WHAT IS AB-506?
With the numerous cases of sexual abuse tragedies, on September 16, 2021, the State of California passed AB-506. Prior to this bill, churches were responsible for determining their own abuse prevention. There were no laws outlining specifics in the areas of background checks, training, or policies.
The new California legislation (AB506) requires employees, administrators, and volunteers of youth-serving organizations (including houses of worship, schools, daycares, and nonprofits) to complete training in child abuse & neglect reporting and undergo Live Scan background checks.
FAQ’s
Does AB-506 apply to my church?
For the first time, churches are included in a category under the Business & Professions Code § 18975 classified as ‘Youth Service Organizations’. We now have a law that specifies precisely what we must do.
Who does this apply to?
All administrators, employees, and volunteers must complete a background check; anyone with a history of child abuse is excluded from working or volunteering in a youth-serving organization.
Who is a ‘Regular Volunteer’?
AB506 specifically defines ‘Regular Volunteers’ as ‘a volunteer with the youth service organization who is 18 years of age or older and who has direct contact with, or supervision of, children for more than 16 hours per month or 32 hours per year.’
Which employees need a LIVESCAN background check?
The law specifies that ALL employees need a LiveScan Background Check, not just those that work with youth. Yes, this means those that never have any contact with youth, musicians, part-time, seasonal, occasional, and any other employees.
Seminar Video & PowerPoint
On April 18, 2023, Mike Klockenbrink presented a seminar on how to get started, updates, and requirements to fulfill the AB-506 process. So that you know, this is not an optional Assembly bill to ignore. Our association wants to provide resources for protecting your church and staff.
If you have further questions that were not addressed, please email Sally Hahn, sally@venturechurches-ncnv.com.
When does this need to be completed?
This law was passed on September 16, 2021, and is effective January 1, 2022.
Are preschools and daycares under this bill?
Schools are subject to different requirements that may be found in Assembly Bill 1207.
What training is required?
The California Business & Professions Code, Section 18975, Chapter 2.9 states ‘(a) An administrator, employee, or regular volunteer of a youth service organization shall complete training in child abuse and neglect identification and training in child abuse and neglect reporting.
What is the penalty if we don’t comply with the new requirements?
The law allows insurance carriers to seek verification of compliance with these requirements. Insurance companies will check that you are meeting the requirements of AB506. The primary enforcement will be through legal action. Should your ministry ever have an allegation of abuse, the first questions that will be asked by the plaintiff’s attorneys will be if you met the requirements of AB506. This will introduce punitive damages (not covered by any insurance company) and opens your leadership to personal liability for disregarding the law.