Churches and California's child neglect and sexual abuse law

AB 506 requires organizations that serve children to perform background checks and specifies the type of training they must undergo.

California passed new legislation effective January 1, 2022, related to screening and training volunteers and employees who interact with children. The law was passed as a response to multiple large sexual abuse claims.

AB 506 requires all organizations that serve children (including churches, schools, day cares, nonprofits and others) to perform a background check (including fingerprinting and running those prints against California's criminal database) on their volunteers and employees. This type of criminal history check is commonly known in California as a Live Scan. In addition, these employees and volunteers must receive training that meets the state's standards related to the requirements of a mandated abuse reporter.

Educational Resources on AB506 from MinistrySafe 

Briefing for Religious Organizations  

Briefing for Nonprofit Organizations and Schools 

Article highlighting requirements for youth service organizations

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