Child abuse awareness and prevention training are essential to our ministry to all the children of God. Through the Church Pension Group and their partner Praesidium, this required training is now available online to members of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh.
The training is offered in short, focused courses that can normally be completed in 30-45 minutes. They can be taken at an individual's own pace and on their own schedule, and from any location where a high speed Internet connection is available. Course completion is documented and recorded online for diocesan records. Participants can print a certificate of completion for their own records.
Our diocesan policy requires child abuse prevention training for all clergy and all employees of the diocese, diocesan institutions, and congregations. All adult volunteers who regularly supervise activities with children and youth in the diocese or congregations are also required to complete the training. Training is not required for volunteer Sunday School teachers who work with children during public church school hours in places where other adults are present, but it is recommended. Wardens, Vestry members and elected members of diocesan and parish committees may also find the training helpful in raising their awareness.
Safeguarding Online also offers resources for the prevention of sexual harassment. Our diocesan policy requires all clergy and diocesan employees to have this training, along with employees of diocesan institutions and congregations. Again, Wardens and Vestry members may also want to have this information.
The Diocese of Pittsburgh has its own secure Safeguarding Online page. Training participants are given a user name and password for the site. The Rev. Leslie Reimer is serving as the Diocesan Manager for the Safeguarding Online program. To access the training resources or for more information, contact her at lreimer@calvarypgh.org or 412 661-0120 x123. There is no charge for to use this program.
–Photo courtesy Sheldon Calvary Camp