Launch Training
Church activities and classes are opportunities for children and youth to feel the love of the Savior and the influence of the Holy Ghost. While participating, children and youth need to feel safe and protected. Leaders and teachers should follow the Savior’s example of love and concern for children.
This training covers how to recognize and prevent physical, sexual, verbal, and other types of abuse. The resources below can also help you recognize and prevent abuse. The training provides scenarios to help you better understand and apply key principles and policies.
Key Principles and Policies Covered in the Training
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The Lord expects us to do all we can to prevent abuse and to protect and help those who have been victims of abuse.
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The Church does not tolerate abuse in any form. Abuse violates the laws of God and may also be a violation of the laws of society.
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“When adults are teaching children or youth in Church settings, at least two responsible adults should be present” (Handbook 2: Administering the Church, 11.8.8).
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“At least two adult supervisors must be present at all Church-sponsored activities attended by children, youth, and young single adults” (Handbook 2, 13.6.2).
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Avoid extended one-on-one communication with children or youth, and regularly communicate with parents or guardians about activities or concerns.
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Take all reports of abuse and inappropriate behavior seriously. You have a responsibility to act according to your local laws. Review the training to learn how to respond, and contact your bishop or branch president for counsel and direction.
Children and youth who have been abused need kind, caring attention from inspired Church leaders, family members, and others, including trained professionals, who can help them overcome the destructive effects of abuse. The healing power of the Savior Jesus Christ will ease burdens and provide strength to overcome adversity.
Please view the Frequently Asked Questions below for more information about this online training module and about how to prevent and respond to abuse in your calling.
What Is the Purpose of This Training?
The training is for anyone called to work with children or youth. This includes:
- Stake and district presidencies, bishoprics, and branch presidencies.
- High councillors.
- Stake, district, ward, and branch Primary, Young Men, Young Women, Sunday School, and Relief Society presidencies; elders’ quorum presidencies.
- Secretaries, teachers, advisors, camp leaders, activity day leaders, music leaders, pianists, and others serving in positions in Primary, Young Women, and Young Men organizations.
- Teachers of youth Sunday School and seminary classes.
While the principles and policies in the training apply to all Church members, international laws may vary and local adaptation may be needed. This version follows laws within the United States and Canada. Additional versions are being prepared. Teachers and leaders outside of the United States and Canada should follow their local laws when responding to abuse and counsel with their local leaders if they have concerns.
How Long Will the Training Take?
This training should take about 30 minutes to complete.
How Often Will I Need to Take the Training?
If you have a calling working with children or youth, you need this training every three years. You will receive an email reminder before the expiration date of your training.
Will I Need to Take This Again If I Move to Another Ward or Branch or If I Am Released?
No. This training is valid for three years.
Do I Need to Sign In to Access This Training?
Yes, you will need to sign in with your Church Account. If your Church Account is not linked with your Membership Record Number (MRN), you will need to update that information before completing the training or your completion will not be recorded.
To link your MRN to your Church Account, first find your MRN on your temple recommend or by asking your ward clerk or another Church leader to look it up on ChurchofJesusChrist.org or through the Member Tools app. Once you have your MRN, go to settings.churchofjesuschrist.org/membership in order to add it to your account. For more information, visit settings.churchofjesuschrist.org/help.
How Will Leaders Know Who Needs to Take the Training?
A list of members who need to complete the training will soon be available in the Leader and Clerk Resources section of ChurchofJesusChrist.org and will be updated regularly.
Does This Take the Place of BSA’s Youth Protection Training?
Leaders registered in Scouting should also complete the required BSA Youth Protection training through 2019.
As a Priesthood Leader, What Do I Need to Know before Extending a Call?
Leaders and teachers of children and youth are asked to complete the training, if possible, within one month of being sustained.
Is This Training Available in Multiple Languages?
The training is not currently available in languages other than English, but the plan is to eventually offer it in multiple languages.
Can Anyone Take This Training?
Yes. In addition to those working with children and youth, parents and others are also welcome to complete the training.
Need Help?
If you need help setting up an account to access Church resources, see your ward or stake clerk. You can also talk to your leaders if you need access to a computer to complete the training.
What If My Question Isn’t Answered Here?
Please send your question by clicking Feedback here or at the bottom of the page.
Church Resources:
Counseling Resources: Abuse (Help for the Victim) for Ward and Stake Leaders
“Protecting Members and Reporting Abuse” (abuse.ChurchofJesusChrist.org)