Resources
Tools, links, and organizations to help your church comply with AB 506 and protect children.
Official & Legal
Full Text of AB 506
Read the complete text of California Assembly Bill 506 (Chapter 169) as signed into law on September 16, 2021.
Read on CA Legislature →California Penal Code § 11165.7
The section defining mandated reporters, including those in youth service organizations referenced by AB 506.
View Penal Code →CA DOJ Live Scan Locations
Find authorized Live Scan fingerprinting locations near you for the required background checks.
Find Locations →Training
California Mandated Reporter Training
Free online training provided by the Office of Child Abuse Prevention. Courses available for general audiences, clergy, volunteers, and more (2–4 hours).
Start Free Training →Church HR Network
Ministry-specific HR training and resources, including AB 506 compliance tools. CSBC member churches may have pre-paid access.
Learn More →Policies & Tools
Model Child Protection Policy
A free policy template from ChurchWest aligned with underwriting requirements for ministry sexual misconduct coverage. Customize for your church and review with legal counsel.
Download Template →CSBC AB 506 Compliance Resources
The California Southern Baptist Convention’s comprehensive resource hub for AB 506 compliance, including background check guides and training partnerships.
Visit CSBC →CSBC Legal Assist Program
Free legal assistance for CSBC member ministries. Get your child protection policy reviewed by an attorney at no cost.
Get Legal Help →Insurance
ChurchWest Insurance
Specialized ministry insurance and risk advisory. Over 4,400 ministries served with 50+ years of experience in church coverage.
Visit ChurchWest →Reporting Abuse
Report Child Abuse
If you suspect a child is in danger of abuse or neglect, report it immediately to Child Protective Services.
Report Now →Childhelp National Hotline
24/7 hotline for child abuse reporting and support. Available in 170+ languages.
1-800-422-4453
Learn More →Frequently Asked Questions
Does AB 506 apply to my church?
If your church employs or uses volunteers who work with children and youth, it very likely qualifies as a “youth service organization” under AB 506. This includes Sunday schools, youth groups, VBS programs, nursery care, and similar ministries.
What about occasional or one-time volunteers?
AB 506 specifically defines “regular volunteers” as those 18+ with direct youth contact exceeding 16 hours per month or 32 hours per year. Occasional helpers below those thresholds are not legally required to comply, but it’s a best practice to include them.
How much do background checks cost?
Live Scan fingerprinting fees vary by location but typically range from $25–$75 per person. The CA DOJ processing fee is separate from the rolling (fingerprint) fee charged by the Live Scan operator. Some churches budget this as a ministry expense.
How often does training need to be renewed?
AB 506 does not specify a renewal schedule, but annual retraining is strongly recommended as a best practice. Some insurance providers may require it. Check with your insurer and legal counsel.
Are there penalties for non-compliance?
AB 506 itself does not specify criminal penalties for non-compliance. However, non-compliance may affect your ability to obtain liability insurance, and failure to report suspected abuse (as a mandated reporter) carries separate legal consequences under existing law.
Can we use a background check service other than Live Scan?
AB 506 specifically requires background checks “pursuant to Section 11105.3 of the Penal Code,” which means the California DOJ Live Scan process. You can (and should) supplement with additional checks, but the DOJ check is the baseline legal requirement.
Where can I get free help with compliance?
Several organizations offer free resources: the state provides free mandated reporter training at mandatedreporterca.com, CSBC member churches get access to Church HR Network tools at no cost, and ChurchWest offers a free model policy template. See our compliance checklist for a complete walkthrough.