How to Respond to Abuse Claims

In the aftermath of the report on how the Southern Baptist Convention responded to claims of sex abuse, it’s nice to see an organization that hit all of the right notes. A potential employee at a childcare center was shadowing teachers at the Journey Church of the River Region in Alabama. She saw inappropriate behavior from three employees, and reported it to the director.

According to the facts in news reports, the director followed all of the right steps:

1. Isolated the accused — in this case, she fired the employees.
2. Make a mandated report  — in this case to both law enforcement and governing state agencies.
3. Meet with parents.
4. Cooperate with investigators

It’s always difficult to know how to respond to horrible reports like these.  This director seems to have been very experienced or very well-prepared.   

Planning ahead for a few clear and simple steps can help you deal with a crisis while you are still figuring out what’s going on. If you need help planning, our firm can help with either a checklist or training for your organization.