SAFE ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM
The prevention of abuse of any kind in children is of the highest priority for us in the St. Vincent de Paul Parish and we feel privileged as a school and faith community to participate in the Safe Environment Program. The Safe Environment Program was created and mandated by the United States Conference of Bishops in 2002 for the safety and protection of children and vulnerable adults against any form of sexual abuse. The Archdiocese of St. Louis and St. Vincent de Paul Parish and Catholic School System follow the guidelines of the Safe Environment Program and has implemented the program called Protecting God’s Children to train parents and those who work with or volunteer with children.
All parents, volunteers who work with children and employees in the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School System and Parish must be in full compliance with the Safe Environment Program. This includes attending a Protecting God’s Children workshop, undergoing a background check updated in even-numbered years, having an FBI fingerprint check if you have lived outside of Missouri within the past five years, and signing the Code of Ethical Conduct.
PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN
WORKSHOPS
Experts estimate:
1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are sexually abused before their 18th birthday. Nearly 70% of all sexual assaults (including assaults on adults) occur to children ages 17 and under, so it is imperative we take every preventable measure possible to protect those we love.
While our children are taught, importantly so, about how to protect themselves, it is no substitute for adult responsibility. We make sure our children wear seatbelts, walk them across busy streets, and store toxic cleaners out of reach. Why should we leave the job of preventing child sexual abuse solely to our children? Just imagine how difficult it is for a child to say “no” to a parent, a teacher, a coach, or clergy.
The Protecting God’s Children Workshop is a program that focuses on this adult responsibility. Parents and volunteers are taught to recognize the risks and warning signs and how to react responsibly. Parents and volunteers are also given practical ideas for the prevention of sexual abuse of our children through both life contact and online.
We are committed to help provide you as parents with the tools needed to protect your child/children from abuse and feel honored to be able to offer you the Protecting God’s Children Workshop in our Parish. Before the beginning of each school year, workshops are scheduled for parents and to attend but may be scheduled at any time throughout the year. Please call the Parish Office at 547-4591 for more information or to schedule a workshop.
We will be offering Protecting God’s Children Workshops on the following dates:
Thursday, July 26
Monday, July 30
Tuesday, August 7
Monday, August 13
Wednesday, August 22
Place: St. Vincent de Paul Church
6:00 – 8:00 PM
Facilitator: Chris Rundquist
Register at 547-4591
Doors open at 5:30 to complete paperwork
If not registered with the Family Care Safety Registry
there is a one-time $11 fee for the background check