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 2 to 3 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 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 either create your account for you or share a code with you so you can create your own account.
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!
How do I find the courses I’m required to take when I’m on Praesidium Academy?
The easiest way to find the courses you are looking for is by typing a keyword from the title of the course into the search bar. You will find the search bar under Bishop Brian’s message and the “My Learning” box. Video tutorial coming soon!
Safe Church Coordinator Resources
