This page provides links to resources that can help congregations and organizations as they implement the two diocesan policy documents:
- Policy for the Protection of Children and Youth (CY)
- Policy for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults (VA)
(Please report any broken links to info@episcopalpgh.org.)
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Resources Online
Information about (i) ChildLine, a toll-free number for reporting child abuse or neglect and (ii) a similar line for reporting abuse or neglect of certain vulnerable adults.
https://www.dhs.pa.gov/contact/Pages/Report-Abuse.aspx
A broad introduction to the topic of protecting children and youth from harm.
https://www.dhs.pa.gov/keepkidssafe/Pages/default.aspx
Detailed information about “mandated reporter” requirements in the State.
https://www.compass.state.pa.us/CWIS/Public/ReferralsLearnMore
(Policy references: CY Sections III, VIII.A ; VA Sections III, VIII.A)
Public Records Checks
Information about how to obtain required public records checks (“clearances”).
Public Records Checks for Individuals Working with Children or Youth
Public Records Checks for Individuals Working with Vulnerable Adults
(Policy references: CY Section IV.A ; VA Section IV.A)
Staff & Volunteer Screening
A position application form that congregations may either adopt without changes or edit to fit their own needs.
Sample Application Form (Word Doc)
Questions that could be used when interviewing applicants for positions covered by the Policies.
Questions that could be used when calling a candidate’s personal references.
(Policy references: CY Section IV.B ; VA Section IV.B)
Required Training
Current information about the Safe Church, Safe Communities modules that all clergy, employees and vestry members must complete. These are also mandatory for volunteers in ministries that involve children, youth or vulnerable adults.
Form for requesting access to the Praesidium Academy online training platform.
Access to the Safe Church, Safe Communities training curriculum in Praesidium Academy.
Information about waivers of certain training requirements that may be requested by licensed professionals in certain fields.
Training Requirements: Possible Waivers
(Policy references: CY Section V ; VA Section V)
Record Keeping
Spreadsheet that congregations and organizations may adopt or adapt to track their compliance with key provisions of the Policies – including candidate screening (Section IV) and training (Section V).
Spreadsheet that clergy and congregations may adopt or adapt to document key information concerning pastoral visits to homes, hospitals, and personal care facilities.
Record of Pastoral and Communion Visits
(Policy references: CY Section VI ; VA Section VI, VII.F)
Social Media, Communications & Images
The diocesan policy related to the use of social media and electronic communications.
Policies on the Use of Social Media & Electronic Communications
Sample image release forms that congregations and organizations may adopt without changes or edit to fit their own needs.
Image Release Form for Children & Youth (Word Doc)
Image Release Form for Vulnerable Adults (Word Doc)
(Policy references: CY Section VII.B,I ; VA Section VII.I)
Registration, Waiver and Release Forms
Sample forms that congregations and organizations may adopt without changes or edit to fit their own needs.
Registration Form for Church Program (Word Doc)
Permission Slip for Children to be Transported by Church Staff or Volunteers (Word Doc)
Liability Release and Zero Tolerance Agreement (Word Doc)
Sample Medical Information Forms (Word Doc)
(Policy references: CY Section VII.F,G ; VA Section VII.J)
Extended and International Travel
The following links may assist those planning more ambitious travel (such as mission trips).
Covenant for Group Travel (Word Doc)
(Policy references: CY Section VII.O,P ; VA Section VII.L)
Local Resources for Response
Template that may be used for congregations and organizations to post guidance and contact information regarding how to report abuse.
Local Resources Notice (Template)
(Policy references: CY Section VIII.D ; VA Section VIII.D)
Audits
Form to be completed by congregations and organizations as part of their mandatory audit (every three years for the Diocese, annually for congregations and organizations)