Securing Cribs in Your Church Nursery

from Church Law and Tax Update

For the first time in nearly 40 years, the federal government has approved new crib safety regulations that affect most every crib bought, used, sold, or donated across the country. The rules are complex, but it is critical for churches that provide cribs in their nurseries to know them.

Some of the rules went into effect this past June; additionally, beginning in December 2012, any facility—including churches—that provides child care and compensates its workers must use compliant cribs.

What's not as clear is what happens in a situation in which a church doesn't charge a fee or compensate workers. But even such a church would be wise to learn the new laws and consider voluntary compliance. Doing so would help to ensure the safety of children in its care and help to minimize its vulnerability to a future civil lawsuit, were the unthinkable to occur.

To help churches of all sizes and situations, we've provided an overview through this free article from ChurchSafety.com