What is Safeguarding
& How Do I Enroll?

Administration of
Safeguarding God’s
Children and PeopleDIOCPA Policy
and
Background Checks

Safeguarding Updates as of September 20, 2021

Our safe church learning partner, Praesidium, has upgraded to a new training system. Praesidium’s Armatus Learn to Protect System, has become Praesidium Academy. This upgrade allows for a more robust training experience which will impact our knowledge and awareness of child protection.

Important Updates:

1. If you need to renew your safeguarding certificate you will need a new username and password.
2. To receive a new username and password, please contact The Rev. Hank Morrow. Deacon Hank will provide a link where you can create your username and password.
3. The location of the new website is: https://www.praesidiumacademy.com/ Once you have set your username and password, click on “Sign In” located in the upper right corner of the page, adjacent to the “Cart” button.

Many of the modules have been reset. Our Diocesan Safe Church policy training is valid for five years. Full details of the trainings you are responsible to take can be found on the diocesan website. https://diocesecpa.org/safeguardingallchildrenandgodspeople/

After you have logged onto your Praesidium account, you will be able view your course transcript.

If you need immediate assistance contact:
Praesidium Support:
Monday – Friday: 8AM-5PM CST
support@praesidiuminc.com
1 (800) 743-6354

Should you have registration questions, please contact Deacon Hank for assistance. He is our Praesidium Academy administrator. When emailing, please be sure to include your full name, your parish name, and your role within the parish and your email when registering.

Mandated Reporting

All persons in Pennsylvania are required by law to report known or suspected cases of child abuse and/or neglect to the Department within 24 hours of becoming aware of such

abuse/neglect. https://www.dhs.pa.gov/contact/Pages/Report-Abuse.aspx Reports of abuse and neglect originate from several sources including the public, courts, hospitals, police departments, parents, and relatives as well as other sources such as the church. Report suspected child abuse immediately to ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313.

Thank you for your commitment to keeping a safe environment in our congregations and communities.

Modules

There are Three modules required for Initial Basic Training:

• Meet Sam
• It Happened to Me
• Keeping your Church Safe

Options include depending on your ministry:

• Social Media
• Keeping Your Camp Safe—for youth ministry
• Your Policies

Three new courses, once available, related to safe church policies within The Episcopal Church will fulfill your requirements for receiving a certificate are:

• Introduction and Theological Background
• Organizational Rules and Model Policies
• Abuse and Neglect

All volunteers and employees in the Episcopal Diocese of Central PA are responsible for following the Safe Church policies and procedures manual of the Diocese of Central PA as well as abiding by the new PA child protection laws.

For more information, please contact (717) 236-5959 or email the Diocesan Office.