Conducting a Children’s Ministry Security Audit
Children’s Ministry has an incredible responsibility, the safety and well-being of the children you serve every week. While your calling is focused on creating meaningful experiences for kids, safety must be a priority.
If you’re wondering whether your current child safety protocols are adequate, you’re not alone. Many leaders feel overwhelmed by the question: “Are we doing enough?” Conducting a thorough security audit doesn’t have to be complicated or involve a lot of resources. It simply requires intentionality, honesty, and a willingness to identify and address the gaps.
This multi-part series will cover the why and when of conducting a comprehensive security audit, the six critical audit areas and warning signs, as well as a step-by-step process for conducting the audit and addressing the safety gaps. This information is designed to help you evaluate your current protocols, develop an action plan for improvement, and move you beyond audit to action.
Five Reasons to Conduct a Security Audit
A security audit serves several critical purposes:
- Protection of Children – It helps identify vulnerabilities before an incident occurs and is better than responding after an issue arises.
- Peace of Mind for Families – Parents and caregivers are more safety-conscious than ever. Demonstrating that you take security seriously builds trust and confidence in your ministry.
- Legal Liability Protection – Proper documentation and safety protocols will protect your ministry from potential legal issues and may be required by your insurer. If an incident occurs, documented safety procedures demonstrate due diligence.
- Volunteer Confidence: Volunteers and staff will feel more confident and be more effective when they know safety protocols are in place and how to follow them.
- Ministry Credibility: A well-run, secure children’s ministry reflects positively on your entire church and eliminates barriers to families visiting and returning.
When to Conduct a Security Audit
You should conduct a full security audit annually. In addition, reevaluate your protocols when:
- You’re implementing a new check-in and check-out system, transitioning from pen and paper to an electronic solution, or making significant changes to your existing check-in platform.
- You’ve experienced growth or changes in attendance patterns.
- A security incident at your church or at another child-focused organization in your area.
- You’ve experienced leadership changes in your children’s ministry.
- You’re launching a new program (think VBS) or adding service times.
- Insurance requirements or local and state laws change.
You have the privilege and responsibility of creating a children’s area that is not only safe but also fosters trust among families. Continue to honor that trust by taking security seriously and strengthening your safety systems and protocols.
Click here to learn more about the benefits of secure children’s and youth check-in, mobile Express Check-In, volunteer scheduling, and our live support, available six days a week, including Sunday morning.
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Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
