Protect the Children in Your Church
California’s AB 506 requires churches and youth-serving organizations to implement child abuse prevention training, background checks, and safety policies. We’ll help you understand what’s required and how to comply.
Get Your Compliance Checklist →Last Updated: March 2026
What is AB 506?
Assembly Bill 506 is a California law (Chapter 169, signed September 16, 2021) that establishes minimum child protection standards for youth service organizations—including churches.
Key Requirements
AB 506 focuses on four areas every church needs to address.
Training
All administrators, employees, and regular volunteers must complete child abuse and neglect identification and reporting training. Free training is available through the state.
Background Checks
Everyone working with youth must undergo a background check through the California Department of Justice (Live Scan fingerprinting).
Policies & Procedures
Churches must develop written child abuse prevention policies, including mandatory external reporting and maintaining at least two trained adults with children at all times.
Insurance Compliance
Insurers may request proof of AB 506 compliance before writing liability insurance for your church. Being compliant protects your coverage.
Who Does This Apply To?
Churches & Ministries
Any California church or ministry that provides youth programs, Sunday school, VBS, youth groups, or childcare during services.
Employees & Volunteers
All employees, plus “regular volunteers”—anyone 18+ who has direct contact with children for more than 16 hours per month or 32 hours per year.
Administrators
Church administrators and leadership are included in all training and background check requirements, even if they don’t directly supervise youth.
Ready to Get Compliant?
Our step-by-step checklist makes AB 506 compliance straightforward. We’ve gathered all the resources you need in one place.
View Compliance Checklist Browse Resources