Safe Church, Safe Communities is an updated series of online learning courses facilitated by Praesidium Academy. These courses provide participants (Learners) with information needed to protect the children and other vulnerable populations in their personal lives and the ministries in which they serve. It is a fundamental way in which we welcome and care for all people.
Safe Church Safe Communities training is required for all clergy, employees, lay leadership, and volunteers who work with children, youth, and vulnerable adults. This training must be renewed every three years. If you are unsure of your renewal date, please contact Alyson Terry, aterry@edsd.org.
MODEL POLICIES FOR THE PROTECTION OF VULNERABLE MEMBERS
Please review these policies as part of your training.
The Policy for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults
The Policy for the Protection of Children and Youth
SAFE CHURCH SAFE COMMUNITIES ONLINE TRAINING BY CATEGORY
REPORTING MISCONDUCT
The community expects the Church to be a place of safety in times of faith, vulnerability, and stress. They trust that those who serve the Church do so out of devotion to God and Christian principles, and they rely on clergy and church workers to act with integrity. When misconduct occurs, it wounds the vulnerable, damages the Church, and turns others from God.
Because of their vows and spiritual authority, clergy misconduct is especially harmful. To abuse that trust through sexual involvement with those in their care is a betrayal of vocation, victims, and the Church itself. For these reasons, the Church unequivocally condemns sexual misconduct and maintains clear rules for defining and addressing it.
REPORTING MISCONDUCT INFORMATION
PRAESIDIUM BACKGROUND CHECKS
A Background Check is required for all clergy, employees, and lay volunteers who work with children, youth, and vulnerable members. The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego uses Praesidium to complete these important screenings.
Who requests a background check?
- church staff/volunteer background checks are requested by the church administrator. That request is sent to Alyson Terry, aterry@edsd.org
- lay license applicants will receive the Praesidium Background Check Authorization form via DocuSign from Alyson Terry, diocesan registrar once the Lay License Nomination from the applicant’s clergy in charge or congregation’s warden is submitted
Background Check Forms and Information
Praesidium Background Check Authorization Form
Praesidium Background Checks
Nine Things You Need to Know
Background Check Suggestions
