CHILD SAFETY WITH THE ECAP NEWSLETTER!

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"As an advocate for abuse victims in the church, I've seen a lot of bungled situations and even some criminal cover-ups. What ECAP offers is a practical solution. Not only will ECAP help your organization meet safety standards, but they provide objective third-party accountability. So, it won't be just your elders, or board of directors, or buddies from seminary saying you're meeting safety standards, but an impartial non-profit passionate about protecting kids and honoring Jesus Christ."

Jennifer GreenbergChild Advocate | Author

"The evangelical church has long since needed standards for a safe children's ministry . ECAP not only has provided that for us, but it's willing to show up at your door, help you think about the stewardship of your children, and help make your church a secure place for your children. It's been a delight to work with the team at ECAP, and I look forward to seeing what God will do in the days ahead through this ministry."

Deepak RejuAuthor | Pastor, Capital Hill Baptist Church