We’re Working to Build a Safer Future

The Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee is committed to protecting each child of God. Sexual misconduct on the part of any clergy person, employee or volunteer of any congregation, school, or diocesan affiliated organization violates the mission of the Church, is prohibited and will not be tolerated. The Safe Church, Safe Community courses teach how exploitation and harassment occur, the awareness we need to prevent such occurrences, and how to respond, should an incident of exploitation or harassment occur. We strongly encourage each person in the church take Safe Church, Safe Communities.

As of September 1, 2022, Safe Church, Safe Communities is available to everyone online regardless of certification status. Please use the buttons below to register for an online account.

Safe Church, Safe Communities Course Requirements | Please click here if you work or volunteer at an Episcopal School.

How to Complete Your Training

Starting January 1, 2023, each church is responsible for assisting parishioners with creating their Praesidium Training accounts. Please contact your parish’s Safe Church Coordinator for assistance. Not sure who your Parish Safe Church Coordinator is? Find out here.

Please note: If you already have taken online training, please visit www.praesidiumacademy.com/learn to log into your account.

Safe Church Policies

Please note: All parishes have been sent or have received in person a hard copy of the policies and forms.

Forms

Confidential Notice of Concern

Annual Adoption Forms

Questions about the policies, training, or specific questions about Safeguarding God’s Children please contact Caroline Wood, cwood@dioet.org, 865-966-2119.

FAQ

Who is required to go through training?

Anyone who serves in our churches, schools, or camps as a volunteer or paid worker. This includes but is not limited to clergy, youth and children’s ministers, vestry members, key holders, lay leaders, all paid church staff, and summer/day camp workers/volunteers.

How long does the training take?

Safe Church, Safe Communities training ranges from 3.5 hours to 2 hours, depending on which courses are required for your role.

I took the training in 1998. Haven’t I already been trained?

The Diocese of East Tennessee adopted the Safeguarding God’s Children curriculum in 2003. Those who attended any prevention of child sexual abuse training prior to that time have not completed the training workshop that is currently required. Further, if it has been more than three years since going through the in-person training, you will need to take the in-person training again.

How often do I need to go through the training?

Each person must take Safe Church, Safe Communities training every three years.

The current policies say that I must take in-person training first, but I don’t see any in-person training available?

Starting September 1, 2022, our diocese moved to solely online training. We are currently in the process of re-writing our diocesan policies to reflect this change. All training must be completed online.

How do I get an online account?

Each parish should have someone who serves at the “Parish Safe Church Coordinator.” This person will create your account, provide technical support, and remind you when you need to renew your training.

What do I do after I’ve finished my online courses?

Please share your transcript with your parish’s Safe Church coordinator.

You can print your transcript by:

Click the grey circle with your initials in it on the top right-hand corner in your Praesidium account.
Click “Transcript”
Click “Print Transcript”

Which courses do I take online?

The courses you are required to take depend on your role in the church. Please view this chart to see which courses you should take.

I just took both of the Safeguarding courses. Do I need to retake Safe Church, Safe Communities?

No, your Safeguarding God’s Children and Safeguarding God’s People certification is valid for three years. When your certificate expires, you will take Safe Church, Safe Communities. However, if you want to take these new courses anyway, please go ahead!

Safe Church Coordinator Resources