Safeguarding in the Diocese of Texas requires a partnership between the Head of Organization (whether a congregation, schools, or other organization in the diocese) and the EDOT Wellness and Care Safeguarding Team. The Safeguarding Office provides ongoing support for screening and training staff, volunteers, and vendors, but the Head is responsible for carrying out Safeguarding requirements in each organization, aided by persons’ appointed by the Head to assist with the tasks involved. Below is information to help Heads of Organizations understand the process and carry out these responsibilities.
Introduction to Safeguarding
The diocesan Safeguarding policies have been combined into one document, The Protection of Children, Youth, and Adults. See Policies and Help Sheets. The policies change periodically in response to changing circumstances and to the actions of the General Convention of the Episcopal Church. The purpose of the policies is to create safe environments that protect the vulnerable and allow all members to experience a community of love and respect.
In the past, individuals had to go through distinct processes to be “certified” in SGC and/or SGP, based on the role that they played in the organization. Beginning in the fall of 2023, individuals are screened only once every five years, even if they play multiple roles in an organization. Employees and most volunteers are required to take a combination of online courses including a recorded policy review. Some, but not all, of those individuals may require a Live Engagement training, either in person or on a virtual platform like Zoom.
All employees must take a course on preventing sexual harassment in the workplace, and volunteer youth ministers must take a course on abuse and neglect. For a more detailed introduction to Safeguarding requirements, see Overview of Safeguarding Screening and Training on Policies and Help Sheets.
Responsibilities of Head of Organization
- Be familiar with Safeguarding Policies.
- Set an example by being current in screening and training and by modeling appropriate behavior.
- Create culture of safety and mutual respect by enforcing Safeguarding rules throughout the organization
- Promptly address all Safeguarding violations and report them to the Safeguarding Minister.
- Create a Safeguarding Team to help implement the screening and training requirements for the organization and inform the Safeguarding Office of any changes of personnel on the Safeguarding Team.
- Communicate Safeguarding requirements to individuals before inviting them into employee or volunteer positions.
- Review and consult with Safeguarding Office on problematic Background Checks.
- File Safeguarding Annual Status Report (see below for links).
- Display the Report Misconduct Poster and otherwise communicate a commitment to providing ministry spaces that are free from all types of abuse, neglect, and harassment.
- Contact the Safeguarding Minister when engaging with people with poor boundaries or disruptive personalities or with Registered Sex Offenders in the community. Participation of Registered Sex Offenders.
Resources
The EDOT Wellness and Care Safeguarding Team, headed by the The Rev. Canon Sarah Gaventa, Canon for Wellness and Care/Safeguarding Minister, is always ready to provide support, training, and guidance. Additional resources can be found online at Trainer Resources and SRA and Coordinator Resources on the epicenter website.
