Episcopal Start

REGISTER

Safe Church training is designed to increase awareness regarding sexual misconduct and abuse of power, to outline steps toward preventing abuse, to offer ways to intervene when misconduct occurs and to equip anyone in a position of parish leadership with ways of healing and rebuilding the body of Christ.

The training is required of all clergy and diocesan employees. It is also intended for wardens, vestry members, lay Eucharistic visitors, pastoral visitors, youth leaders, confirmation sponsors, acolyte leaders, choir directors, church school teachers, volunteers working in the parish on a regular basis and all employees of congregations.

SAFE CHURCH TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

The Diocese has two levels of training to help provide the information and understanding required to work on the parish level. Employees and volunteers who work in the church will be required to attend Safe Church Training as follows:

• Level I: Online training (Approximately 1.5 hours)
  Online training is required for (but not limited to) any adults volunteering with minors fewer than four (4) hours per month, such as all Sunday school teachers, nursery volunteers and volunteers working with a partner fewer than three times per month. This training should be renewed online every year. A best practice recommendation is that after two (2) years a volunteer take the Level 2 training.
  
  Confirmation of course completion will be sent from Church Pension Group directly to the parish for record keeping, and a copy will also be sent to the diocese. No certificate will be mailed to the individual.
  
  
• Level II: Classroom training (3 hours)
  Online training is required for (but not limited to)  all clergy serving in the Diocese, diocesan employees, church employees, anyone who works with minors more than four (4) hours per month and who has responsibility for minors overnight or off-site, (e.g. youth leaders and youth volunteers), Lay Eucharistic Visitors, Stephen Ministers, tutors, pastoral visitors and those who visit the sick, elderly or those in prison on behalf of the church. It is also recommended as a best practice for Vestry members.
  
  Training is provided through the Diocese by certified trainers. This course must be renewed every three years. The Diocese will keep records of those who have completed Level II training, and a certificate may be provided upon request.

 
If you require clarification on which class you need to take, please contact Canon Catherine Massey.