Per the directives of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, Churches, Religious Institutions and youth organizations must ensure that children and youth who worship, study, or participate in activities sponsored therein can do so in the safest and most secure setting possible. Parents and caretakers must have confidence in these institutions before they will allow their children to become involved with them. "Safe environment" programs are designed to assist institutions in instilling that confidence.
Q: What are the necessary elements of a "safe-environment" program?
A: A safe environment program begins with a "code of conduct" for all adults who work with youth on a regular basis. The Eparchial "code of conduct" establishes acceptable behavior that is legal, professional, and responsible and it includes standards of conduct with regard to sexual abuse and harassment. Written copies are to be provided to each employee/volunteer who must acknowledge in writing that they understand and must abide by it.
In accordance with the Eparchial Policies and Procedures, the "safe environment" program requires training of parents, clergy, educators, church personnel, volunteers and others regularly involved with minors as to the issue of abuse of children, to include sexual abuse.
Training programs for adults includes the following:
A. What constitutes child abuse, including sexual abuse?
B. What actions, procedures and policies are used to prevent child abuse in any
form?
C. How does an adult identify instances of abuse ofa child, including sexual abuse?
• What signs should an adult look for in a child who may be abused?
• What signs should an adult look for in a person who may be abusing a
child in any way?
D. What actions should an adult take when they believe that child abuse, to include
sexual abuse, may be occurring?
E. What are the laws and policies regarding the reporting of abuse, to include sexual abuse, of children?
The Eparchial Policies and Procedures state that training programs for children and young people must include age appropriate materials pertaining to personal safety. This includes information about improper touching and relationships. Children are not expected to be fully knowledgeable about child abuse or of the laws governing care of children but they need to know when they should seek assistance from a trusted adult.
Q: Do children in our parish religious education classes receive the same training as our students in Catholic schools?
A: Children in parish religious education programs should receive the same basic information as those who attend Catholic schools.
If religious education students receive personal safely training as part of their regular school curriculum, the parish, after reviewing (consult with your local Roman Catholic Diocese's Office for the Protection of Minors) the public school curriculum and finding that it meets the standards of the local diocese, may choose not to provide additional safe environment training to the religious education students. If, however, local diocesan personnel believe that the public school curriculum is not sufficient or in need of some supplementation, the parish should do so.
It is incumbent upon parish personnel thai all children under their care have received safe environment training which meets the standards of the local diocesan safe environment training.
Q: Does our Eparchy have its own "safe environment" program?
A: No. Our Eparchy does not have its own "Safe Environment Program." The Eparchy does not have sufficient resources (human and material) to develop its own program. However, per the directives of the Eparchial Bishop, Eparchial parishes and religious institutions are required to participate in the "Safe Environment Programs" offered by the local Roman Catholic Dioceses. It is incumbent upon the pastor to make sure that appropriate contacts are made with the local Office for Protection of Minors to ensure that parents, children, clergy, educators and volunteers receive the same exact training offered throughout the local Roman Catholic Diocese.
Q: Are new employees required to become part of "safe environment" programs?
A: New employees must receive "safe environment" training and adhere to Eparchial codes of conduct.
Q: Can a parish utilize a community or public-school based program?
A: A parish can utilize a community or public-school based program, as long as the program includes the information outlined above and reaches the pertinent audiences.
Q: How does the Eparchy evaluate the background of personnel who have regular contact with minors?
A: The Eparchial Policies and Procedures state that background investigations of personnel who have regular contact with minors must be conducted. Such investigations are conducted by a professional agency (ChoicePoint). Background investigations include criminal history checks of the employee/volunteer and, if lawful in your state, the employee/volunteer should be asked if they have ever been accused of or investigated for an act of abuse or harassment. References must be checked.
Prepared by Reverend Peter Karam—June 30, 2008