Background Checks and Training
Friends,
At every baptism, we all promise to "seek and serve Christ in all persons" and "respect the dignity of every human being." One way we live out these promises at St. Thomas is by seeking to create a safe environment for children, youth, and adults who take part in our ministries.
In recent years, we've learned how people with harmful intent can take advantage of the trust of a faith community. To help prevent this from happening, our diocese requires us to put certain practices in place to protect children, youth, and adults from harm.
Training - All staff, all adults who work with young people, all vestry members, and others who make decisions affecting children are required to take or renew Safeguarding God's Children training every three years. All staff members and vestry members, all adults who visit in homes, and all who lead small groups are required to take or renew Safeguarding God's People training every five years. Our diocese also offers Dismantling Racism training to help us learn to recognize racial bias in ourselves and in organizations. While these trainings are required for people who serve in certain ministries, we recommend them for everyone. Training is free and available online. Information about how to sign up is here.
Background Checks - Background checks are required for all staff, volunteers who work with young people, and adults who offer pastoral care. Background checks are repeated every five years.
I mention all of this now because, as we return to our gathered life, we want to be sure these practices are up to date. We may reach out over the next few weeks to ask you to take or renew training or sign up for a background check. Please know we are not singling you out! We ask this of many people involved in our ministries as part of loving intentionally the people God has placed in our care.
Feel free to reach out with questions. Thank you for helping St. Thomas be a strong and safe community.
Blessings,
Grace
