Safe Environment Training for Adults
What is required of volunteers and employees?
Our diocesan policies are rooted in the Catholic understanding that each individual must be respected and honored. Just as Jesus had a deep, abiding respect for each human being and would not harm or mislead anyone in their personal or spiritual life, we must attempt to do likewise. Our policies cover four areas of possible harm: immoral conduct, exploitation, harassment and abuse.
Specifically regarding prevention of abuse, the policies require anyone involved in a ministry with minors (those under the age of 18) or vulnerable adults (those who are uniquely vulnerable to abuse because of physical or mental disabilities) to:
- Agree to a criminal background check;
- Attend a “Safe Environment” training, a seminar on identifying and responding to child sexual abuse;
- Commit to the conduct identified in the Code of Conduct.
What is the definition of someone “involved in a ministry with minors or vulnerable adults?”
Although this is not a complete list, at a minimum the following areas must comply with this policy:
• Clergy (priests and deacons)
• Women and men in consecrated life
• Seminarians and deacon candidates
• Paid diocese and parish staff
• Directors of religious education and catechists
• Youth ministry employees and volunteers
• School administrators, teachers and classroom volunteers
• Maintenance and food service providers in schools and parishes
• Leaders and volunteers of Catholic Boy and Girl Scout troops
• Leaders and volunteers of CYO sports organizations
• Children’s choir directors and children’s liturgy coordinators and trainers
• Adults involved in overnight events with children and youth
• Adults transporting minors in vehicles and chaperoning youth activities
• Adults involved in a one-on-one or home-based ministry with minors
• Eucharistic ministers who visit people outside of the church (hospitals, nursing homes, private homes, etc.)
• Adults serving in a program for minors or vulnerable adults that is hosted on church or school property
• Older teens who have a position of responsibility in assisting with youth programs.
What does the “Safe Environment” training entail?
“Protecting Our Children” training sessions are held throughout the Diocese by parish Child Advocates and other trained facilitators. Each training is between 60-90 minutes in length. The training includes the following:
• A video/DVD presentation developed by the Springfield Diocese that explains the procedures set forth by the Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Youth People. This includes essential information about background checks, the function of the Diocesan Review Board, the Code of Conduct, and the State and Diocesan policy on reporting child abuse. The presentation also identifies signs of possible child abuse and provides resources for adults who may suspect a child is being abused.
• For those who have received the above training, an alternative or additional presentation deepens participants’ awareness of how child sexual abuse can occur and how adults can identify and interrupt boundary violations before they lead to abusive situations. Participants are given the opportunity to discuss their emotions, concerns and questions in a facilitated discussion following the presentation.
• Additional resources are available at these trainings. Most are also accessible as links or downloadable documents at the Diocese website.
Where and when are training sessions held?
To obtain a schedule of training sessions for the Diocese of Springfield, call your parish Child Advocate, or call the Office of Counseling, Prevention and Victim Services at (413) 452-0624.