Security and Risk Management Considerations

At Paravel Risk Management, our foremost commitment is to protecting the vulnerable—especially children entrusted to the care of the church. When establishing nursery volunteer policies, churches must adopt a risk-aware approach rooted in both data and discernment. The exclusion of males from nursery roles is not about character judgment; it is about creating a safeguarded environment built on statistical realities, community perception, and the desire to avoid preventable harm.

Why Are Males Excluded from Nursery Volunteer Roles?

1. Statistical Risk Profile

National data overwhelmingly indicates that males are the primary perpetrators of sexual crimes against children. According to the United States Sentencing Commission, 93.6% of individuals convicted of child sexual abuse offenses are male. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that male offenders are over ten times more likely than females to be associated with sexual abuse cases. These findings compel churches to adopt preventive policies that reduce exposure to high-risk scenarios.

2. Reputation and Optics

Visitors arriving with young children may experience discomfort upon seeing unknown male volunteers supervising the nursery. Even when policies ensure thorough vetting, the optics can erode trust before relationships have a chance to form. Perceived safety matters as much as actual safety, and churches must account for how their practices appear to both guests and regular attendees.

Why Can't Teenage Boys Serve in the Nursery?

While many teenage boys desire to serve and exhibit genuine care for children, even well-meaning behavior can be misinterpreted. A hug, a diaper change, or a disciplinary moment—though innocent—could provoke suspicion or concern. In our current cultural climate, an unsubstantiated accusation can create lasting harm, especially for minors. Once allegations arise, the consequences—legal, reputational, emotional—can be severe and enduring.

By limiting nursery service to teen and adult female volunteers, churches can shield both children and adolescents from situations that could give rise to conflict, scandal, or unnecessary scrutiny.

A Call for Proactive Assessment

Every church must regularly evaluate its security practices and risk exposure, particularly regarding ministries involving children. A failure to act could result not only in harm, but in reputational damage that echoes for years.

Paravel Risk Management provides tailored security training programs that include:

• Nursery and youth ministry policies

• Volunteer vetting and background screening

• Incident prevention strategies

• Emergency response plans

• Crisis communication guidance

Let us help you develop and implement the safeguards necessary to protect your congregation—especially those who depend on it most.

Contact Paravel Risk Management Phone: 605-759-8778 Email: info@paravelrm.com