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Screening Manual Digital Resources

Welcome! We’re so glad you’ve accessed the digital resources we’ve complied to accompany the Screening Manual! Here you will find each of the items referenced in the manual with the “web” icon. We’ve also included a few additional resources you might find helpful. This sampler represents only one section out of a larger forthcoming manual which will cover all 5 of the ECAP standards. It is our hope that you will be able to use this manual to walk systematically through each indicator and truly understand what each one means, why it’s important, and how to implement.

Who is ECAP?

ECAP is a national association of Christian ministries dedicated to abuse prevention and response from a biblical worldview. ECAP supports Child and Youth Serving Organizations through established Child Safety Standards and an independent and evidence-based validation program that results in accreditation. Our mission is to help ministries create a safe place for kids to hear the gospel and grow in Christ – free from abuse. We seek to ensure that our Christ-centered ministries would demonstrate trust consistent with our witness before a watching world. Read more about ECAP membership and how it can help you protect the vulnerable in your care.

The Problem of Abuse

Abuse often goes unrecognized and unreported within our churches, schools, and other ministries.

It’s estimated that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 7 boys are sexually abused by the time they are 18, but it’s estimated that only 12% of child sexual abuse is ever reported to the authorities. Tragically, abuse comes from those we know. Only 7% of assailants are strangers to their victims, the majority are family members, friends, and acquaintences. There is no profile for sex offenders. Any child can be a victim and any adult can be a predator. The church is not immune to these statistics. According to Church Law & Tax, sexual abuse of a minor is consistently the top reasons churches end up in court. People who are responsible for taking care of children should be prepared to respond appropriately when they begin to suspect abuse.

Learn more about abuse and how to report at ecap.net/abuse

Accreditation = Trust

Peace of mind for parents,

Confidence for Leaders.

Learn more about Accreditation

NEXT STEPS:

  1. Join ECAP – Tap into member-specific benefits and get started today: 
    1. Pre-accreditation membership rates and benefits: https://ecap.net/membership/
    2. Post-accreditation membership rates: https://ecap.net/rates/
  2. Meet with the ECAP team for orientation and capacity building
    1. Assemble your Child Safety Team and appoint your Child Safety Coordinator
  3. Assess your current safeguards
    1. Either ECAP will assess or you can using these checklists: https://ecap.net/assessments/
  4. Create your response plan (coaching available)
  5. Build out your Child Protection Program policies
  6. ECAP provides coaching to members navigating abuse allegations (internal or external)
  7. Secure your copy of the Child Safety Road Map for Ministries (full workbook curriculum for members)

Learn more about the Child Protection Cohort offered every Spring or Fall: https://ecap.net/cohort/