Safeguarding
Resources & Reporting
Our Ethos
“Safeguarding means creating communities where every person can worship, serve, and grow in faith free from harm.“
Safeguarding is the Church's commitment to protect every person in our community–especially children, youth, and vulnerable adults–from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It is both a reflection of our call to love one another as Christ loves us (John 13:34), and a serious responsibility we bear as those entrusted with the care of souls (Hebrews 13:17).
Safeguarding means creating communities where every person can worship, serve, and grow in faith free from harm. It means that our clergy, staff, and volunteers are trained to recognize the signs of abuse, to respond with compassion and competence, and to report concerns through the proper channels, both within the Church and to civil authorities as required by law (Romans 13:1).
Safeguarding is not simply a set of policies or procedures. It is a posture of vigilance and welcome, a willingness to ask hard questions, to listen carefully, and to act decisively when someone is at risk. It reflects our conviction that the vulnerable are not a liability to be managed, but image-bearers to be protected (Genesis 1:27).
When harm does occur, as it sometimes does even in the best communities, safeguarding ensures that victims are believed, supported, and referred to qualified care, and that the Church responds with both pastoral tenderness and institutional accountability. We are called to "speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves" (Proverbs 31:8) and to bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2).
We take this calling seriously because the people in our pews are not just congregants. They are our family in Christ and their safety and flourishing is inseparable from our witness to the Gospel.
FAQ’s
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If you suspect abuse:
a) Call 911 immediately in an emergency
b) Report concerns to local law enforcement or child protective services (numbers below)
c) Inform your church leadership (e.g., rector or other leader)
If your concern involves clergy (Priest or Deacon) or a diocesan employee, you should file a misconduct report through the Diocese using this form.
If you have a misconduct report against a bishop, please submit this form. You can also email misconduct@acna.org with any questions or concerns. A provincial representative will promptly respond to you.
You can also use the DECISION TREE below to help you decide what to do. -
If you are unsure, it is always better to report concerns and/or ask for guidance. Our diocesan Safeguarding Coordinator can help you determine the appropriate next steps.
If you feel you are ready to make a report, you can also follow the DECISION TREE below to determine the right pathway. -
The Diocese promotes safety through:
a) Background checks for staff, volunteers, and clergy
b) Required safeguarding and abuse prevention training for staff, volunteers, and clergy
c) Clear policies and procedures
d) Ongoing monitoring and accountability
These measures aim to create a culture of awareness, prevention, and care.
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After a report is made:
a) The Diocesan Safeguarding Coordinator will contact you for an Intake Interview to gather more information, assess safety risks, and provide necessary support pathways
b) Civil authorities may investigate (when applicable)
c) The Diocese reviews the concern for canonical (Title IV) offense criteria
d) Appropriate action is taken according to Title IV guidance (e.g. Investigation, Dismissal with pastoral support, Godly Admonitions, Training & Discipleship, Mediation, returning the matter to the parish), all starting with determining if the report concerns laity or clergy/DRM employees, and whether it meets Title IV offense criteria
e) Pastoral care is offered to those affected, if desired and deemed appropriate.
The overarching goal is both accountability and compassionate support for all involved.
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Reports are handled with care and discretion. However, information may need to be shared with appropriate authorities to ensure safety and proper investigation, depending on the circumstances of the report.
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You can reach out to:
a) Your local church leadership
b) Your church’s Safeguarding Officer
Safeguarding Decision Tree
Follow the path to determine the appropriate response
Our Policies
Questions? Email Stephanie Perez at stephanie@drm.church.
Report Abuse or Misconduct
Fill out the online form or email a Notice of Concern to reports@drm.church.
Where can I find
additional support?
Need more help? Check out these resources.
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Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline — Call or text 1-800-422-4453
National Domestic Violence Hotline — 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) — thehotline.org
RAINN — Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network — 1-800-656-4673 — hotline.rainn.org — rainn.org/es (Español)
SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration) — 1-800-662-4357 (HELP)
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Find more resources on the ACNA website HERE. (anglicanchurch.net/safeguarding-in-our-churches)
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You can find numbers to report child abuse and neglect HERE. (childwelfare.gov/state-child-abuse-and-neglect-reporting-numbers)