Child Protection Training
The Texas Department of State Health Services, which is the licensing agent for public camps is now requiring new criteria for camp workers and adult sponsors. This new law requires any adult who has contact with children at camp to be screened for criminal and sex offender records.
In addition, the adults are also required to take a one hour training course and pass a test regarding child protection and reducing the risk of child abuse and molestation. This new law applies to all state licensed youth camps, and is meant for the safety and protection of the children.
According to Texas State Law, all adult counselors / sponsors that have any direct contact with underage individuals at a Camp must have:
- A criminal background check performed prior to contact with underage campers.
- A sex offender background check performed prior to contact with underage campers.
- Attend and participate in a one hour child abuse and sexual abuse prevention and recognition class; as well as pass a written exam prior to contact with underage campers. (The training materials and test may be downloaded below.)
- Proof of criminal and sex offender background checks including no-match responses, along with proof of satisfactory completion of prevention / recognition class, must be secured in the camp office for the duration of the event and become permanent record on file.
- Upon successful completion of the Child Protection test, the test administrator (church) must keep the original Certificate of Completion on file for two (2) years.
Child abuse and Sexual abuse, real or alleged, must be reported to proper authorities.
This is how you can accomplish these requirements:
- A criminal background check may be performed online at www.records.txdps.state.tx.us/ for a nominal charge. It is the sponsoring churches responsibility to perform these checks and submit proof of proper documentation at camp registration.
- A sex offender background check may be performed online at www.records.txdps.state.tx.us/ for no charge. It is the sponsoring church's responsibility to perform these checks and submit proof of proper documentation at camp registration.
- Upon request, East Texas Baptist Encampment will provide a DVD containing the state approved Child Protection Training session and written test material. The video may be viewed online: