Keeping God's People SafeThe Diocese of Chicago is committed to doing everything in its power to maintain a safe and supportive atmosphere for the children and adults who are members of its congregations, attend its programs or participate in its ministries. To foster a secure environment, we have developed Keeping God’s People Safe, a two-level workshop training program that sensitizes all of those who work with children in our church to the dangers of child sexual abuse and teaches them to recognize and prevent situations in which abuse or exploitation might occur. Level one of the program, called Protecting God's People, is required for all clergy, paid employees, those who provide pastoral services, and all persons who work with children or youth. Training must be renewed, in a group setting, every five years. Level two, called Leading & Caring for God's People, is required of all clergy, paid staff and church personnel who administer programs, perform pastoral ministries, serve as wardens, or are members of a vestry or bishop's committee. Level two must also be renewed every five years. Keeping God's People Safe sessions are scheduled at a church's invitation by contacting Lindsay Baker. Church and agency volunteers who regularly work with children, youth or vulnerable adults; who have routine access to the facilities and grounds where children or youth gather; or who perform pastoral ministries also complete the screening process. For further guidance determining what level of training and/or background investigation is required of yourself or someone ministering at your congregation, consult this requirements matrix, which lists common positions in Diocese of Chicago parishes and their associated requirements. If you have further questions, please contact Ms. Baker. Download the Keeping God's People Safe manual in English or in Spanish. upcoming Trainings
Background ChecksIn addition to completing Keeping God’s People Safe, all clergy, paid employees, child and youth program volunteers, pastoral and eucharistic visitors, and participants in a handful of other ministries without exception undergo screening interviews and background checks. To conduct a background check, please contact Lindsay Baker, 312.751.4207. To see if your ministry position requires a background check, please consult this table. |
Contact: Lindsay Baker - 312.751.4207 RePORTING ABUSEIf you see something, say something. If you witness or suspect abuse occurring in your parish, report it to your rector or to the Diocesan Director of Ministries. If you are a mandated reporter, you must report suspected or known abuse. For clarity on mandated reporter status and responsibilities, consult the Keeping God's People Safe manual. Illinois Department of Children & Family Services' anonymous abuse reporting hotline is availble 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 1-800-25-ABUSE (1-800-252-2873) KGPS Training EvaluationComplete your certification! Have you recently completed a KGPS training? Please take this survey to complete your certification! https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KGPSevaluation  |