I encourage all Local Churches of the United Church of Christ to adopt an abuse prevention policy, in furtherance of the United Church of Christ's efforts to make our churches safe for all. To the extent that Local Churches or other settings of the church represent in an application for abusive acts coverage that they have adopted an abuse prevention policy that contains the material components itemized in the application for insurance, when in fact they have not, the insurer may have a basis for declining to cover a claim under the policy.
The Office of General Counsel, drawing from significant work done by ministries in the United Church of Christ, has prepared a sample abuse prevention policy for consideration by Local Churches, which is available on the ucc.org website, and can be downloaded and adapted by Local Churches and other church settings. Note that the Insurance Board also provides a sample policy as a starting point for Local Churches.
It is important to note that this is a "model" or "sample" policy. It does not cover every issue that Local Churches may want to consider in the development of such a policy. Nor does it reflect the law of each and every state. Consistent with UCC polity and practice, Local Churches adopt their own policies. Local Churches and other settings are encouraged to consider adopting the policy as adapted, revised, or changed to meet their own unique circumstances, state laws, or other factors. It is very important that the policy a Local Church adopts and implements complies with applicable federal and state laws regarding employment, privacy, and inquiries regarding criminal history. All laws are subject to change from time to time by action of state legislature, Congress, and state and federal courts. Therefore, Local Churches should develop and periodically review the policy with the assistance of persons knowledgeable in these laws. The ministries of the National Setting of the United Church of Christ is not engaged in giving legal or professional advice or services by providing this model policy. Local Churches are encouraged to consult with their own legal counsel and professional advisors before adopting any abuse prevention policy.