Who is eligible to work with young people?

• Anyone 18+ years old who has completed a background check and the necessarily safe church courses.  

• In addition, it is recommended that a person should be invested in and known by the community for at least 6 months before being given a position of trust unless a background check is required.

• The policy for the protection of children and youth dictates that if only two adults are supervising an event, they cannot be related and one must be at least 25 years old

Screening - Background Checks

• Contact nward@dioms.org

Most adults 18+ who work with children, youth, or vulnerable adults need a background check.  

*This spreadsheet (first tab) explains which specific positions need which type of background checks.

How often do background checks need to be renewed? 

• For ministry in congregations, at least every 3 years.

• For ministry with children, youth, or vulnerable adults at the diocesan level or in seasonal ministries, every (1) year.

Training - Online Courses

Anyone serving in a leadership capacity (minor or adult) over children, youth, or vulnerable adults (VBS volunteer, Lay Eucharistic Visitor, etc.)  needs to complete safe church training.

 *This spreadsheet (second tab) details which ministry positions need training

• Universal Training Courses:

  1. Safe Church, Safe Communities: Introduction & Theological Background

  2. Safe Church, Safe Communities: Organizational Rule & Policies

  3. Safe Church, Safe Communities: Healthy Boundaries

  4. Safe Church, Safe Communities: Inclusion

  5. Duty to Report: Mandated Reporter

• Specialized Training Courses:

  1. Keeping Your Church Safe

  2. Keeping Your Day Camp Safe

  3. Keeping Your Overnight Camp Safe

  4. Keeping Your School Safe

  5. Safe Church, Safe Communities: Abuse & Neglect

  6. Safe Church, Safe Communities: Bullying

  7. Social Media Safety

  8. Preventing Sexual Activity Between Young Children

  9. Recognizing Abuse and Exploitation in Elder Serving Programs

  10. Safe Church, Safe Communities: Power and Relationships

  11. Safe Church, Safe Communities: Pastoral Relationships

  12. Safeguarding God's People: Preventing Sexual Harassment for Managers & Supervisors

OR Safeguarding God's People: Preventing Sexual Harassment for Workers

How do I access training?

• https://www.praesidiumacademy.com/

*Instructions for setting up or retrieving your account.

Is in-person training available?

• The Diocese of Mississippi does not offer in-person training.  We believe the on-line courses are the most accessible, consistent, and efficient method for training employees and volunteers as well as keeping records of training.

• Each course can be completed at your convenience.  Each course averages between 25-35 minutes to complete.  Unfortunately, courses do not work on phones.

How often do I have to complete training?

• At least every 3 years.