From G-3.0106 of the Book of Order, “All councils shall adopt and implement the following policies: a sexual misconduct policy, a harassment policy, a child, youth, and adults with vulnerabilities protection policy, and an antiracism policy. Each council’s policy shall include requirements for boundary training which includes the topic of sexual misconduct, and child sexual abuse prevention training for its members at least every thirty-six months.”
While the Presbytery of East Iowa has established its own requirement for boundary training for Teaching Elders, Commissioned Ruling Elders, and Christian Educators, each Session is required to adopt its own policies that specify a requirement for Ruling Elders to receive boundary training at least every 3 years. See below for recommended resources for sessions to consider when establishing their own requirements for Ruling Elder boundary training.
PEIA has approved the following coursework from Praesidium (provided at no cost to participants):
- C.A.S.E. (Creating a Safe Environment), an in-person training offered periodically by the presbytery.
- Self-guided online modules. Access can be provided by presbytery staff. After completing each course, you will have the option to download your certificate of completion. Certificates should be emailed to the Stated Clerk.
The following 3 courses meet the presbytery’s requirement with regard to child sexual abuse prevention training:
-Foundations: Preventing Abuse in Youth-Serving Organizations
-Keeping Your Church Safe
-Duty to Report: Mandated Reporter
The following course, in addition to the previous three courses, meets the requirement by the presbytery with regard to the prevention of sexual misconduct:
-Preventing Abuse and Exploitation in Pastoral Ministry
This course is recommended by the presbytery, but not required:
-Social Media Safety
Sessions may consider the following materials and resources when establishing their own training requirements for Ruling Elders:
- The same courses from Praesidium that meet the presbytery’s requirements for Teaching Elders, CRE’s, and Christian Educators (also available at no cost to Ruling Elders, church volunteers, and church staff).
- Our Synod offers materials (including videos) for pastors to lead their Session in child sexual abuse prevention training: https://www.
lakesandprairies.org/ resources/boundary-training - There are other resources that offer quality courses, including Safe Gatherings (which the Synod of Lakes and Prairies uses for Synod School). The major disadvantage of those, unlike Praesidium, is the cost.