OCA updates background check guidelines again

(OCA) - The Orthodox Church in America’s Guidelines on Background Checks has been updated and is now available on the OCA web site here (PDF).

“The updated document reflects a new, more centralized process aimed at achieving greater compliance with the Policies, Standards, and Procedures for Sexual Misconduct,” said Cindy Heise, LMSW, Coordinator for the Office of Review of Sexual Misconduct Allegations.

As indicated in the updated Guidelines, background checks are required of all ordained clergy (bishops, priests and deacons), those in minor orders (subdeacons and readers), youth workers (Church school teachers, camp counselors, youth advisors/mentors, etc.), paid Church employees, seminary applicants, diaconal program applicants, and candidates for ordination.