April—Child Abuse Prevention

Protecting Our Priceless Treasures
By Arthur F. Blinci, ARM

As you enter the marble halls of the Smithsonian to view the treasures of artwork and artifacts, you can’t help but notice that much care is given to the protection of these priceless memoirs of our nation’s history and culture. It is often the case that no amount of insurance coverage could replace these items if they were to be damaged or destroyed. Protecting these national treasures is essential to ensuring their continued availability for the enjoyment of millions of visitors each year.
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Protection vs. Ministry: An Ethical Dilemma
News reports across the country document the uproar that occurs when a community learns that a convicted sex offender is living in their neighborhood. Emotions run high and the cry to protect children often includes demands that the convicted sex offender be ostracized. The same high emotions can also tear congregations apart. What should a congregation do when a convicted sex offender wishes to regain fellowship at a Seventh-day Adventist church?Full article

Fifteen Action Points for Child Abuse Awareness and Training Parents and adults who regularly work with children need to take time to help children respond appropriately if an adult or another child attempts to cause them harm. This involves talking with children about child abuse prevention techniques that can make a difference if a child is facing a situation of potential victimization.
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News from North America In keeping with its policies and guidelines, the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists reaffirmed its statements in support of child protection.
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Risky Business Cartoon
By John J. Dougan

After ten years behind bars, Jeff looked forward to returning to a normal life. With the forgiveness of his church, the child molestation conviction and the errors of his youth would be a thing of the past and he hoped to be back strumming his guitar for the Primary class in no time.