Safe Environment Program:
Partnering to Protect Children
The document Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People  was developed by the Ad Hoc Committee on Sexual Abuse of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). It was approved by the full body of U.S. Catholic bishops at its November 2002. Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People is also available in a print edition and may be ordered by telephoning (800) 235-8722. Ask for publication number 5-540.
As the implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People moves to the parish level, all clergy as well as those parish employees and volunteers who have regular contact with children are required to do the following:
- obtain background checks,
- understand and commit to a Standard for Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries,
- and attend training concerning the identification, reporting and prevention of child sexual abuse, specifically, "Protecting God's Children."
Article 12 of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People calls for all dioceses to establish "safe environment" programs. Our Archdiocese is called upon to cooperate with parents, civil authorities, educators and community organizations to provide education and training for children, youth, parents, ministers, educators, and others about ways to make and maintain a safe environment for children.
The parish elementary schools, CCD/prep programs, schools of special education and secondary schools will provide ongoing education to the students under their care around the issues of respect for one's self and body as well as assisting our children in realizing what constitutes the many aspects of a safe environment are. Parents/guardians will be given insights into these instructional programs as we work together to educate the whole child.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord. ~Luke 4:18
The National Catholic Risk Retention Group provides an 11-minute video introduction to the Protecting God's Children program online.
Mandated Reporter Training
All volunteers in Saint Cornelius Parish who work with our precious children must take the Mandated Reporter Training so that each volunteer will know their role in the protection of our children.
This course is free. It lasts one hour. And it is offered at Saint Cornelius on September 24th at three different times: 9:30am, 11am, or 1pm.
You must register. You cannot register by calling the parish office. If you don’t have email access, please fax registration information to (215) 587-3711.
Protecting God's Children
This course is required for all volunteers who work with children. For your convenience, it will be offered here at Saint Cornelius on the following dates:
Saturday, October 8, 2011, 9:30 am to noon
Monday, October 17, 2011, 9:30 am to noon
Monday, October 17, 2011, 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
This course will be offered in the Parish Life Center. Please arrive 10 minutes early.
You must register.
Technology Addendum Training
For those who missed the two extended deadlines, Mrs. Rusek will offer the training in the Parish Life Center at Saint Cornelius only at the following times:
Saturday, September 24, 2011, from 10:30 to 10:50am
Saturday, September 24, 2011, from 12 noon to 12:15 pm
You must register: stcorn1@yahoo.com This is the email address for Mary Rusek. Leave your name, phone number, and the time that you wish to come.
Resources for Parents
Important Contacts for Parents/Guardians
If you suspect child abuse call Child Line: (800) 932-0313.
Archdiocese of Philadelphia implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People:
Phone: 215-587-3743
Fax: 215-587-0553
Email: mrochford@adphila.org
|
