So You Want to Be a Child Safety Coordinator… Maybe?

, ,
By

Jennifer Estrada serves as the Associate Director of Children’s Ministry at Christ Journey Church in Miami, Florida, where she also leads as the Child Safety Policies Coordinator on the church’s Child Safety Team. With a professional background in Exceptional Student Education and over a decade of experience in Family Ministry, she brings both expertise and heart to her work in creating safe, Christ-centered environments for children. Her passion lies in child development and in laying a strong foundation of faith that allows children to experience the love of Jesus without obstruction. She believes that the first impression a child receives of God’s love can shape their entire life—and is committed to ensuring that nothing compromises that sacred opportunity.

I get it—child safety isn’t exactly the role everyone’s lining up for. It doesn’t come with confetti, stage time, or a cool Spotify playlist. But if you’ve found yourself here—whether by calling, conviction, or maybe just a “you’d be great at this!” conversation with your pastor—let me encourage you: it’s worth it. Like, really worth it.

When I stepped into the role of Safety Coordinator at Christ Journey Church, I didn’t have a handbook or a team of experts on standby. What I did have was a deep conviction that protecting children is one of the holiest and most practical things we can do as the Church. I also had a highlighter, a lot of questions, and a strong sense that this job was going to require more of God than me. That was probably the most important thing.

Let me say right away: if this feels too big, too complicated, or too much—good. That’s exactly where it should start, because it keeps you dependent on God. And you’re not doing this alone. There’s a whole community of safety-minded, Jesus-loving people out here who are rooting for you.

Here’s what I’ve learned so far, and what I’d tell anyone stepping into this role:

Start with What You’ve Got. Don’t feel like you have to overhaul everything in one day. Begin by pulling out any existing policies. Look for anything that outlines who is working with children and how they were approved. Ask questions like: Do we require a background check? A reference check? Is there a membership or attendance requirement before someone serves? Is there an actual interview happening? (And yes—ask for physical ID!)

Screening Is a Ministry. It’s not just a checklist—it’s the first line of care. Screening is how you create a safe, healthy environment from the ground up. Be honest about your process, and work with available staff or lay leaders to make it stronger.

Train Like It Matters—Because It Does. Child abuse prevention doesn’t stop with screening. It continues through ongoing, intentional training. Equip your leaders to: understand what abuse is and what it looks like, know their legal and moral responsibilities as Mandated Reporters, recognize grooming behaviors, and know what to do—and who to talk to—if something seems off. Ask yourself: How do we know our leaders are ready? If the answer is “because they love Jesus,” that’s a beautiful start—but not enough. Give them a manual. Review it with them. Check in often. When a leader feels informed and supported, they lead with confidence and care.

Build Support Systems. Policy without people is just paper. Surround your safeguards with real support—leaders, check-ins, and clear reporting pathways. At Christ Journey, we set up a direct email monitored by our Child Safety Team, a trained group that includes the Director of Family Ministry, staff from kids and student ministries, our Executive Pastor, and select trusted lay leaders chosen for their experience, roles in the church, or expertise in child advocacy and care. Right now, our team also includes a law enforcement officer, a board member who is also a parent and a leader who is an expert in the field of cybersecurity. This team reviews and responds to reports or concerns in alignment with our church’s Child Protection Plan and state laws. The email provides an accessible, confidential way for anyone—leaders, parents, or volunteers—to raise a concern, ask a question, or seek guidance. Sometimes it’s a clear report; other times, it’s just a gut feeling. Either way, the team takes it seriously. By making communication simple and visible, we create a culture where speaking up is expected—not intimidating.

Trust God with the Heavy Stuff. Your church is trusting you to be a guide. It’s an honor—and sometimes a weight. But God is more invested in protecting the vulnerable than we are. He’ll give you wisdom, provision, and divine nudges as you go. Trust Him. He honors your sacrifice of time, energy, and spreadsheets.

So, do you still want to be a Child Safety Coordinator? Maybe?

I hope so. Because you can do this—and you will. And the kingdom is better for it.

  • Safeguards for Churches
    Southern Baptists are a force for good – I have been inspired by Dr. Jeff Iorg’s common refrain as I have traveled with him and met Southern Baptist leaders. For more than 100 years, Southern Baptists have been a force for good throughout the U.S. and around the globe. We could spotlight the work of the North American Mission Board and Send Relief in responding to disasters and the work of International Mission Board missionaries involved in all sorts of mercy ministry in faraway places.
  • Rotten Fruit: Sexual Sin in Culture
    Sometimes life gets busy. Too busy to even take a piece of fruit for a quick snack when running out the door. This can have a negative effect when we purchase fruit for a healthy snack then let too much time go by and that fruit can deteriorate and turn from being something delicious and nourishing to something moldy, slimy and stinky.
  • Loving the Vulnerable with Your Actions
    Sexual assault is an epidemic in America. Per Rape & Incest National Network (RAINN), every 68 seconds an American is sexually assaulted, and every 9 minutes, that victim is a child. That should get your attention!  It’s horrifying. It’s evil. For me, this issue is personal. As a parent of a young man affected by developmental and intellectual disabilities, I know my son is extremely vulnerable. I wanted to learn more. I wanted to protect him. And what I learned from my research shook me to my core.
  • Safeguarding the Vulnerable: Why Canadian Churches Must Prioritize Abuse Prevention
    In recent years, the Canadian Church has come under increased scrutiny regarding its response to allegations of child abuse and clergy sexual misconduct. These incidents are not only morally reprehensible and spiritually devastating—they also carry serious legal and financial implications. Churches are entrusted with the care of the most vulnerable among us. To honour that trust and walk in obedience to Christ, it is imperative that churches in Canada implement strong safeguarding protocols.
  • Suggested Best Practices for Use of the DOB and SSN in Searching for Criminal Records
    Screening and training of childcare workers is a must for any child- and youth-serving organization. Parents entrust our organizations with the care of their children, so we have a responsibility to be diligent in discerning who has access to those children. If our ministries are to be safe places for kids to hear the gospel, and we are to be good stewards of the lives entrusted to our care, then child safety cannot be an afterthought or “bonus” feature of our programming. It must be central. A rigorous screening process would include an application, reference checks, interview, and background check.  Every staff member and volunteer who will work with children should be screened according to these measures. But it’s not enough to initiate the screening process – the materials returned for each applicant must be reviewed for yellow flags that warrant a follow-up conversation or red flags that may disqualify them from service with children.