Resolution Number: 2015-A073
Title: Update Model Policies for Protection of Children and Youth
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred as Amended
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 78th General Convention direct that the 2004 Model Policies developed by The Church Insurance Agency Corporation for the Protection of Children and Youth from Abuse (the “2004 Model Policies”) be updated and supplemented to reflect the experience of the Church in using the 2004 Model Policies and to cover topics such as social media, mission trips, pilgrimages, camp and conference center programs, and other overnight events, and the experiences of LGBTQ persons; and be it further

Resolved, That the Presiding Bishop and the President of the House of Deputies, not later than September 30, 2015, jointly appoint a Special Task Group of five to seven persons with experience in the use and development of Model Policies for Preventing Sexual Misconduct to update, or to oversee the updating of, the 2004 Model Policies; and be it further

Resolved, That the updating and supplementing of the 2004 Model Policies be completed by March 31, 2016; and be it further

Resolved, That the Updated Model Policies for the Protection of Children and Youth from Abuse to the Church (the “Updated Model Policies”) be promulgated after they are approved by the Special Task Group; and be it further

Resolved, That the Episcopal Church Center appoint a knowledgeable person to serve as a point of contact for dioceses to obtain information about complying with the 2004 Model Policies and the Updated Model Policies; and be it further

Resolved, That not later than December 31, 2016, the Guidelines for the Protection of Children and Youth of each diocese conform to the Updated Model Policies with due regard to applicable local laws on the subject matters of the Updated Model Policies; and be it further

Resolved, That all dioceses annually confirm, in writing or by email, to a designated office in the Episcopal Church Center, that the Guidelines of the diocese conform to the Updated Model Policies.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Salt Lake City, 2015 (New York: General Convention, 2015), pp. 416-417.

Legislative History

Author: Standing Commission on Lifelong Christian Formation and Education
Originating House: House of Deputies
Originating Committee: Formation and Education for Ministry

House of Deputies

The House of Deputies Committee on Formation and Education for Ministry presented its Report #7 on Resolution A073 (Update Model Policies for Preventing Sexual Misconduct) and moved adoption with amendment.

Original Text of Resolution:

(A073)

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 78th General Convention direct that the 2004 Model Policies developed by The Church Insurance Agency Corporation for the Protection of Children and Youth from Abuse (the “2004 Model Policies”) be updated and supplemented to reflect the experience of the Church in using the 2004 Model Policies and to cover topics such as social media, mission trips, pilgrimages, camp and conference center programs, and other overnight events; and be it further

Resolved, That the Presiding Bishop and the President of the House of Deputies, not later than September 30, 2015, jointly appoint a Special Task Group of five to seven persons with experience in the use and development of Model Policies for Preventing Sexual Misconduct to update, or to oversee the updating of, the 2004 Model Policies; and be it further

Resolved, That the updating and supplementing of the 2004 Model Policies be completed by March 31, 2016; and be it further

Resolved, That the Updated Model Policies for the Protection of Children and Youth from Abuse to the Church (the “Updated Model Policies”) be promulgated after they are approved by the Special Task Group; and be it further

Resolved, That the Episcopal Church Center appoint a knowledgeable person to serve as a point of contact for dioceses to obtain information about complying with the 2004 Model Policies and the Updated Model Policies; and be it further

Resolved, That not later than December 31, 2016, the Guidelines for the Protection of Children and Youth of each diocese conform to the Updated Model Policies with due regard to applicable local laws on the subject matters of the Updated Model Policies; and be it further

Resolved, That all dioceses annually confirm, in writing or by email, to a designated office in the Episcopal Church Center, that the Guidelines of the diocese conform to the Updated Model Policies.

Committee Amendment:

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 78th General Convention direct that the 2004 Model Policies developed by The Church Insurance Agency Corporation for the Protection of Children and Youth from Abuse (the “2004 Model Policies”) be updated and supplemented to reflect the experience of the Church in using the 2004 Model Policies and to cover topics such as social media, mission trips, pilgrimages, camp and conference center programs, and other overnight events, and the experiences of LGBTQ persons; and be it further

Resolved, That the Presiding Bishop and the President of the House of Deputies, not later than September 30, 2015, jointly appoint a Special Task Group of five to seven persons with experience in the use and development of Model Policies for Preventing Sexual Misconduct to update, or to oversee the updating of, the 2004 Model Policies; and be it further

Resolved, That the updating and supplementing of the 2004 Model Policies be completed by March 31, 2016; and be it further

Resolved, That the Updated Model Policies for the Protection of Children and Youth from Abuse to the Church (the “Updated Model Policies”) be promulgated after they are approved by the Special Task Group; and be it further

Resolved, That the Episcopal Church Center appoint a knowledgeable person to serve as a point of contact for dioceses to obtain information about complying with the 2004 Model Policies and the Updated Model Policies; and be it further

Resolved, That not later than December 31, 2016, the Guidelines for the Protection of Children and Youth of each diocese conform to the Updated Model Policies with due regard to applicable local laws on the subject matters of the Updated Model Policies; and be it further

Resolved, That all dioceses annually confirm, in writing or by email, to a designated office in the Episcopal Church Center, that the Guidelines of the diocese conform to the Updated Model Policies.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted with amendment

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #20)

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on Formation and Education for Ministry presented its Report #43 on HD Message #20 on Resolution A073 (Update Model Policies for Preventing Sexual Misconduct) and moved concurrence.

Motion carried

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #335)

Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, July 3.

Report Reference:   Standing Commission on Lifelong Christian Formation and Education, Reports to the 78th General Convention, 2015, pp. 383-392.
Abstract:   The 78th General Convention authorizes the appointment of a Special Task Force to oversee update of the 2004 Model Policies developed by The Church Insurance Agency Corporation for the Protection of Children and Youth; and directs dioceses to demonstrate compliance with the policies.