For the Protection of Adults with Vulnerabilities
Changes in the Book of Order
As of July 4, 2025, the Book of Order will include the following:
G-3.0106 ADMINISTRATION OF MISSION
All councils shall adopt and implement the following policies: a sexual misconduct policy; a harassment policy; a child, and youth, and adults with vulnerabilities protection policy; and an antiracism policy. Each council’s policy shall include requirements for boundary training which includes the topic of sexual misconduct, and child sexual abuse prevention training for its members at least every thirty-six months.
Changes to Child and Youth Protection Policy Requirement
Because this notice is being sent well in advance, churches are to make necessary changes by December 31, 2025, and it will be on the review form for the 2025 minutes.
Please note that training for the care of adults with vulnerabilities is not required by this policy, but it is available and strongly recommended for any persons who work with adults with vulnerabilities. You can find “Sexual Abuse Awareness Training for Vulnerable Adults Programs” through our partners at MinistrySafe here.
In order to facilitate this important addition to your policies, the following information is being provided for your consideration and inclusion.
Go to the Original Sources
Recommendations and Resources
Observations and Suggestions on Amending Your Current Child and Youth Protection Policy to Include “Adults with Vulnerabilities”
For several years congregations have been required to have Child and Youth Protection Policies. You are now required to amend the language in your current policy to reflect the needs of all “vulnerable persons,” and explicitly, “adults with vulnerabilities.”
