Tragically, churches have not always been safe places for children or youth or vulnerable adults.

With this in mind, attorney, pastor and author Melton outlines a process for developing policies and procedures to recognize and reduce the risk of abuse in the church. Safe Sanctuaries combines and expands information from two of her earlier groundbreaking books focusing, separately, on children and teens.

"Safe Sanctuaries is the most helpful resource I have found dealing with this troubling topic," says one minister. "Straightforward yet non-threatening, the information is helpful for all denominations and congregations of faith."

Practical guidance is provided in developing and implementing a substantive, holistic action plan of abuse prevention:

• recruiting, screening and working with volunteers
• training models for all who work with children, youth and vulnerable adults
• suggestions for congregational response to unthinkable allegations of abuse
• order of worship celebrating the adoption of Safe Sanctuaries policies

Melton's transformative, relevant and foundational resource will train leaders in what they need to know to stay safe and keep the vulnerable in their care safe.