New Church Policy Re: Background Checks in U.K.

[smac97]

Here:  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints introduces background checks for leaders in U.K.

Quote

 A new policy introduced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints requires background checks for any leaders who serve with children, youth, or vulnerable adults.

This comes after years of pushing for change from church members in the U.K. According to a website for the “21st Century Saints,” (a podcast for members interested and affiliated with the church) the podcast hosts have been contacted by many members who have been affected by physical, emotional, and sexual abuse within the context of the church.

According to their website, they have launched a campaign to help support the church in improving and implementing practices to keep children and vulnerable adults safe from abuse.

It seems that the campaign has had some success in the U.K., as the church is introducing a new policy aimed to solve those problems.

According to a letter from Europe North Area Presidency, the updated policy introduces a “mandatory DBS” (Disclosure and Barring Service) for anyone serving with younger and vulnerable members. They stated the policy also “[ensures] that individuals with a history of violent or abusive behavior are not allowed to work with vulnerable people.”

We have touched on this topic quite a few times on this board.  Now that we have the technological means to do background checks (in some countries, anyway), I have anticipated that the Church would, in time, adopt such measures.

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Douglas Stilgoe, “Nemo the Mormon” podcast host and an outspoken advocate for this new policy said he hopes this will lead to change in other countries.

“We have these close-knit communities where people trust one another. They treat it like an extended family, but you don’t really know these people. And so, you know, this idea of discernment within Mormonism has clearly let us down up to this point,” Stilgoe said. “It’s time now to step in and actually do some proper checking for the safety of those children.”

The Church has released the following statement:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has zero-tolerance for any form of abuse. To strengthen existing prevention measures, the Church has updated safeguarding policies and procedures in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man.

The Europe North Area Presidency called on all Church members to create a positive environment for the young and vulnerable. In a letter to the Church’s Area, regional, and local leaders based in the UK and the Crown Dependencies they said, “As disciples of the Lord and leaders in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have a sacred responsibility to care for and protect our children, youth, and any other vulnerable members so that everyone may feel safe and protected.”

Updated procedures announced within the document ‘Safeguarding Policies and Procedures of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the United Kingdom’ include:

• Introduction of mandatory DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checking for those serving with children, youth or vulnerable adults, ensuring that individuals with a history of violent or abusive behaviour are not allowed to work with vulnerable people.
• Calling and training of Stake Safeguarding Specialists, responsible for multiple congregations.
• Enhanced training and education involving Family Services on safeguarding and abuse prevention, and recognising signs of abuse and responding appropriately.
• A lesson for all adults attending local congregations, to reinforce safeguarding principles with ward members, under the direction of the bishop.
• Stressing current reporting obligations and the role of the abuse help line, always maintaining open communication and transparency in all matters related to safeguarding.

The Church’s existing policies and procedures and the doctrines that underpin safeguarding measures are contained in the General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and in other Church materials.

The Europe North Area Presidency invited “all members and leaders to join with us in creating a safe and nurturing environment for all members of the Church and those others who worship with us. Together, we can uphold our sacred responsibility to protect and care for one another.”

The church has not announced whether they will be introducing any of these policy changes Globally.

Good stuff.

Thanks,

-Smac

[webbles]

The letter says:

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Introduction of mandatory DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checking for those serving with children, youth or vulnerable adults

Interesting that it includes "vulnerable adults".  I guess this would include adult Sunday School, Relief Society, and Elder's Quorum.  I wonder if everyone in those orgs will need DBS or only if someone decides that there is a "vulnerable adult".

Here's the wiki page on DBS - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disclosure_and_Barring_Service.  It is a UK government agency that looks like it does both criminal background check and checking a "barred" list.

[Tacenda]

It's time globally.

[Duncan]

I think it's a good thing. I have never heard of "Nemo the Mormon" but I checked his FB page and he is an activist, I wonder what he'll do next to prop his name up or will he fall by the wayside like other activists like Sam Young, Kate something, Bill some or other et al.

It's been my experience that you fail the gift of discernment, the gift of discernment doesn't fail you

I wonder though if the "two deep" policy plus the online course wasn't working in the UK? is child abuse at church an issue, it isn't here. Is this "nemo the Mormon" et al solving problems that don't exist?

Edited June 28, 2023 by Duncan

[blackstrap]

We might as well do a background check on every member as callings rotate. While we are at it , fingerprint and collect DNA from everyone as a protection against future events. Background checks expose those that have previously been caught not those who have succeeded in hiding their abusive behavior. 

Edited June 28, 2023 by blackstrap

[Tacenda]

50 minutes ago, blackstrap said:

We might as well do a background check on every member as callings rotate. While we are at it , fingerprint and collect DNA from everyone as a protection against future events. Background checks expose those that have previously been caught not those who have succeeded in hiding their abusive behavior. 

I know it sounds cumbersome, and even costly but whatever it takes IMO.

[Tacenda]

Or maybe it's going to change everything we know about church callings, and that's why there is great hesitancy. It could make people scoff and say no to callings. I remember years ago people not happy with background checks in scouting because of the hassle. 

[webbles]

4 hours ago, Tacenda said:

It's time globally.

I like the idea of what the DBS is doing but I'm not sure it will be accepted in the US.  A person can get on the list without a conviction - https://www.dbschecks.org.uk/what-is-a-barred-list-a-complete-guide-to-dbs-barred-lists/

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Are There Any Other Ways To End Up On A Barred List?

Being convicted of a crime is not the only way for a person to end up with their details on the DBS barred list. If somebody has been given an official caution ordering them to stay away from a particular vulnerable adult, child or children then there’s a good chance that they’ll be added to the barred list.

When it comes to cautions, the individual can make a case to the judge before they make a decision about whether to include their details on the DBS barred list.

That sounds very similar to the red-flag laws that are heavily debated.

 

But it is definitely better than just a normal US background check because it can find those that weren't convicted.

[bluebell]

10 minutes ago, webbles said:

I like the idea of what the DBS is doing but I'm not sure it will be accepted in the US.  A person can get on the list without a conviction - https://www.dbschecks.org.uk/what-is-a-barred-list-a-complete-guide-to-dbs-barred-lists/

That sounds very similar to the red-flag laws that are heavily debated.

 

But it is definitely better than just a normal US background check because it can find those that weren't convicted.

Maybe that's why they are implementing this in the UK but not here?

[webbles]

14 minutes ago, bluebell said:

Maybe that's why they are implementing this in the UK but not here?

It sounds like a decision by the Area Presidency so maybe there's some discussion in the US areas as well?

Also, I found a list of the church callings that will require the DBS checks.  It looks like some positions will require both the Enhanced Check and the Barred List check while some callings will only require the Enhanced Check.  The Enhanced Check is similar to a criminal background check.  The list is at https://uk.churchofjesuschrist.org/acp/bc/cp/Europe/Area/pdf/Safeguarding_in_the_UK_June_2023.pdf.

 

[bsjkki]

Will a conviction follow you from country to country? Would a conviction in the US show up in the UK system? Is there a way to make sure church records for a convicted rapist are properly annotated? If someone is excommunicated but gets rebaptized, do the annotations stay?

In scouts and many service organization (Red Cross) a basic background check is required to serve. I think all callings involving minors and leadership roles should require this even though it only prevents those who are on the list from serving. 
 

I am disappointed in the lack of diligence with youth protection. I got a new call in primary and no leader even mentioned it. I did take the initiative and get it done before beginning but I know many don’t take this seriously enough. People should have to finish it before beginning their service. 
 

I am still also frustrated they carved out an exception for one on one adult/ youth interactions for ministers. Makes no sense. 

[bsjkki]

29 minutes ago, webbles said:

It sounds like a decision by the Area Presidency so maybe there's some discussion in the US areas as well?

Also, I found a list of the church callings that will require the DBS checks.  It looks like some positions will require both the Enhanced Check and the Barred List check while some callings will only require the Enhanced Check.  The Enhanced Check is similar to a criminal background check.  The list is at https://uk.churchofjesuschrist.org/acp/bc/cp/Europe/Area/pdf/Safeguarding_in_the_UK_June_2023.pdf.

 

It’s ridiculous they’re giving people over two months to complete the youth protection training. They should already have it done. 

[bluebell]

2 minutes ago, bsjkki said:

It’s ridiculous they’re giving people over two months to complete the youth protection training. They should already have it done. 

Especially since you can finish it in about 10 minutes.

[bsjkki]

1 minute ago, bluebell said:

Especially since you can finish it in about 10 minutes.

Honestly, they should have people complete it at church during singing time or 2nd hour before their first week. Not hard. 

[Calm]

11 minutes ago, bsjkki said:

one on one adult/ youth interactions for ministers.

If it is serving as a youth minister with an adult minister, I think that is an especially problematic issue because of the extended time alone. 

[bsjkki]

5 minutes ago, Calm said:

If it is serving as a youth minister with an adult minister, I think that is an especially problematic issue because of the extended time alone. 

Exactly.

[bluebell]

7 minutes ago, bsjkki said:

Honestly, they should have people complete it at church during singing time or 2nd hour before their first week. Not hard. 

I’ve asked about this so many times. Every answer I’ve gotten is that the youth and the adult are not to travel to any appointments together, but they are to meet at the persons home or wherever they are doing anything. So theoretically, the youth and their adult partner should never be alone together. But I still think that it’s just odd to assign youth to adults that aren’t their parents for ministering. I know what they’re trying to do but I don’t think it’s worth the risk. 

[bluebell]

10 minutes ago, bsjkki said:

Honestly, they should have people complete it at church during singing time or 2nd hour before their first week. Not hard. 

Yep!

[bsjkki]

6 minutes ago, bluebell said:

I’ve asked about this so many times. Every answer I’ve gotten is that the youth and the adult are not to travel to any appointments together, but they are to meet at the persons home or wherever they are doing anything. So theoretically, the youth and their adult partner should never be alone together. But I still think that it’s just odd to assign youth to adults that aren’t their parents for ministering. I know what they’re trying to do but I don’t think it’s worth the risk. 

Is this outlined in the rules? It seems to be a fuzzy area.

Found the exception…it’s stupid. Sets up many grooming opportunities.

Edited June 28, 2023 by bsjkki

[Calm]

1 hour ago, bluebell said:

Maybe that's why they are implementing this in the UK but not here?

Maybe the UK has it for all the countries, making more useful with just one check necessary? In the US it is still done on a state level, correct?  Or are there free services that combine them all?  Having to check several states for people who moved multiple times can be problematic, assuming they are honest about where they lived…which the ones you need to know about the most likely wouldn’t be. 
 

I would not be surprised If there were legal repercussions that are different in the UK than here that makes it smart to do it there where here not so much. 
 

Maybe Sheila will notice this topic and post if she has additional info. 

[Calm]

24 minutes ago, bsjkki said:

Is this outlined in the rules? It seems to be a fuzzy area.

Found the exception…it’s stupid. Sets up many grooming opportunities.

That does not exclude traveling. I suspect in areas where there are significant distances and the cost of gas is high, it would be very tempting to dismiss the low possibility of abuse given the very immediate and definite issue of twice as much money spent on gas. 

[bsjkki]

1 minute ago, Calm said:

That does not exclude traveling. I suspect in areas where there are significant distances and the cost of gas is high, it would be very tempting to dismiss the low possibility of abuse given the very immediate and definite issue of twice as much money spent on gas. 

But if not when traveling, when would they be alone? I also think when texting a youth, adult leaders should have to include a parent. Safe practices.

[bluebell]

59 minutes ago, bsjkki said:

Is this outlined in the rules? It seems to be a fuzzy area.

Found the exception…it’s stupid. Sets up many grooming opportunities.

They leave too much open to interpretation and choices of the adult minister, in my opinion.

They should have clear-cut rules on how it has to be done and not “try hard” or “do your best” or “ try to avoid” stuff. Because all of that leaves open the option for the adult to basically decide to do whatever they want.

[webbles]

1 hour ago, bsjkki said:

Is this outlined in the rules? It seems to be a fuzzy area.

Found the exception…it’s stupid. Sets up many grooming opportunities.

Adult ministering companions must pass the Enhanced check with the Barred List check as well (unless they are the parent of the youth).  Are you talking about the exception to the number of adults or an exception to the DBS check?  Because there isn't one for the DBS check.

[webbles]

1 hour ago, bsjkki said:

Will a conviction follow you from country to country? Would a conviction in the US show up in the UK system? Is there a way to make sure church records for a convicted rapist are properly annotated? If someone is excommunicated but gets rebaptized, do the annotations stay?

DBS is a UK thing.  It appears to be legally required for all employees that interact with the youth.  I'm not sure what the requirement is for volunteers (which is what the church would be classified).

Here's a pamphlet from the UK government that talks about the different levels - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1059974/Quick_Guide_to_DBS_Checks.pdf

I don't think convictions outside of the UK are covered by the DBS, but I'm not sure.