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Frequently Asked Questions

Why didn’t I get my card?

If you have not received your card, you are most likely missing a piece of your application information, usually in the form of a missing reference form. Please contact the Protection Policy Committee at the Detroit Conference Office (1-800-334-0544) and ask what part of your application you may be missing.

Who should I have fill out my reference forms?

It is recommended that you have people who know you well fill out your forms on your behalf. Friends from church, co-workers, and pastors make great references. Please do not use family members as a reference or people who you just met at your Protection Training Class.

What happens to my paperwork?

After all your documentation has been completed and turned into the Conference Protection Committee or Camp Administrations, it is then reviewed by the committee or Camp Administrators to determine if you are to be certified. Your documentation will be stored in locked storage cabinets either at the Conference Office or at the Camp you volunteer at. The parts of your application that contain your Social Security number will be ripped off and shredded.

Can I use another background check from another organization?

No. We are required to run our own background checks.

If I have had similar trainings from other organizations, why do I need this one?

While other organizations provide worthy training on the subject, they do not highlight specific policies or processes that apply to our conference. All persons seeking to be certified must participate in the training class.

Who should to have this training?

Anybody who plans to participate in District or Conference sponsored events working with children, youth, or vulnerable persons. This training is not required by the conference for volunteers working for the local churches.

Do I have to complete the Driver Application?

Only if you believe you will need to drive during a District or Conference event (not just to or from the event). Most events do not require driving during the event, but some do (examples: CYA Camp, Chrysalis, Youth Lay Speaking). If you do not expect to drive during an event, you do not need to complete this part of the application. Plus, if you learn later that you will indeed need to drive during an event, you may turn in a Driver Application at that later date.

Do I need this policy and training to cover my local church?

No, this policy does not at all cover the local church. While some churches use this training as a requirement for their own certification, this policy does not cover the local church in any way. Your local church should have a policy and training process of its own. However, some churches include taking the conference training class as a requirement for being certified in your local church. This is not the intention of the conference training course, but it can be a valuable class for all people seeking to learn more about the protection of our children, youth, or vulnerable persons.

What are the key things that event directors need to practice for events?

Know your volunteers
Make sure volunteers are certified
Always follow the ‘Two-Adult’ rule
Having separate sleeping areas for boys and girls
Make sure volunteers have ample time for rest