I am a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I feel a responsibility to speak up when it comes to the safety of our children and youth.

I write from personal experience. Years ago, when I disclosed sexual abuse by a church youth leader and employee, I was urged to remain silent. That experience taught me how easily fear, shame, confusion and misplaced loyalty can keep victims from speaking. It is one reason I am no longer willing to stay silent when child safety is at stake.

This issue has weighed heavily on me for a long time. Like many members, I have felt heartbreak reading public reports of abuse involving individuals in positions of trust within the church. What has been especially difficult is learning that, in some cases, individuals with known abuse histories were later allowed continued access to children and youth in church settings.

Public reporting and survivor documentation have highlighted troubling examples. FLOODLIT and other investigations have documented cases in which individuals with prior child sexual abuse convictions or known abuse histories were later allowed continued access to children within church settings. These stories are devastating not only because abuse occurred but also because they raise painful questions about whether enough safeguards were in place to prevent future harm.

Many members have called for stronger mandatory reporting laws, and that conversation matters deeply. But changing laws can take years. Legislative reform is slow, and children who may be vulnerable right now cannot afford to wait.

There is something the church can do immediately.

The church can adopt a worldwide policy requiring mandatory background checks for every calling involving children, youth or vulnerable individuals — including nursery, Primary, Young Women, Young Men, youth activities and any position in which adults are entrusted with the care or supervision of minors.

This is not without precedent. In the United Kingdom, the church already follows safeguarding requirements that include background screening for those serving with children and youth. If this standard can be implemented there, it raises an important question: Why not everywhere?

Children in every congregation and country deserve the same level of protection.

Background checks alone will not solve everything. Abuse prevention also requires education, accountability, clear reporting procedures and leaders willing to act. But background checks are a practical and immediate step the church can take now. They are standard in schools, sports organizations, childcare programs and many faith communities around the world. They should be standard in the global church as well.

This is not about suspicion. It is about stewardship. Protecting children should be proactive, not reactive.

Members who care about this issue can help by respectfully writing to bishops, stake (regional) presidents and area leaders to request mandatory background checks for all callings involving children and youth. They can work with fellow congregants, friends and neighbors to organize petitions calling for stronger child-safety policies and encourage local lay leaders to adopt stricter requirements before extending callings involving vulnerable populations. We should also continue speaking openly and respectfully about child protection until meaningful change is made, while petitioning local, state and national civil authorities to enact mandatory reporting laws that include ecclesiastical authorities and youth leaders of every faith.

We teach that children are precious in the sight of God. Our policies should reflect that as clearly as our doctrine does.

Protecting children should never wait for a crisis, a lawsuit or a change in legislation. It should begin before harm occurs. And it should begin now.

Karla Forest is a Layton resident with experience in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints involving children and youth.

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