AB 506 Requirements
A detailed breakdown of what California law requires from churches and youth-serving organizations.
1Training in Child Abuse & Neglect
Every administrator, employee, and regular volunteer of a youth service organization must complete training in:
- Child abuse and neglect identification — learning to recognize the signs of physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect
- Child abuse and neglect reporting — understanding when and how to report suspected abuse to the proper authorities
The training requirement can be met by completing the free online mandated reporter training provided by the Office of Child Abuse Prevention through the California Department of Social Services.
💡 Key Point
Before AB 506, many churches only trained staff who directly worked with youth. Now, all employees must be trained—broadening the circle of protection so more people can identify abuse happening in any area of a child’s life.
2Background Checks
All administrators, employees, and regular volunteers must undergo a background check pursuant to Section 11105.3 of the Penal Code. This is done through the California Department of Justice using Live Scan fingerprinting.
The purpose is to identify and exclude any persons with a history of child abuse.
⚠️ Important
The CA DOJ check only covers California records. It’s strongly recommended to also run an FBI background check or a robust check from a reputable third-party provider for nationwide coverage.
Live Scan process: Individuals visit an authorized Live Scan location, get fingerprinted electronically, and results are sent directly to the requesting organization. The state system can have processing delays, so plan accordingly.
3Child Abuse Prevention Policies
Churches must develop and implement written child abuse prevention policies and procedures that include, at minimum:
- External reporting: Policies to ensure the reporting of suspected incidents of child abuse to persons or entities outside of the organization, including reports required under Penal Code Section 11165.9
- Two-adult rule: Policies requiring, to the greatest extent possible, the presence of at least two screened and trained adults whenever administrators, employees, or volunteers are in contact with or supervising children
Best Practice
AB 506 sets the minimum standard. Churches should go beyond these requirements with comprehensive child protection policies tailored to their specific ministry context. Model policies are available from organizations like ChurchWest and Church HR Network.
4Insurance Implications
Before writing liability insurance for a youth service organization in California, an insurer may request information demonstrating compliance with AB 506 as part of the insurer’s loss control program.
This means non-compliance could affect your ability to obtain or maintain adequate liability insurance coverage for your church.
§Key Definitions
Regular Volunteer
A volunteer with the youth service organization who is 18 years of age or older and who has direct contact with, or supervision of, children for more than 16 hours per month or 32 hours per year.
Youth Service Organization
An organization that employs or utilizes the services of persons who, due to their relationship with the organization, are mandated reporters pursuant to Penal Code Section 11165.7(a)(7). This includes churches with youth programs.
Mandated Reporter
Under California law, certain professionals and volunteers are legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect. AB 506 ensures everyone in a youth service organization is trained to fulfill this role.