So here’s the plan for getting a majority of religious educators in Prairie Star participating in the Reducing the Risk program in general, and the Safety Award in Reducing the Risk of Child Sexual Abuse in particular. The district has purchased 25 Reducing the Risk resource kits to distribute to PSD congregations at a considerable discount (the kits normally cost $50 plus shipping–PSD congregations can order them from the district for $25 plus $5 shipping). In addition to the kits themselves (a DVD set, a training manual, and reference book), the district will also pay the tuition for religious educators to take the online examination required to receive the Safety Award through the Institute of Church Safety.
Completing the program does take an investment of time (I spent most of Wednesday reading the online sessions, taking self-evaluation quizzes and comprehensive reviews, and completing the 25 question final examination). But it’s an investment that’s well worth it. And since I’ve already completed the program, I’m ready to assist any PSD religious educator in the program. So, for $30 total Prairie Star religious educators receive the RTR resource kit, are eligible to enroll in the online seminars of the Institute of Church Safety, and are free to take the final examination needed to received the Safety Award. Again, the goal is to have at least half of the religious educators in Prairie Star trained in this program. For more information, send me an e-mail or call me at (612) 230-3274.
Phil's Little Blog on the Prairie 
2 comments
Comments feed for this article
November 10, 2007 at 2:26 am
John Blevins
Hi Phil,
I’ve been appreciating your blog, and am especially interested to see your recent posts on safety.
I wonder if the “Reducing the Risk” material would be valuable for all church leaders (e.g Trustees), just to spread the understanding of the risks, and possible risk management tools. Maybe part of the orientation for new Trustees, and all professional and program staff?
Hummm…
November 10, 2007 at 3:35 am
psdlund
John–
Yes! It would be valuable for anyone involved in church leadership. And in fact, if a congregation doesn’t have a religious educator, it makes sense that someone else would be needed to spread the word about reducing the risk. Still, in congregations with professional staff, having the religious educator training in the program would be helpful. That way he or she would do the kind of orientations for new Trustees, staff, and volunteers you mention. The goal of having half the religious educators in PSD involved in the program is just the beginning! Thanks for the comment.–Phil