Search
Close this search box.
DONATE

About

The Center for Faith & Child Protection (CFCP)

training & CONSULTATION

The Center for Faith and Child Protection (CFCP) at Zero Abuse Project works to bring faith and child protection professionals together to prevent child maltreatment and, when abuse cannot be prevented, to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of maltreated children and adult survivors of abuse.

These projects include:

  • Education – We offer basic and advanced training for faith and child protection professionals, and a seminary course, which can be adapted to any faith tradition. 
  • Policy Development – We work with all faith communities in developing child protection policies that reflect best practices in the field.
  • Case Consultation – We consult with child protection professionals on cases in which children have been maltreated in a religious institution or where children have been impacted spiritually. We are also able to work with faith communities needing consultation in responding to the needs of children and families impacted by
    abuse. 

Get Training on Faith and Child Protection

Keeping Faith:

Empowering Faith and Child Protection Communities to Recognize and Respond to the Spiritual Impact of Trauma

CFCP offers clergy, chaplains, youth ministers, faith leaders, counselors and other members of a faith community who may work with children and families impact by child abuse.  

  • Basic Course – This 2-day course empowers faith communities to recognize and respond to cases of sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect. Included are discussions detailing the impact of child abuse on a victim’s sense of spirituality, as well as concrete suggestions for working with medical and mental health professionals to assist a child in coping with maltreatment.
  • Advanced Course – This 1-day course is designed for faith and child protection leaders on preventing abuse in vulnerable populations including children with disabilities and sexual and gender minority youth. 

Both courses are offered at the national level and can be brought directly to your community.

Learn More

Training & Workshops

 

We provide customized workshop on these topics, and many more:

  • Recognizing and Responding to the Spiritual Impact of Child Abuse 
  • When Faith Hurts: Sexual Abuse Prevention Strategies for Communities of Faith
  • Effective MDT Responses to the Spiritual Impact of Child Abuse 
  • Understanding and Responding to Child Abuse within Faith Communities Sports, Youth Serving Organizations and Universities
View Training Catalog

Case consultation

Supporting Child Protection Professionals and Faith Communities

We provide support to faith and child protection communities through:

  • Case consultation with child protection professionals on cases in which children have been maltreated in a religious institution or where children have been impacted spiritually. We are also able to work with faith communities needing consultation in responding to the needs of children and families impacted by abuse.
  • Trauma-informed ministry development and implementation for children and adult survivors.
  • Speaking engagements at conferences, annual meetings, and other events.
Request Consultation

Research and Publications

Resource Development

CFCP provides:

  • Research – CFCP promotes research to better understand and prepare faith and child protection leaders to address the spiritual needs of maltreated children.
  • Publications – CFCP believes it is critical for faith leaders to engage theologically with the subject of child abuse. Accordingly, CFCP will assist in drafting papers that can be submitted to peer reviewed theological journals of all faith traditions. CFCP will also work to grow the body of peer reviewed articles for secular journals on the subject of the spiritual impact of trauma and appropriate MDT responses.
View Resources

CFCP Program News & Announcements

Read about faith and the intersection with child abuse and child protection.

San Francisco Archdiocese declares bankruptcy amid hundreds of lawsuits alleging child sexual abuse

San Francisco’s Roman Catholic archdiocese filed for bankruptcy Monday, saying the filing is necessary to manage more than 500 lawsuits alleging child sexual abuse by church officials.

Sexual abuse survivors reach $100 million partial settlement with Diocese of Syracuse

Today, a settlement was announced in the Diocese of Syracuse bankruptcy case on behalf of hundreds of survivors of child sexual abuse who courageously came forward to file claims in the Diocese’s bankruptcy case. The $100 million settlement includes contributions from the Diocese of Syracuse, the Diocese’s parishes, and other entities affiliated with the Diocese.

Jehovah’s Witnesses congregations charged with child sexual abuse in Pennsylvania

Catholic clergy in Illinois sexually abused more than 1,900 minors, state attorney general says in report

States weigh child abuse reporting vs. clergy’s duty of confidentiality

Registered sex offender continued to minister to chi alpha students

Menlo Church leadership acknowledges abuse from decades ago

Ouachita Baptist University Hosts “Keeping Faith”

SEE MORE

in the field

Spiritual Care in Child Advocacy Centers

With funding from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime, we are enhancing access to spiritual care for child abuse victims by developing resources and training for Child Advocacy Centers to implement spiritual care programs. 

Our Center works with accredited Children’s Advocacy Centers and MDTs in implementing chaplaincy programs. In addition to being a resource to address the spiritual needs of maltreated children, CAC and MDT chaplains serve on case review teams and advise MDTs on cases in which religion was incorporated into the abuse of a child.

Get resources now

Program Faculty and Staff

Alison Feigh

Director, Jacob Wetterling Resource Center

Rachel Johnson

Lead Forensic Interview Specialist

Rita Farrell

Director, ChildFirst®

Suzanne Severson

Senior Program Manager, Education and Research
Victor Vieth

Victor Vieth

Chief Program Officer, Education & Research

STAY CONNECTED

We need your help to protect children from abuse! Sign up to stay connected and learn about upcoming events and announcements!

Facebook Twitter Youtube Envelope Rss
Subscribe

ABOUT

Zero Abuse Project is a 501(c)(3) organization committed to the elimination of child sexual abuse. Our programs are designed to provide training and education to professionals and students, and to help transform institutions to effectively prevent, recognize, and respond to child sexual abuse.

NAVIGATION

CONTACT US

Zero Abuse Project Headquarters
366 Jackson Street, Suite 300
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 714-4673
Virginia Office
1450 Duke St
Alexandria, VA 22314
(651) 714-4673
Jacob Wetterling Resource Center
(800) 325-HOPE (4673)
DONATE
© 2023 Zero Abuse Project. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. EIN: 82-4614993

Request a Case Consultation

CFCP Case Consultation Request