CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION AND REPORTING

Sexual abuse has a devastating impact on its victims, their families, and on the community. Unfortunately, the sexual abuse of minors is a recurring reason why churches face lawsuits each year.

Our attorneys stand ready to help the church guard against such abuse from occurring by establishing protocols for interactions among minors, church employees, and volunteers; providing training to employees and volunteers; counseling clients on mandatory reporting in compliance with state laws; and helping the church navigate allegations of abuse.

The Church Lawyers believe it is one of the highest priorities for churches to protect the innocent and vulnerable. We work alongside churches to insure they are operating in a way to guard against such abuse.

CHARITABLE SOLICITATIONS AND FUNDRAISING

Organizations engaging in fundraising must comply with state and federal regulations that require initial registration prior to initiating fundraising, as well as engaging in ongoing regulatory compliance efforts.

Our attorneys will review your organization’s current fundraising efforts and provide counsel on how your organization can achieve both initial and ongoing compliance with ever-changing fundraising regulations.

INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Many churches and ministries engage in a host of international operations ranging from church-planting, mission work, micro-finance projects, evangelism, orphanages, and disaster relief. In doing so, organizations commonly engage in collaborative relationships with foreign nonprofit organizations or individuals in overseas countries, sending funds as well as supplies to international organizations or individuals.

In operating on an international level, organizations must be prepared to comply with federal tax law as well as the Patriot Act to ensure the organization’s assets sent overseas are being used for charitable purposes and not in the intentional or inadvertent support of terrorism.

The Church Lawyers work with clients in the development of policies and practices in conformity with federal tax law and best practices for international grant-making, as well as evaluating OFAC (US Office of Foreign Assets) compliance for our clients to ensure the organization is wisely and legally operating on an international basis.

ADDITIONAL OPERATIONS SERVICES

• Affiliation Agreements

• Benevolence Programs

• Child Care, Protection, and Reporting

• Clergy-Penitent Privilege

• Confidentiality

• Counseling

• Foreign Transactions

• Fundraising

• International Activities

• IRS-Compliant Emergency Funds and Programs

• Leadership and Management

• “OFAC” Compliance

• Security

• Sexual Harassment

• Sexual Misconduct

• Vendor Contracts