Because it’s a foundational piece of an educational model meant to reduce risk.
After years of litigating sexual abuse cases, we have concluded that effective prevention occurs only when employees and volunteers have ‘eyes to see and ears to hear’ common grooming behaviors. And it’s important that ALL employees and volunteers who work directly with children have the training, rather than relying upon a few key employees to catch inappropriate behaviors in the midst of performing often frenetic ministry work.
In addition, policies and procedures will have limited impact on staff members and volunteers without eplaining ‘why’. Without an understanding of ‘why’, expect limited engagement and a resistance to change. Effective Awareness Training explains the safety principles behind policies and procedures.