An online abuse prevention program through Safe Gatherings is now open for application and training as an authorized care provider in The Michigan Conference.
The Michigan Conference of The United Methodist Church is committed to ensuring that we provide safe places of worship and fellowship to everyone we serve. The Protection Policy Team is committed to ensuring quality and consistency in training and application process, accessibility and ease of use for users, and expediting the process for both applicants and event directors.
Over the last several months, the Michigan Conference Protection Policy Team has been working with Safe Gatherings to prepare a new system for application and training to be an authorized care provider. As of September 3, 2019, the application and training process is through Safe Gatherings. Click here for a brochure which explains the process to access the Safe Gatherings website for Michigan Conference/District Volunteers.
Safe Gatherings is an online abuse prevention program that screens and trains clergy, staff and volunteers to help prevent abuse of children, youth, and vulnerable adults in group settings. When employees and volunteers are trained to identify potential abusers, recognize the signs of abuse, and know how to handle reporting, they are better equipped to prevent abuse.
Upon successful completion of the application, background and reference checks, and online training program, each applicant will receive documentation of approval valid for three years and will have continued access to the online training program for one year.
Who does this impact? Persons who wish to serve with children, youth, or vulnerable adults at a district or conference event are required to successfully complete the Safe Gatherings process. Examples of persons who need to be authorized include (but are not limited to): childcare workers at a district or conference event, youth chaperones, adults serving at a district-sponsored camp, or district or conference sponsored mission trips. We encourage district or conference event site directors to complete this process. Persons who have current authorization under the Michigan Conference training do not need to take the Safe Gatherings training until their authorization expires.
The cost to apply to be authorized is $45. For individuals who are applying as a Conference/District Volunteer, the Michigan Conference will pay $15 leaving the applicant responsible for $30 of the cost. For those to whom this may be a hardship, individuals may contact their event coordinator, district office, or Aritha Davis at the Conference Office (517-347-4030).
Local Churches are encouraged to participate in the Safe Gatherings online abuse prevention program. Churches in the Michigan Conference are already set up within the Safe Gatherings system, and your applicants will be able to follow the links below to begin their Safe Gatherings approval process. Contact the Safe Gatherings team at [email protected] or call 888-241-8258 to provide the contact information for your church or group or for additional information.
Click here to start the Safe Gatherings process.
Click here to login to your Safe Gatherings application after you have completed your registration.
For more about the Michigan Conference Protection Policy and resources for local churches, visit their website.
Last Updated on November 2, 2023