Safe Environment Policies
The policies of the Safe Environment Program have been distributed to every institution of the Archdiocese, as part of a comprehensive Resource Manual. These policies are designed to assist the institutions of the Archdiocese in administering the program, and to provide uniformity and stability in the way the program is being implemented.
In a nutshell, the basic requirements are as follows:
All prospective staff members in any Archdiocesan institution, whether paid or volunteer, whose position or duties would place them in regular contact with minors, must:
- Complete the Screening Process (including submitting to a background check);
- Acknowledge receipt of the Archdiocesan Policy Relating to Sexual Misconduct, and the appropriate Code of Conduct; and
- Complete the Safe Environment Training appropriate to their position.
The Screening Process -- including the background check -- must be completed before a person starts work. The appropriate training must be completed within 45 days of commencing their duties. If a program is scheduled to last for less than 45 days (e.g., vacation bible schools, summer camps, etc.), all new personnel must complete both Safe Environment requirements before the program begins.
If any person fails to satisfy the Safe Environment requirements by the appropriate date, they may not come into contact with minors in any program or activity of the Archdiocese or any of its parishes or institutions until they complete the Safe Environment requirements.
His Eminence, Cardinal Egan, has issued a letter re-affirming the Safe Environment requirements and policies. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here.
New policies regarding electronic communications, internet and computer use -- including the use of social networking sites -- can be downloaded here.
The full Safe Environment Policies can be downloaded here. Frequently Asked Questions about the policies can be found here.
The full Archdiocesan policy regarding sexual misconduct can be found here. A summary of this policy can be found here. The policy summary is also available in Spanish aquí.
