Shaping Families

Child Abuse and Neglect

“The church, unfortunately in my experience, is in denial about child abuse. They tell me, ‘We’re good people here, it doesn’t happen here,’ and yet I’m hearing from so many survivors and victims of abuse saying ‘Yes, it does happen here.’” —Jeanette Harder

Jeanette Harder is the author of a book, Let the Children Come: Preparing Faith Communities to End Child Abuse and Neglect (Herald Press, 2010). She says that through her many years as a home visitor and foster parent, she grew to know and love children and families touched by child abuse. She has a master’s and PhD in social work, and conducted research in child abuse and neglect prevention for ten years.

On Shaping Families, Jeanette tells why no church, family, or social strata is immune to this issue, and gives key factors to consider in helping churches and families make sure children are appropriately protected, loved and cherished. She says, “I want everybody in the congregation, adults and children alike, to be aware and know what are the signs, and [be informed about] what are the risk and protective factors for child abuse and neglect, so that when a child does need help, we’ll be ready to hear their outcry.”

Jeanette is a member of First Mennonite Church in Lincoln Nebraska, and also has a bachelor’s degree in Bible. She and her husband Stan have a son who came to them by open adoption.

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