CFM Risk Reduction Webinar
Watch this CFM Care & Risk Reduction webinar with Leann Woelk. We had a great group of leaders from across the ABNWT District, and we're grateful for the time you invested in helping make our churches safer places for children, youth, vulnerable adults, volunteers, and leaders.
Leann reminded us that effective risk reduction isn't simply about having policies—it's about intentionally creating a culture that protects people while enabling healthy ministry. Using the memorable "Do Re Mi" framework, she walked us through practical steps every church should be taking to reduce risk, meet insurance requirements, and care well for those entrusted to us.
Some of the key topics included:
Volunteer screening and onboarding
Criminal record and vulnerable sector checks
Insurance expectations and documentation
Incident reporting procedures
Two-adult supervision and appropriate boundaries
Attendance records and check-in practices
Parent and guardian consent forms
Communication guidelines with children and youth
Developing and maintaining church policies and procedures
Caring well for ministry leaders while protecting those they serve
Webinar Recording
You can watch the replay here:
https://vimeo.com/1208154607/99fb5d86b0?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci
Resources Discussed
Below are the resources referenced during the webinar:
Canadian Child Welfare Research Portal (Duty to Report FAQs)
https://cwrp.ca/frequently-asked-questions-faqsRCMP Criminal Record Checks
https://rcmp.ca/en/criminal-records/criminal-record-checksCanPro Technologies (Background Verification)
https://paoc.org/ministry-toolbox/affinity-partners/background-verificationMinistry Spark Children's Ministry Handbook Template
https://ministryspark.com/resources/childrens-ministry-handbook/PAOC Ministry Toolbox – Abuse Prevention
https://paoc.org/ministry-toolbox/leadership/abuse-preventionReach Hurting Kids
https://reachhurtingkids.com/Freedom Session
https://freedomsession.com/
Attached Documents
Leann and Sean have generously shared several resources that you are welcome to use within your own church:
Risk Reduction Training Outline (PDF) – A facilitator guide designed to help you train your own volunteers. Leann recommends presenting this with two leaders (for example, your Children's Ministry Leader together with a Youth Pastor or administrator). The outline also contains links to additional helpful resources.
Learning the Proper Notes for Risk Reduction Review (PDF) – A fun review tool that helps volunteers remember the key principles taught during the training.
Risk Reduction PowerPoint Presentation – Feel free to customize these slides with information specific to your church, community, province, or territory. If you use the presentation, Leann simply asks that you acknowledge her as the creator of this training approach.
Risk Management Policy Template – While this template is older and will require updating, it provides an excellent starting point for developing or reviewing your own policies. It was originally designed to work alongside the Plan to Protect manual.
Informed Consent Template – This document was adapted from Edmonton Public Schools field trip forms and can be used independently as a helpful starting point for your own ministry consent forms.
As Leann mentioned during the webinar, every church should also review the requirements of its own insurance provider and ensure that all policies align with current insurance expectations.
If you have questions about implementing risk reduction practices or would like to connect with Leann, you can reach her directly at handlewithcaremin@gmail.com.