Safe Environment

USCCB mandates Churches, schools, and youth organizations must ensure that children and youth who worship, study, or participate in activities sponsored by a parish can do so in the safest and most secure setting possible. Parents and caretakers have the right to ask these institutions if they meet the requirements of the Charter before they allow their children to become involved with them.

An effective safe environment program will have the following components:

 

• A code of conduct for clergy and for any other paid personnel and volunteers in positions of trust who have regular contact with children and young people.

• Training for all adults who work with children that consists of:

  • Signs an adult may see in a child who is abused

  • Signs an adult may see in a person who abuses children

  • What actions an adult should take when they believe child abuse of any kind may be occurring

• Background check for clergy and for any other paid personnel and volunteers in positions of trust who have regular contact with children and young people

• A training program for children that includes age appropriate materials pertaining to personal safety that conforms to Catholic teachings

• A Safe Environment awareness program for all church members