FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                          May 27, 2009

For more information contact: Ty Mays @ (770) 256-8710 | This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Christian Security Network Partners with Safe Advantage in Support of Safe Churches Project

CSN Supports Background Check Program Designed to Help Churches
Reduce Risks and Eliminate Potential Threats

CINCINATTI, Ohio - The Christian Security Network (www.christiansecuritynetwork.org) announced today it has partnered with Safe Advantage Services, a First Advantage Corp. company, in support of the Safe Churches Project (www.safechurches.com).

The project was launched to educate churches about the importance of background checks in minimizing legal and financial risks. The Christian Security Network, a national organization dedicated to the safety and security of churches, endorses the Safe Churches Project as a “vital resource for the Christian community.”

“Several factors led to the creation of the Safe Churches Project,” said Jeffrey Hawkins, executive director of Christian Security Network. “Increasingly, children are being exposed to individuals with criminal backgrounds and incidents, such as internal thefts, are costing churches millions of dollars. Few churches have access to comprehensive, affordable programs to detect criminal histories, and criminals have become savvier about hiding their past by relocating or not reporting information on applications. Additionally, many church administrators have been misled by unreliable background check companies or really don’t understand the laws applicable to background screening.”

When churches participate in the Safe Churches Project, they are granted access to Safe Advantage Services’ databases, which enable them to affordably perform criminal and sex offender database searches, social security traces, real county criminal record searches and national criminal record searches. The company also handles dispute resolution on behalf of churches at no additional charge in instances when criminals challenge the accuracy of the information that is reported.

The Christian Security Network provides webinars, onsite security seminars, risk assessment and consulting to Christian organizations throughout the United States. The organization teaches churches, ministries and schools that security starts within and that background checks are the first line of defense against a number of crimes, including child abuse, fraud and internal theft.

“The Safe Churches Project has partnered with multiple faith-based, educational and volunteer organizations to help facilitate safe environments within their organizations,” said Mark Myers, chief operating officer and general manager of Safe Advantage Services, a national leader in all areas of employment screening services. “The Christian Security Network’s focus on educating Christian churches, ministries and schools on practical security and safety issues, combined with the great reputation of the organization, made it a natural partner for the Safe Churches Project and First Advantage Corporation.”

The Christian Security Network (www.christiansecuritynetwork.com) is a national organization dedicated to the advancement of security, safety and emergency planning for Christian churches, schools, ministries and missionaries. The organization provides training, information and resources to help faith-based organizations minimize risks and increase safety. In addition to implementing plans against violent acts, arson and similar tragedies, Christian Security Network also provides resources that address lawsuits and liability, medical emergencies and destructive weather. The organization provides members of the network with training articles, access to intelligence information, grant information to fund security measures, on-site risk assessments and educational materials.

Safe Advantage Services, a First Advantage Corporation company (www.fadv.com), is a leader in the provision background screening services industry. Safe Advantage Services assists clients, ranging from small business to large corporations, as well as a large number of school districts, churches and nonprofit organizations. In 2007, the company had more than $800 million in revenues. 

For more information about the Safe Churches Project, including pricing, visit www.christiansecuritynetwork.org.

For interviews with Jeffrey Hawkins, contact Ty Mays at (770) 256-8710 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

###