Protecting Other People’s Children is the essential manual crafted by experts who bring more than six decades of expertise in aiding youth-serving organizations (YSOs). This book is your 120-day plan to forge robust policies that ensure the safety and growth of the children under your care.
From private schools to church youth groups to mentoring organizations to summer camps, YSOs provide unparalleled opportunities for children to learn, grow, and flourish. Unfortunately, because they serve a vulnerable population, those groups also face unparalleled risks. Caring for children extends beyond good intentions. It requires a robust framework.
This guide demystifies best practices with expert advice, adaptable tools, and clear checklists, allowing you to concentrate on what truly matters—child welfare. You’ll gain insights into:
• Establishing a realistic policy implementation schedule
• Affirming your organization’s core values and commitments
• Selecting the ideal team for child protection
• Responding effectively to critical situations
Endorsed for its practicality and depth, Protecting Other People’s Children is a testament to the essential and rewarding journey of safeguarding children.
About the Authors
Tom Rawlings has an extensive background as a juvenile court judge, child protection ombudsman for the state of Georgia, and is a leader in child welfare initiatives. Tom currently practices at Taylor English Duma in Atlanta, where he advises and defends youth-serving organizations. An honors graduate of Duke University and the University of Georgia School of Law, Tom earned a Masters’ degree in International Human Rights Law from Oxford University (UK), and is certified by the National Association of Counsel for Children as a Child Welfare Law Specialist.
Debbie Ausburn is a social worker, foster parent, criminal prosecutor, and civil trial attorney. She has been a volunteer, legal advisor, and consultant to YSOs for more than four decades, counseling them on best practices for child safety. She blogs about legal topics at youthserviceslaw.com, and parenting issues at otherpeopleschildren.org. She is the author of Raising Other People’s Children, a key book in understanding foster and step-parenting. She is based in Atlanta, GA.
Praise for Protecting Other People’s Children
“…provides clear, step-by-step instructions for creating effective child protection policies.” —Tim Keller, Center for the Rights of Abused Children
“…an outstanding resource for organizations that want to create a culture of safety and fulfill their mission of serving our most vulnerable children.” —Judge Juanita Stedman, former juvenile court judge & CEO of Together Georgia
“…engaging, informative and a must-read for leaders who manage organizations that work with youth.” —Henry Jackson, President of Buckner Children and Family Services, Inc.
“…a comprehensive handbook that should be required reading for anyone who comes in contact with a child, either directly or indirectly.” —Isabelle Finney, Finding Kids
“…inspires action and accountability, it’s an invaluable resource for creating safer spaces for our children.” —Tom Rosenberg, President & CEO, American Camp Association
“…reflects a clear understanding of the inseparable and critical relationship between an organization’s policies, procedures, and processes and an organization’s culture.” —Hal Jones, former CEO of Wellroot Family Services
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Protecting Other People’s Chidlren
Written by Tom Rawlings & Debbie Ausburn
978-1-961293-08-3, $18.00 paperback
978-1-961293-09-0, $9.99 ebook
Published by Hatherleigh Press.
Distributed through Penguin Random House.
Available wherever books are sold.
