Screening Process
People who sexually abuse children utilize authority, trust, and/or physical force/threats to gain access and control so they can perpetuate the abuse.
Here are some false assumptions we often make about predators:
- We assume it will happen to someone else.
- We assume our children are safe.
- We assume we can recognize them (i.e., they will be “monsters” and not like us).
- We assume they exist only in certain social and economic demographics.
Abusers are often the people that you’d least expect.
- Most of the time, the abuser is someone known to the victim, and most abuse takes place within the context of an ongoing relationship. Sexual predators often live a double life, and they groom the child for abuse before acting. They seek opportunities to have easy access to children (e.g., targeting single mothers). Some predators deliberately target churches.
- Studies show the usual offender is between the ages of 18–35. Most are men. Predators are often married and have children. They come from every economic and social demographic.
Before beginning work in any child or youth-related ministry at Veritas, applicants must be an active part of the Veritas community for at least six months. (Ideally, the applicant would also be pursuing membership at one of the congregations, as well.)
Volunteers and workers will be thoroughly screened. As part of the application process, applicants must answer these two questions:
- Are you aware of any current or past claim or lawsuit, or of any situation that could result
in a claim or lawsuit in connection with an allegation of abuse or sexual misconduct?
- Have you ever participated in, been accused or convicted of,
or pled guilty or no contest to any abuse or sexual misconduct?
Additionally, volunteers and workers will have a background check conducted. This background check is conducted through the Checkr system; the system does a Social Security trace, and checks names against the sex offender watch list, global watch list, and national criminal watch list. No worker or volunteer may be a part of a child-related ministry without a current background check in place.
Finally, as part of the application process, interviews will be completed and references will be contacted.