Oakbrook Church Children and Youth Ministries Security Program FAQ’s

  1. Why are there requirements to meet before I am allowed to volunteer with the Children’s and Youth ministries? I have volunteered in the past without having to meet them.

The security program is in place for the benefit of the volunteers as well as the children and youth, and benefits the church body as a whole. Some of the ways it does this include:

  • Equip volunteers to serve and inform them about ways to create a safe environment for those in their care.
  • Increase volunteers’ understanding of practices and procedures that they may be asked to comply with.
  • Make volunteers aware of practices that increase transparency and accountability, and protect them from claims of inappropriate behavior.
  • Protect the church body from claims and incidents that can disrupt our community.
  • Provide a safe environment for our children and youth to learn about God’s love and care for them.
  1. What video training is required for volunteers?

It depends on which ministry you have volunteered for. Requirements for each are:

Nursery and Preschool: Both of the following

  • ACT to Keep Children’s Ministry Safe
  • Nursery, Daycare, and Playground Safety

Children ages 5+: ACT to Keep Children’s Ministry Safe

Youth: ACT to Keep Youth Ministry Safe

  1. Is the video training required before I start serving in the ministry I volunteered for?

Yes, the required video(s) must be viewed and the related quiz(zes) passed before you start serving as a volunteer in Children’s or Youth ministries.

Each video lasts about 20 minutes. The entire process of watching a video, reading the pdf, and taking the related quiz should not take more than about 45 minutes. The quiz is not timed, so you may take as long as you like to complete it.

  1. Is the Protect My Ministry background check required?

Yes, you must submit your information online using the link provided by email and pass this background check before you start serving as a volunteer in Children’s or Youth ministries.

  1. What if I have had a background check done in the past by another organization? Do I still have to undergo a Protect My Ministry background check?

Yes, since Oakbrook does not receive results of other background checks, and other checks may be out of date or be specific to the needs of the other organization.

  1. What does it mean to “pass” the background check?

Passing the background check means that the results of the check do not indicate that a person has

  • been convicted of either sexual or physical abuse of children/youth
  • a history of inappropriate conduct with children
  • been convicted of a crime of violence against another person within the last 7 years
  • details that indicate the person poses a danger of sexually or physically abusing children, in the opinion of the church leadership.
  1. What if I decline to undergo the background check?

You will not be allowed to work with, care for, or oversee children and youth in connection with Oakbrook Church’s programs and activities. However, there are many ministries at Oakbrook where you may serve, and you are encouraged to explore these with church staff or ministry leaders.

  1. What if I don’t pass the background check?

You will not be allowed to work with, care for, or oversee children and youth in connection with Oakbrook Church’s programs and activities. However, there are many ministries at Oakbrook where you may serve, and you are encouraged to explore these with church staff or ministry leaders.

  1. Who has access to my background check report?

Your results will be kept confidential, known only to the safety program coordinator, the leader of the ministry that you volunteered for, and Oakbrook’s lead pastor.

Records are housed on the secure Ministry Mobilizer site. Hard copies and electronic copies will not be created. You may request additional security details from Oakbrook’s security coordinator.

  1. Will I receive a copy of the background check?

Volunteers who pass the background check will not routinely receive a copy of it, but may request a copy from the safety program coordinator if desired. If you do not pass the background check, the results will be shared with you, and if you believe that the results are not accurate you may contest them.

  1. Do I only have to complete these requirements once?

You will not be required to repeat video training that you have successfully completed, but may review it at any time if you desire. Security checks will be repeated every five years, but you will be notified and your permission obtained before the check is repeated.