What are “religious exemptions” and how do they affect children in Idaho? In 1972, all states enacted religious exemptions in their criminal and civil statutes as a way to receive federal funding. (Federal funding is not tied to religious exemptions today.) The wording of these exemptions varies by state, but… Read More
An open letter to the people of Idaho
Many Idahoans are clear on where they stand on the issue of “faith healing” medical neglect. There are those who believe that the state has a responsibility to protect the health and safety of its children, including those who are being raised by parents or guardians with extreme beliefs about… Read More
What Idahoans are saying
Below are comments left by individuals after reading local coverage of the faith healing-medical neglect debate or weighing in on radio talk shows. My brain does not fully digest the idea of a kid having a sore throat for a week or Read More
Past Speaking Events
The Child-Friendly Faith Project’s board member Rev. Charles Foster Johnson and founder and Executive Director Janet Heimlich spoke at the International Cultic Studies Association’s 2016 Annual Conference in Dallas, Texas, on June 30. Cindy Kunsman, a nurse and naturopath with a wide clinical teaching background and who specializes in forensic science,… Read More
Please help us help kids
If you’ve been keeping up with our doings, you’ve probably heard about our Child-Friendly Faith Communities Designation Program. Now we’re launching a funding campaign that allows you to contribute directly to this unique curriculum! Specially designed for faith communities, the Designation Program teaches about child development and all forms of maltreatment. It… Read More
The Child-Friendly Faith Communities Designation Program
What is the CFFC Designation Program? The Child-Friendly Faith Communities Designation Program is a unique, two-phase, comprehensive curriculum designed specifically for faith communities. Participants can be religious organizations of all kinds, including churches, synagogues, and mosques, as well as faith-based educational institutions and youth programs. The designation program includes information and instruction that… Read More
Partnering with Faith Communities to End Religious Child Maltreatment
It was an honor to speak at this year’s International Cultic Studies Association conference on June 27 in Stockholm, Sweden. I was one of some 100 speakers that included researchers, mental health professionals, former cult members, and loved ones of survivors. I was particularly excited about the fact that the… Read More
Featured Faith Community: Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch
Note: When we wrote this blog post, the CFFP had no idea that Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch had a long history of severe abuse and neglect. We stand by this post, which describes the good work that Boys Ranch does for young people today. However, we believe that all institutions… Read More
Videos from CFFP Conference 2014
We’re glad you stopped by to watch videos from our Child-Friendly Faith Project Conference 2014! You can watch the videos for free, but we ask each viewer to offer a contribution—even a small one would be helpful! We appreciate your support so we can continue Read More
“Parents rights” advocates have scored a victory now that Idaho has passed House Bill 113. But what does it mean for Idaho’s children?
On April 2, Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter signed into law House Bill 113 known as the “parents rights” bill. It will become law on July 1 of this year. The bill was one of many similar pieces of legislation being lobbied around the country by the Home School Legal Defense Association, whose mission… Read More