Frequently Asked Questions

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  1. We are not sure about what is expected of “regularly working with kids” in terms of records checks. Are we talking about simple background checks or criminal records checks, with finger printing? Can you help us understand the costs associated with this, or can you send us to a resource who can?
  2. Do youth (ages 12-18) working with children and youth need a reference check?
  3. We understand that there are lots of privacy issues dealing with records checks- both with applications and results. The applicant signs off on the Oxford document and the Reference check. We assume we have to keep a locked file in the Administrative office. Who should have access to this file? Should we keep these files separate from other staff files?
  4. How long should we keep records for both “regularly working with kids” and “occasionally working with kids”?
  5. Why aren’t Sunday School teachers considered “regularly working with kids”?
  6. Who should perform reference checks?
  7. Vestry requirements p.8 are listed in the category of Regularly working with youth. What are the requirements for Vestry Members and Officers?
  8. If people have had background checks elsewhere at schools, etc, do we accept those background checks?
  9. What if volunteers or employees have had prevention training? Do they need to take our Mending Creation training?
  10. How do I perform an Oxford Document Background Check? Are there other cheaper alternatives?
  11. What are the talking points for conducting a reference check?
  12. The Policy refers to child abuse prevention training. Is that the same as Mending Creation?

1) We are not sure about what is expected of “regularly working with kids” in terms of records checks. Are we talking about simple background checks or criminal records checks, with finger printing? Can you help us understand the costs associated with this, or can you send us to a resource who can?
Download this chart for more detailed information information about reference checks.
Click here to download the background check form for laypeople.
Click here to download the form for Clergy.

2) Do youth (ages 12-18) working with children and youth need a reference check?
Those working in the nursery should have a reference check and suggest that they participate in the training.

3) We understand that there are lots of privacy issues dealing with records checks- both with applications and results. The applicant signs off on the Oxford document and the Reference check. We assume we have to keep a locked file in the Administrative office. Who should have access to this file? Should we keep these files separate from other staff files?
The person in charge of the program, either lay or ordained should have access to these files. We suggest the Rector, clergy in charge, school director or administrative assistant. We suggest that you keep the files separate from other personnel files.

4) How long should we keep records for both “regularly working with kids” and “occasionally working with kids”?
These records should be kept indefinitely.

5) Why aren’t Sunday School teachers considered “regularly working with kids”?
The requirements have historically been less strict because they have always been considered as a special situation wherein they are not normally working alone with the children and because there is such a turnover in this ministry. That being said, we still believe that Sunday school teachers should have a background and reference check as well as the Mending Creation training.

6) Who should perform reference checks?
We suggest that the rector, clergy in charge of the program or a paid employee under the supervision of the clergy perform the reference checks.

7) Vestry requirements p.8 are listed in the category of Regularly working with youth. What are the requirements for Vestry Members and Officers?
Background and reference checks should be performed on vestry members and officers. They should also take part in the Mending Creation training.

8) If people have had background checks elsewhere at schools, etc, do we accept those background checks?
No.

9) What if volunteers or employees have had prevention training? Do they need to take our Mending Creation training?
We suggest that these persons still have the Mending Creation training as it deals with broader issues of power and community building, not just preventing misconduct. However, if an employee or teacher has had the equivalent training in another diocese in the last five years, proof of that training will be sufficient.

10) How do I perform an Oxford Document Background Check? Are there other cheaper alternatives?
The reference check is another way to screen employees and volunteers. We cannot suggest any other companies at this time that provide the same services as Oxford Document.

11) What are the talking points for conducting a reference check?
“I am calling from (name and location of church.) (Name of applicant) gave me your name as someone who would be familiar with his/her work with children and/or young people. We in the church are striving to provide a safe environment for all persons in the church. We are therefore contacting you for a reference. Our contacting you in no way presumes that (name of applicant) is not suitable to engage in ministry, but rather demonstrates due diligence in our efforts to maintain a safe environment.

“I have a few questions that I would like to ask you. Please know that (name of applicant) has given consent for me to contact you and that all information will be handled discreetly.

12) The Policy refers to child abuse prevention training. Is that the same as Mending Creation?
Yes.

If you have further questions, please email the Rev. Stuart Wright (ewagner@ang-md.org) who will forward them on to the committee and respond.