On June 2, 2003, APRI’s National Center for Prosecution of Child Abuse convened a faith-based working group of prominent theologians and child protection professionals to forge a working relationship between these groups in the hope of better protecting abused and neglected children. Suggestions offered by group members include:

• Develop a practical manual for frontline child protection workers to improve their knowledge of diverse faiths and practices. The manual would include appendices listing faith-based services that may assist abused children struggling with the spiritual impact of abuse and would also include resource information to learn more about the faiths of parents that frontline workers may encounter.
  
  
• Design a model curriculum for seminaries to educate the spiritual leaders of tomorrow about the dynamics of child abuse, the recognition of child abuse, and strategies for assisting the healing of victims.
  
  
• Design training for members of the faith community already in the field. One possibility would be to provide long distance learning opportunities to members of the faith community in towns across the country.

NCPCA will continue to seek the assistance of this working group as we pursue these and other recommendations designed to prevent abuse and, where it cannot be prevented, provide for the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of child victims.