Mandated Reporting Training for Church Employees and Volunteers

Several years ago, following the Penn State sex abuse scandal with Jerry Sandusky, Pennsylvania drastically changed its child abuse reporting requirements. Since that time, the laws and responsibilities have morphed numerous times. The list of individuals who are considered mandated reporters has grown and includes church staff and any volunteers who regularly work with children (anyone 17 and younger). The law requires training and updating clearances; though the time frame has changed over the last few years, it is still recommended to refresh and update this information periodically.

Keeping all this in mind, Trinity has scheduled a Mandated Reporting training.

What: Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse

Date: Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Time: 12:30 to 3:30 PM

Where: Trinity Lutheran Church’s Auditorium

Cost: $0

Who should attend: Anyone who is a new volunteer or new staff of a local church, working with children; anyone else who wants to attend, especially if three years have passed since last training.

How: In-person training with Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance (PFSA) trainer, Melissa Haydt. Melissa has worked in child protection for more than 40 years: 28 at Berks County Children and Youth Services, 8 1/2 at Diakon Family Life Services, and more than five years as the VP of the Children’s Alliance Center.

Parking: Trinity has a lot with a limited number of guest spaces. Carpooling is recommended whenever possible.

In-person training provides the opportunity to ask questions, so if you have a ‘what if’ scenario question, this is the time to ask.

Remember, the laws may have changed since you last attended training. Ignorance is not considered an excuse for not reporting a crime where children are concerned. Play it safe…register for this training. Pre-registration is required: Email Karen Nein at knein@trinityreading.org or call the office, 610-374-4861. To register, we will need your name, church, email and/or phone and paid or volunteer position in the church.

Training is limited to 50 and open to any Berks County church staff and members who work with children, as well as others in the church who want this information.