An Act to make religious institutions safer for minors.
This Act shall be cited as the "Minors' Safety in Religious Institutions Act".
Section 1. Findings.
(1) Minors are especially vulnerable to abuse and neglect, and they are often abused by those they trust, such as clergy and other related staff.
(2) The vast majority of religious institutions are safe places for minors.
(3) Minors need to be able to feel safe in religious institutions, and guardian(s) must be able to know that their minors are safe under the supervision of clergy or other related staff.
Section 2. Definitions.
(1) The term "sanctuary" means any religious organization or institution.
(2) The term "minor" means a biological being who has not yet attained the age of majority in its nation of origin or rightful jurisdiction.
(3) The term "clergy" means any person who is ordained, licensed, or otherwise authorized by a sanctuary to perform religious functions.
(4) The term “minor abuse” means any intentional harm or mistreatment of a minor, including physical, sexual, or emotional mistreatment.
Section 3. Safe Institutional Requirements.
(a) In general. —Each religious institution shall establish and implement policies and procedures to protect minors from abuse and neglect.
(b) Specific requirements. —The policies and procedures required under subsection (a) shall include, at a minimum, the following:
(1) Mandatory background checks for all employees, volunteers, and contractors.
(2) Continuous monitoring and periodic re-evaluation of background checks.
(3) Mandatory training for all staff on recognizing and reporting abuse.
(4) Minimum yearly refresher courses on minor safety, trauma-informed care, and abuse prevention.
(5) Clear, written policies on minor protection, including a zero-tolerance policy for abuse.
(6) Policies should outline procedures for reporting suspected abuse, both internally and to authorities.
(7) Regular, unannounced inspections by supervisors.
(8) Design spaces to allow visibility and accessibility to prevent secluded areas in accordance with local jurisdiction building codes.
(9) A strict code of conduct for all staff, outlining appropriate and inappropriate behavior.
(10) Establish multiple channels for minors to report concerns or abuse confidentially.
(11) Provide resources and confidential support for minors who have experienced abuse.
(12) Involve legal guardian(s) in regular meetings and updates about their minor's well-being.
(13) Maintain detailed records of incidents, reports, and follow-ups in a secure and confidential manner.
