Services
Whether you need on-board training for Intake Officers, Disciplinary Board, or Pastoral Response Team, or regular refresher training, you can expect a customized training experience. Dr. Deats uses her expert interviewing skills to help you determine the breadth and depth of the training that is required. And when it is time to call together your clergy for a full training in the Title IV process which takes into account the emotional components of such training, Dr. Deats is the expert to call.
Title IV Training for Clergy
Comprehensive required training for ordinands and those new to the diocese, as well as periodic renewal training to keep up with canonical changes to Title IV, can reduce the intimidating nature which the disciplinary process often provokes. Many clergy who have not received training since recent revisions of the Title often have misconceptions of the purpose and nature of the proceedings.
Intake Officer Orientation Training
Due to the unpredictable nature of Title IV complaints, it can be many months or years between the Intake Officers’ active work on a disciplinary matter. Intake Officer training, customized for your diocese’s needs, ensures the accurate and confident performance of the responsibilities of this position. Training several Intake Officers provides thorough coverage for complaints, which may occur at any time, and allow for flexibility in offering a range of gender or lay / ordained choices.
Title IV Team Training
The clergy disciplinary canons tend to isolate the functions of the multiple components of the process – Intake, Disciplinary Board, Panels – and the diocese needs to make a deliberate effort to coordinate the efforts of these components. You will be guided in building a team model to streamline the process, minister to the pastoral needs of the people involved, and assure compliance with the canons.
Investigation of Complaints
Most complaints result in a need for further investigation following the Intake Officer’s preliminary interviews. Dr. Deats is trained and skilled in investigative interviewing, and produces professional reports which provide comprehensive information needed for the Reference Panel to make an informed decision for the disposition of complaints.
Consultation on Disciplinary Matters
It may be that your diocese has a well-functioning team to handle complaints, yet there may be times when you wish to have a professional outside your system evaluate your work. You may wish to ask for guidance on handling special circumstances such as confidentiality, mental health factors, or congregation or family support issues.
Title IV Investigations are unpredictable in timing, and Dr. Deats can arrange a thorough and efficient plan for the investigation of a complaint, whether on site or virtually. Dr. Deats is also available for confidential consultation for the disciplinary matters you are encountering in your diocese.