Sexual Misconduct Prevention (see Note at the end regarding the sessions on Child Abuse Awareness)
	Training Sessions for Sexual Misconduct Prevention Date will be posted when scheduled.

Diocesan Council - November 8, 2006 Making Church A Safe Place Diocesan Council affirms the importance of safe, healthy relationships. At the November 8, 2006 meeting Diocesan Council adopted a new policy of training and education for all diocesan personnel, including lay employees and volunteers, who regularly work with or around children. The requirement that adults in roles of diocesan authority must have at least three hours of sexual misconduct prevention education and training was also reaffirmed. Council also highly recommends that all congregations in the Diocese of Newark adopt these policies. The Bishop Anand Resource Center has multiple copies of the program Safeguarding God's Children which satisfies the child abuse awareness training requirement, available for loan, free of charge. The program is designed to be used in congregations with Sunday school and pre-school teachers, youth group leaders, etc. without any additional training. Congregations will be responsible for having their paid and staff and volunteers trained in Child Abuse Awareness. Sexual Misconduct Trainings will continue to be offered at Episcopal House. Requirements Related to the Safety of Children and Adults The adopted policy stated that the following Education and Training was required for all diocesan personnel, including lay employees and volunteers who regularly work with or around children and youth and employees and volunteers who chaperone diocesan youth events. It is highly recommended for all church personnel, including lay employees and volunteers who regularly work with and around children and youth. (Regularly is defined as those who work or volunteer four (4) or more times a year.) 1. At least three hours of child abuse prevention education and training within the first month of service or prior to attendance at youth events. Note: These training requirements may be satisfied with participation in Safeguarding God’s Children or participation in a similar program with participant able to demonstrate, by certificate of completion, that they received training equivalent to Safeguarding God’s Children. A copy of certificate should be placed in the person’s personnel file, and updated as necessary as specified in #5 below. 2. Will receive a copy of Policies for the Protection of Children and Youth from Abuse (The Church Pension Group developed in partnership with The Nathan Network) from their immediate supervisor. 3. Will read and initial the Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children and Youth. One copy will be kept by the individual and the original will be placed in the person’s personnel file. 4. Must have their training renewed every five (5) years. The following Education and Training is required for all diocesan personnel, lay employees and volunteers who are in roles of authority but may not work with or around children and youth and is highly recommended for all church personnel, including lay employees and volunteers who are in roles of authority but may not work with or around children and youth. 1. At least three hours of sexual misconduct prevention education and training within the first month of service. Note: These training requirements may be satisfied with participation in the diocesan sponsored Sexual Misconduct Prevention training or participation in a similar program with participant able to demonstrate, by certificate of completion, that they received training equivalent to the diocesan program. A copy of certificate should be placed in the person’s personnel file, and updated as necessary. 2. Must have their training renewed every five (5) years. 3. Have a current certificate of completion of training in their personnel file. Code of Conduct For The Protection of Children and Youth This document is executed by all participants to signify their agreement to comply with each statement. •    I agree to do my best to prevent abuse and neglect among children and youth involved in church activities and services. •    I agree not to physically, sexually or emotionally abuse or neglect a child or youth. •     I agree to comply with the policies for GENERAL CONDUCT FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH defined in the Policies for the Protection of Children and Youth from Abuse. •    I agree to comply with the GUIDELINES FOR APPROPRIATE AFFECTION with children and youth. •    In the event that I observe any inappropriate behaviors or possible policy violations with children and youth, I agree to immediately report my observations. •    I acknowledge my obligation and responsibility to protect children and youth and agree to report known or suspected abuse of children or youth to appropriate church leaders and state authorities in accordance with the POLICIES FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH FROM ABUSE. •     I understand that the church will not tolerate abuse of children and youth and I agree to comply in spirit and in action with this position. Note regarding sessions on Child Abuse Awareness: Copies of Safeguarding God's Children are available through the Bishop Anand Resource Center of the diocese by contacting Ms. Kitty Kawecki, director, at 973-430-9902 or kkawecki@dioceseofnewark.org. The program, Safeguarding God's Children, has replaced the diocesan training provided twice a year. The curriculum can be easily administered within a congregation, schools and other agencies, and at times that are best convenient for the group. The instruction guide is simple to follow and there is no formal training needed for its presentation. It is available in both DVD and VCR formats.

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Registration form is available in PDF format (Free Acrobat Reader needed) Click here to download reader

For additional information, call 973-430-9919 or 973-430-9900 or email Michael Francaviglia.

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