April 14 webinar to feature noted legal expert Richard Hammar

Contact: Louise Ferrebee, Christianity Today International, 630-260-6200 ext 4246, lferrebee@christianitytoday.com

CAROL STREAM, Ill., April 8 /Christian Newswire/ -- State child abuse reporting laws mandate that certain persons must report known or reasonably suspected incidents of child abuse. In many states, this includes ministers. There are significant consequences for failing to follow these laws, including criminal prosecution and law suits.

In recognition of April as National Child Abuse Prevention month, Richard Hammar, noted church law expert and creator of the "Reducing The Risk" sexual abuse prevention program, will explore child abuse reporting laws in a one-hour webinar "Reporting Child Abuse: Laws Churches Must Follow." He'll cover key concepts including:

* What is the definition of reportable child abuse?

* Am I a mandatory reporter of child abuse?

* What if I learn of child abuse in the course of a conversation that is protected by the clergy-penitent privilege? Am I still required to report?

* How do I report child abuse?

Richard Hammar is an attorney, CPA, and best-selling author specializing in legal and tax issues for churches and clergy. A graduate of Harvard Law School, he is the author of more than 100 books, including Pastor, Church & Law and the annual Church and Clergy Tax Guide.

Christianity Today International is a not-for-profit Christian media ministry founded by Billy Graham in 1956, with 9 publications and an award-winning website reaching more than 2.5-million unique visitors monthly.