Safe Church, Safe Communities

We thank our church communities for promoting a safe and healthy climate in our diocese.

The Safe Church, Safe Communities program of the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont has three components: policies, background checks, and training.  This information follows the recommendations found in the Model Polices of the Episcopal Church in 2019.  Church leaders are responsible for knowing and following these policies. The Diocese of Vermont strictly prohibits sexual misconduct of any type by any ordained person (deacon, transitional deacon, priest or bishop) canonically resident or functioning in the Diocese of Vermont, or any employee or volunteer authorized to perform work or provide services within the church.  If you have any questions about Safe Church Policies, or if there is an incident or concern in your community, please do not hesitate to contact the Safe Church Coordinator Margaret Schotto.

Policies

Safe Church Background Checks and Application Process

All clergy and lay employees of the church, and all volunteers authorized by the Vestry and clergy person in charge to work on behalf of the congregation in situations that are considered high risk for sexual misconduct (such as church school, individual counseling, youth programs, etc.) will be required to complete and sign an application form which specifically includes a request for personal references, information concerning any prior adjudication in regard to sexual misconduct, and acknowledgment of the church’s right to conduct a confidential background check.

Within the first thirty days of employment or assignment, newly elected vestry members and all persons engaged in high-risk areas of service will be required to sign a statement indicating that they have read and understand, and intend to comply with, the Diocese of Vermont Policy and Procedures Relating to Sexual Misconduct.

Safe Church, Safe Communities Training

Within the first six months of employment or assignment, all clergy and employees must complete the modules provided by Praesidium as part of the Safe Church, Safe Communities training. All persons engaged in high-risk areas of service must also participate in this training.  The lessons are specifically created for the Episcopal Church and our model policies, with videos featuring Presiding Bishop Curry and other Episcopalians. Log Into Praesidium Academy

The required courses are available for download.

Contact Margaret Schotto, diocesan manager of operations, with questions about Safe Church, Safe Communities in the Diocese of Vermont, to obtain a log in for Praesidium Academy, or your Safe Church, Safe Communities training record.

Responsibilities and Procedures for Congregations

  • Make sure that Safe Church policies are publicly posted and that ministry leaders and volunteers are familiar with them.
  • Make sure that Safe Church training is available to those for whom it is required.
  • Make sure that those who are serving in the congregation know who is supervising their ministry and how to contact them with concerns.
  • Make sure there is a written application, an interview, and references checked for certain ministry positions.
  • Make sure that required criminal background checks are completed every five years.
  • Maintain an up-to-date list of persons (with their contact information) who are approved to minister to children and youth.

Reporting

Mandatory Reporting of Child or Vulnerable Adult Abuse

CHILD ABUSE: Vermont law 33 V.S.A.§ 4913 mandates that any person who has reason to suspect that a child under the age of 18 has been abused or neglected must make a report to the Department for Children and Families (DCF) Family Services Child Abuse Hotline at 1.800.649.5285, intake lines are staffed 24 hours a day. If it is an emergency, call 911.  Learn more.

VULNERABLE ABUSE: Vermont Law 33 V.S.A. § 6903 requires any person who has a reason to believe that a vulnerable adult has been subjected to abuse, neglect, exploitation or self-neglect to make a report immediately to Adult Protective Services (APS). If it is an emergency, call 911. Learn more.

Clergy Conduct and Title IV

If you have an experience to share about a clergy person violating standards of conduct, we are prepared to listen and respond. Visit the Report Misconduct (Title IV Intake) page to learn more.

Additional Resources for Creating Safe Sacred Spaces

Facility Use Agreement Template

This document is written for cases where a group uses your facility on a recurring basis, but it can be changed for one time use.  You will note that this agreement includes a donation to offset the costs of the church providing the space.

It is a good idea to have this type of agreement in place for any recurring use of your building, and for substantial one time uses (cases where you want to be clear about what the donation and the parameters for using the space are.)  Exceptions to this are for AA and Scouting meetings. Church Insurance advises that AA and Scouting groups are well established and are known to have their own insurance and so Facility Use Agreements aren’t necessary.

Honoring the Dignity of Diverse Identities

A critical component of maintaining safe sacred spaces is to honor each other’s identities and embrace our diversity. There are many resources around white privilege, racial reconciliation and gender identity available – please contact the Racial Justice and Healing Committee (C.J. Spirito, chair) of the diocese if we can help you with specific learning goals for your congregation.

We particularly commend to you “Changing the Game” about Sarah Huckman from St Andrew’s-in-the-Valley in Tamworth, NH to understand the struggles and successes of transgender students and athletes. “The Gender Book” is a helpful resource for information about terms, pronouns and other important ways of speaking that uphold the dignity of our diverse humanity. The Human Rights Campaign also offers resources for support of children, youth, and adults.

Disaster Preparedness and Active Shooter Response

Churches throughout the diocese are encouraged to prepare for the possibility of a disaster in your community or at your place of worship. Church leaders should consider contacting local police or fire chief and ask to do a walkthrough for safety and security recommendations specific to the architecture and congregation. Resources for disaster planning and active shooter preparedness can be found here: