Protecting Children and Youth

All leaders and teachers of children or youth are to complete this training within one month of being called.

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

The Lord expects us to do all we can to prevent abuse and to protect and help those who have been victims of abuse.
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.
When adults are teaching children or youth in Church settings, “at least two responsible adults should be present” (General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Classes for Youth—13.4.1 and Safeguarding Children, 12.5.1).
“At least two adults must be present at all Church activities attended by children and youth” (General Handbook, Adult Supervision 20.7.1).
Avoid extended one-on-one communication with children or youth, and regularly communicate with parents or guardians about activities or concerns.

When Inappropriate Behavior or Abuse Happens, You Should Act Promptly to Protect the Child or Youth.

US and Canada

If you learn of abuse, you should immediately contact legal authorities. You should also counsel with your bishop or stake president, who will call the abuse help line for guidance in helping victims and meeting reporting requirements.

Countries outside of the US and Canada

Learn how and when you should report abuse. In most countries, you will immediately need to contact legal authorities. Counsel with your bishop or stake president for direction. If the abuse help line is not available in your country, the bishop will counsel with the stake president and area office to learn the proper process for reporting abuse and protecting the person that was abused.

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.

Common Questions

Who needs to take the training?

This training is for anyone called to work with children or youth. This includes

Stake and district presidencies, bishoprics, and branch presidencies.
High councilors.
Stake, district, ward, and branch Primary, Young Men, Young Women, Sunday School, elders quorum, and Relief Society presidencies.
Secretaries, teachers, advisers, camp leaders, activity day leaders, music leaders, pianists, and others serving in positions in the Primary, Young Women, and Young Men organizations.
Teachers in youth Sunday School and seminary classes.

How long will the training take?

How often will I need to take the training?

Does this training apply to ministering?

“The guideline that two responsible adults be present with youth does not apply to the assignment of ministering companions. However, under the direction of their bishop, leaders should use wisdom and seek inspiration when assigning youth as companions to adults. They also seek guidance from the bishop When a youth is assigned to a companion who is not his or her parent, leaders confirm the the parents do not object to the assignment.

"Adult companions should avoid situations that might be misunderstood. They should use care regarding isolated one-on-one situations. They help youth have a safe and rewarding experience with ministering” (General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Organizing Ministering to Meet Local Needs 21.3, ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Does this change the policy for interviews with youth?

Will I need to take this again if I move to another ward or branch?

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 the membership section of your Church Account. For more information, visit Church Account help.

How will leaders know who needs to take the training?

As a priesthood leader, what do I need to know before extending a call?

Can anyone take this training?

Need help?

What if my question is not answered here?

Church Resources

Reporting Resources

“In Crisis? Talk Now.” (abuse.ChurchofJesusChrist.org)
State laws on reporting abuse

Additional Resources and Information

Last Updated On 13 Nov 2024