“Dioceses are to maintain ‘safe environment’ programs which the archdiocesan bishop deems to be in accord with Catholic moral principles. They are to be conducted cooperatively with parents, civil authorities, educators, and community organizations to provide education and training for children, youth, parents, ministers, educators, volunteers and others about ways to make and maintain a safe environment for children and young people. Diocese are to 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 children.”
Promise to Protect, Pledge to Heal USCCB, 2005
Our Safe Environment Programs
“Shield the Vulnerable”:
This training was mandated in October, 2006,by Archbishop George Niederauer for all employees and volunteers working with children and youth in the archdiocese. The curriculum raises awareness of recognizing, reporting and preventing child abuse. Policies and Procedures and Standards of Conduct regarding sexual misconduct in the Archdiocese of San Francisco are also part of this training curriculum. The course is user-friendly in English or Spanish and available in Chinese. www.shieldthevulnerable.org/default.asp
Standards of Conduct for Those Working With Children and Young People
Children’s Programs
“Smart Kids, Safe Kids” K-8:
This is a one session program for each grade level which has become part of most Catholic School curriculums. Other schools have chosen to use other programs as well as workshops and guest speakers: i.e. “Safe & Caring Schools”, DARE, Peer Relationships, Bully Free, Safety Week, Internet Safety, Communication Skills, Police & Fire Department Workshops/Programs. Children who attend parish catechetical programs receive their safety education in the public schools.
Teen Programs: “Creating Safe & Sacred Places”, St. Mary’s Press.
All youth in our Catholic High Schools, catechetical and youth ministry programs during the school years 2005-2006, 2006-2007 had the opportunity to experience this program of education and sharing regarding issues of sexual abuse. Parents also had the opportunity to attend a parent meeting.
During the last semester of the 2006-2007 school year an advisory group came together of youth, parents, teachers, school counselors, diocesan personnel to work together with LAWROOM(who produced “Shield the Vulnerable” training) in putting together online training for youth with a separate online program for parents. This will be available in the late fall of 2007. All Freshmen and Juniors in high school programs will begin to use this program during the school year 2007-2008.
SCREENING
Article 13: “Dioceses are to evaluate the background of all priests and deacons who are engaged in ministry in the diocese, and of all diocesan parish/school paid personnel and volunteers whose duties include ongoing, unsupervised contact with minors.”
Promise to Protect, Pledge to Heal USCCB, 2005
Screening Policy& Procedures(pdf)
“Protecting God’s Children”
Overview of Background Evaluations(pdf)
Lord, giver of light, and hope,
You have entrusted your children to our care.
We cherish their love and energy for life.
Help us to help them be people of strength,
character, and integrity.
Share with us the love that will guide their hearts.
Share with us the courage that will shape their future.
Be the light that guides them and us to your glory and goodness.
Oracion Para Nuestros Hijos
Senor, dador de la Luz, la Vida y la Esperanza,
tu nos has confiado tus hijos bajo nuestro cuidado.
Amamos su amor y su energia por la vida.
Ayudanos a guiarles para que sean personas de fortaleza,
de character e integridad.
Comparte con nosotros la sabiduria que molderara sus mentes.
Comparte con nosotros el amor que guiara nuestros corazones.
Comparte con nosotros el valor que moldera su futuro.
Se la luz que nos guia y que les guie hacia tu gloria y tu bondad.
From "Creating Safe & Sacred Places"
St. Mary's Press, c. 2003