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Why Safe Environment Programs?
Article 12 of the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children & Young People calls for a Safe Environment program for each diocese in the United States:
ARTICLE 12. Dioceses/eparchies will establish "safe environment" programs. They will 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. Dioceses/eparchies will make clear to clergy and all members of the community the standards of conduct for clergy and other persons in positions of trust with regard to sexual abuse.
The Diocese of Worcester created its own Safe Environment program to ensure that the program respects the magisterium of the Church. These programs were created by individuals and experts in the field of sexual abuse.In keeping with the National Policy for the Protection of Children and Youth published by the USCCB, safe environment training to recognize the signs and symptoms of child abuse is required at least once for all staff and volunteers.
ON-SITE TRAINING is offered around the diocese. Please check with your school for the list of dates.
ONLINE TRAINING is available for people to complete from their own computer. At the completion of your training you will print a certificate of completion to be give to your organization. Please request training through your Safe Environment Coordinator who will need your email address in order to arrange for the training. If a local coordinator is unavailable, you can email your request directly to Cathaleen Peloquin at cpeloquin@worcesterdiocese.org and include your full name, parish/school/agency name and location and your staff or volunteer position.