Church Pension Group

Are we required to adopt the Model Policies?
No. No diocese, congregation or Episcopal organization is required to adopt the Model Policies. However, the 2003 General Convention Resolution B008 requires that each diocese adopt policies for the protection of children and youth from abuse that address:

• Screening and selection
• Behavior standards
• Monitoring of programs and interactions with children and youth
• Education and training
• Guidelines for responding to concerns

The Model Policies address each of these areas. Be sure to check with your insurance company, which may also require your organization to adopt policies protecting children and youth from abuse.

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Can we change any of the wording or provisions in the Model Policies?
Definitely. The Model Policies are just that, a model. Any policy should comply with your diocesan polity and practice, diocesan canons, state laws, ministry settings and other factors.

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Should we adopt the Model Policies as they are, without making changes?
No. You'll want to make several adjustments to fit the policies to your diocese. For example:

• Fill in blanks for name, etc.
• Confirm that the sample application in Appendix C complies with your state's laws.
• Include only the information for your state from Appendix D and Appendix E.
• Consider adding a copy or summation of your state's child abuse reporting statute to Appendix D.
  

Who should help decide whether to adopt these or other policies?
Along with your bishop and chancellor or vice-chancellor, it's good to include those who are knowledgeable about:

• Children's and youth ministry, including people involved in your church camp, conference center, schools, nurseries, Christian formation, and Christian education programs.
• Employment laws in your state.
• Screening and selecting employees and volunteers. Human resources professionals and those familiar with criminal records checks and other background check procedures are good candidates.
• Child abuse reporting laws in your state.
• Various aspects of sexual misconduct, particularly in church settings. This may include:
• Advocates for victims of sexual misconduct
• Members of a diocesan response team
• Professionals whose work involves sexual misconduct or child sexual abuse
• Sexual misconduct trainers in your diocese, including Safeguarding God's Children trainers

Do policies adopted by the diocese apply to congregations or other Episcopal organizations in the diocese?
In most dioceses, diocesan policies protecting children and youth apply to every organization reporting to the bishop, including congregations.

However, each diocese may determine whether its policies apply to schools and other non-parochial organizations in the diocese and how agreement is reached on such policies.

Who developed the Model Policies?
They were developed by the Church Pension Group, in partnership with the Nathan Network and in consultation with many other church leaders and groups.

Support was provided by Praesidium Religious Services, a nationally-recognized firm with broad experience and expertise in this area.

Where can we find more information about these policies or help developing our own?

• Visit the Nathan Network online or call (877) 285-8659 for network representatives and consultants in your area.


• E-mail Sally Johnson, Vice-President, Risk Management and Education, or call her at (800) 223-6602, Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., ET. Ms. Johnson coordinated development of the Model Policies.