The Evangelical Council for Abuse Prevention is expanding their safety standards to help Christian churches and ministries protect persons with disabilities.
JACKSONVILLE, FL – The Evangelical Council for Abuse Prevention (ECAP) partners with Joni and Friends to protect vulnerable adults and persons with disabilities from abuse. This month they launch STAND UP, a campaign to support the development of Safety Standards for churches, Christian ministries, and organizations.
“Persons with disabilities are at least three times as likely to be abused as those without a disability,” said Jeff Dalrymple, ECAP Executive Director. “We believe these new Standards are a wonderful way to build upon our existing programs and resources, empower our member organizations, and reflect the heart of Christ as we STAND UP for those who deserve our compassion and protection.”
The goal of the STAND UP campaign is to raise $40,000 for the development and publication of Safety Standards which ministries can implement. ECAP will consult with experts such as lawyers, therapists, abuse survivors, ministry leaders, and persons with disabilities to ensure that these new Standards are thorough and robust to equip churches and non-profit organizations.
“Heading up this new project is an exciting step forward, not just for ECAP, but for Christians who want to protect the the vulnerable,” said Scott Beard, who is leading the Standards development committee. “ECAP has already done an amazing job providing ministries with the resources they need to protect children. Now we’re expanding those resources to protect adults with disabilities, including those with cognitive disabilities and the elderly.”
Joni and Friends is a non-profit founded by Joni Eareckson Tada. They provide Gospel ministry and practical care to people living with disability.
“Joni and Friends has partnered with ECAP because we are the leading Christian disability ministry,” said Kimi Archer, Senior Director of Global Missions & Internships at Joni and Friends. “For 45 years, Joni and Friends has come alongside individuals with disabilities and their families. We are honored to share our experience, expertise, and best practices with ECAP to develop standards that will equip churches and para-church organizations to protect vulnerable adults.”
Churches, organizations, and Christians interested in supporting this project can find more information on ECAP’s website at www.ECAP.net/Stand-Up.
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ABOUT ECAP: As a national association of Christian ministries, The Evangelical Council for Abuse Prevention is committed to child and youth protection through compliance to established Child Safety Standards and an independent and evidence-based Accreditation Program. ECAP was created in 2019 to provide awareness, accreditation and resources to help Christian organizations that serve kids protect the vulnerable in ministry. More Info: www.ECAP.net
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