Safe Church, Safe Communities

 

Safe Church Universal Training

In accordance with The Episcopal Church’s Safe Church, Safe Communities program, Universal Training is now offered for certification for work with Children/Youth and with Vulnerable Adults. Universal Safe Church training fosters a culture of safety and inclusion for all people. It covers a broad overview of issues of vulnerability, power, and healthy boundaries. Universal Safe Church training equips all people to live out their Baptismal Covenant.

 

Read more at Safe Church, Safe Communities on the website of the Episcopal Church. 

 Mandatory Reporting
In Texas, everyone is considered a mandated reporter when it comes to abuse and neglect, not just professionals. The mandatory reporting requirement applies without exception to an individual whose personal communications may otherwise be privileged, including attorneys, clergy, medical professionals, social workers, and mental health professionals. This means any individual who suspects a child, elderly person, or person with disabilities is being abused or neglected, is legally required to report it. The law doesn’t require proof—only reasonable suspicion. These reports help protect at-risk individuals, ensuring swift intervention and support.

Required Courses

The following list are the nine courses for universal Safe Church training. CLERGY AND CHURCH EMPLOYEES ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE ALL 9 MODULES.  Lay volunteers (vestry, Sunday School teachers, lay euchristic visitors, etc.) should take the first 4 courses listed.  Expect all nine trainings to take 2-1/2 to 3 hours to complete (total).   Training is required every three years.

 

  1. Safe Church, Safe Communities: Inclusion

  2. Safe Church, Safe Communities: Healthy Boundaries

  3. Safe Church, Safe Communities: Organizational Rules & Policies

  4. Safe Church, Safe Communities: Introduction and Theological  Background

  5. Safe Church, Safe Communities: Power & Relationships

  6. Safe Church, Safe Communities: Pastoral Relationships

  7. Safe Church, Safe Communities: Bullying

  8. Safe Church, Safe Communities: Abuse and Neglect

  9. Duty to Report: Mandated Reporter

Instructions for Signing Up to Take the Courses and Submitting Your Completion Form for Certification

  • STEP 1. Follow the instructions on the sheet below to enroll and begin training. 

       ENROLLMENT SHEET
       If you have already enrolled and need to get back to the training site, click this link.
 

  • STEP 2. Once you have completed the trainings, submit the information via the form below.

 

  • STEP 3. Your certificate will be emailed to you and to your congregation. 

 

Please be sure to follow the instructions for each step carefully. If you run into any issues or have questions, please reach out to Elizabeth Jones at ejones@nwtdiocese.org  or 806.763.1370. Please also note that you may download a copy of your Praesidium Academy transcript as well. This may also be used to verify your Safe Church Training.

 Other Information about Safe Church Certification and Courses

There are no longer separate certifications for Safeguarding God’s Children and Safeguarding God’s People for the online program. Instead, the universal Safe Church certification is for ministries with all people.

Additional courses are available through the Praesidium Academy, such as “Social Media Safety,” “Know Your Policies,” and “Keeping Your Day Camp Safe.” Though not required, you make take these at any time. We encourage you to look through the offerings.

If you are already certified in Safeguarding Children, People, or both, your certification remains valid until it’s expiration. You do not need to take the new modules until expiration. However, you may wish to take the new courses now, and that is more than welcome.

If you have questions about the online update, Model Policies, and so forth, reach out to Elizabeth Jones at ejones@nwtdiocese.org. 

The updated policies for the Diocese of Northwest Texas were approved the Executive Council at their meeting on August 18, 2022.  The updated policies can be found below.

 

 DNWT Policy for the Protection of Children and Youth

DNWT Policy for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults

DNWT Policy for the Protections of Children and Youth (Spanish)

DNWT Policy for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults (Spanish)

Background Check

ALL NEW USERS must submit to a background check. Each applicant should email Elizabeth Jones (dnwtcomm@nwtdiocese.org or ejones@nwtdiocese.org) with their first and last name.  The email should contain the church name  and position (volunteer/employee) in the subject line.  They will then receive a link to enter their information for the background check.  A link to a form asking for this information can be found by clicking HERE or aiming your smartphone at the QR code to be taken to the form.