Diocese of SpokaneDiocese of Spokane

Safe Environment Safe Environment Program for Children Program for Children

and Youthand YouthSafe Environment Workshop for Pastors, Safe Safe Environment Workshop for Pastors, Safe

Environment Coordinators, DREs, and School Environment Coordinators, DREs, and School PrincipalsPrincipals

2014-20152014-2015

Let Us Pray!Let Us Pray!

Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.Where there is hatred, let me sow love;where there is injury, pardon;where there is doubt, faith;where there is despair, hope;where there is darkness, light;and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seekto be consoled as to console;to be understood as to understand;to be loved as to love.For it is in giving that we receive;it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

TEN POINTS FOR PROTECTING TEN POINTS FOR PROTECTING CHILDRENCHILDREN

Teresa M. KettelkampTeresa M. KettelkampExecutive DirectorExecutive DirectorSecretariat of Child and Youth ProtectionSecretariat of Child and Youth Protection

1.1. Sexual molestation is about the victim. Sexual molestation is about the victim. Many people are affected when Many people are affected when a priest abuses a minor, but the individual most impacted is the victim who a priest abuses a minor, but the individual most impacted is the victim who has suffered a violation of trust that can affect his or her entire life. The has suffered a violation of trust that can affect his or her entire life. The abuser, the family of the abused, and the parish community are all affected abuser, the family of the abused, and the parish community are all affected by this sin and crime, but the primary person of concern must be the victim. by this sin and crime, but the primary person of concern must be the victim.

2.2. No one has the right to have access to children. No one has the right to have access to children. If people wish to If people wish to volunteer for the church, for example, in a parish or school, they must volunteer for the church, for example, in a parish or school, they must follow diocesan guidelines on background checks, safe environment follow diocesan guidelines on background checks, safe environment training, policies and procedures, and codes of conduct. No one, no matter training, policies and procedures, and codes of conduct. No one, no matter who they are, has an automatic right to be around children or young people who they are, has an automatic right to be around children or young people who are in the care of the church without proper screening and without who are in the care of the church without proper screening and without following the rules. following the rules.

3.3. Common sense is not all that commonCommon sense is not all that common. It is naive to presume . It is naive to presume that people automatically know boundaries so organizations and that people automatically know boundaries so organizations and families have to spell them out. For example, no youth minister, families have to spell them out. For example, no youth minister, cleric or other adult leader should be in a child’s bedroom, alone cleric or other adult leader should be in a child’s bedroom, alone with the child. with the child.

4.4. Child sexual abuse can be preventedChild sexual abuse can be prevented. Awareness that child . Awareness that child sexual abuse exists and can exist anywhere is a start. It is then sexual abuse exists and can exist anywhere is a start. It is then critical to build safety barriers around children and young people to critical to build safety barriers around children and young people to keep them from harm. These barriers come in the form of protective keep them from harm. These barriers come in the form of protective guardians, codes of conduct, background evaluations, policies and guardians, codes of conduct, background evaluations, policies and procedures, and safety training programs.  procedures, and safety training programs. 

5.5. The residual effects of having been abused can last a lifetimeThe residual effects of having been abused can last a lifetime. . Those who have been abused seldom “just get over it.” The sense Those who have been abused seldom “just get over it.” The sense of violation goes deep into a person’s psyche and feelings of anger, of violation goes deep into a person’s psyche and feelings of anger, shame, hurt and betrayal can build long after the abuse has taken shame, hurt and betrayal can build long after the abuse has taken place. Some have even described the feeling as if it has “scarred place. Some have even described the feeling as if it has “scarred their soul.” their soul.”

6.6. Feeling heard leads toward healingFeeling heard leads toward healing. . Relief from hurt and anger often Relief from hurt and anger often comes when one feels heard, when one’s pain and concerns are taken comes when one feels heard, when one’s pain and concerns are taken seriously, and a victim/survivor’s appropriate sense of rage and indignation seriously, and a victim/survivor’s appropriate sense of rage and indignation are acknowledged. Not being acknowledged contributes to a victim’s sense are acknowledged. Not being acknowledged contributes to a victim’s sense of being invisible, unimportant and unworthy; they are in some way of being invisible, unimportant and unworthy; they are in some way “revictimized.” “revictimized.”

7.7. You cannot always predict who will be an abuserYou cannot always predict who will be an abuser. Experience shows . Experience shows that most abuse is at the hands of someone who has gained the trust of a that most abuse is at the hands of someone who has gained the trust of a victim/survivor and his/her family. Most abuse also occurs in the family victim/survivor and his/her family. Most abuse also occurs in the family setting. Sometimes the “nicest person in the world” is an abuser, and this setting. Sometimes the “nicest person in the world” is an abuser, and this “niceness” enables a false sense of trust to be created between abuser and “niceness” enables a false sense of trust to be created between abuser and abused. abused.

8.8. There are behavioral warning signs of child abusersThere are behavioral warning signs of child abusers. Training and . Training and education help adults recognize grooming techniques that are precursors to education help adults recognize grooming techniques that are precursors to abuse.  Some abusers isolate a potential victim by giving him or her undue abuse.  Some abusers isolate a potential victim by giving him or her undue attention or lavish gifts. Another common grooming technique is to allow attention or lavish gifts. Another common grooming technique is to allow young people to participate in activities which their parents or guardians young people to participate in activities which their parents or guardians would not approve, such as watching pornography, drinking alcohol, using would not approve, such as watching pornography, drinking alcohol, using drugs, and excessive touching, which includes wrestling and tickling.  It is drugs, and excessive touching, which includes wrestling and tickling.  It is also critical to be wary of age-inappropriate relationships, seen, for example, also critical to be wary of age-inappropriate relationships, seen, for example, in the adult who is more comfortable with children than fellow adults.  in the adult who is more comfortable with children than fellow adults.  Parishes can set up rules to guide interaction between adults and children. Parishes can set up rules to guide interaction between adults and children.

9.9. People can be taught to identify grooming behavior People can be taught to identify grooming behavior – which are – which are the actions which abusers take to project the image that they are kind, the actions which abusers take to project the image that they are kind, generous, caring people, while their intent is to lure a minor into an generous, caring people, while their intent is to lure a minor into an inappropriate relationship. An abuser may develop a relationship with inappropriate relationship. An abuser may develop a relationship with the family to increase his credibility. Abusers might show attention to the family to increase his credibility. Abusers might show attention to the child by talking to him/her, being friendly, sharing alcohol with a the child by talking to him/her, being friendly, sharing alcohol with a minor and giving the child “status” by insinuating that the child is their minor and giving the child “status” by insinuating that the child is their favorite or “special person.” Offenders can be patient and may favorite or “special person.” Offenders can be patient and may “groom” their victim, his or her family, or community for years. “groom” their victim, his or her family, or community for years.

10.10. Background checks workBackground checks work.. Background checks in churches, schools Background checks in churches, schools and other organizations keep predators away from children both and other organizations keep predators away from children both because they scare off some predators and because they uncover because they scare off some predators and because they uncover past actions which should ban an adult from working or volunteering past actions which should ban an adult from working or volunteering with children. If an adult has had difficulty with some boundaries that with children. If an adult has had difficulty with some boundaries that society sets, such as not driving while intoxicated or not disturbing the society sets, such as not driving while intoxicated or not disturbing the public peace, he or she may have difficulties with other boundaries, public peace, he or she may have difficulties with other boundaries, such as not hurting a child. Never forget that offenders lie. such as not hurting a child. Never forget that offenders lie.

What do we need to do to What do we need to do to implement the Diocesan Safe implement the Diocesan Safe Environment Program in our Environment Program in our

parish/school?parish/school?

There are definitely many tasks that need There are definitely many tasks that need to be accomplished at the local and to be accomplished at the local and diocesan levels in order to meet the diocesan levels in order to meet the requirements of the Charter for a Safe requirements of the Charter for a Safe Environment for Children and Youth; but Environment for Children and Youth; but they can be accomplished, if we work they can be accomplished, if we work together!together!

Safe Environment CoordinatorSafe Environment Coordinator

The pastor annually must designate one person The pastor annually must designate one person to coordinate the Safe Environment Program for to coordinate the Safe Environment Program for the parish and school. The name, address, the parish and school. The name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address of this telephone number, and e-mail address of this person should be sent to the Diocesan Office of person should be sent to the Diocesan Office of Education as soon as possible (Form 302).Education as soon as possible (Form 302).

jmartin@dioceseofspokane.org

Safe Environment Trainings for Adults:Safe Environment Trainings for Adults:

1.1. Clergy and EmployeesClergy and Employees

2.2. Adult VolunteersAdult Volunteers

Sexual Harassment, Exploitation, Sexual Harassment, Exploitation, and Abuse Prevention Trainings and Abuse Prevention Trainings

All new clergy and new employees are required to All new clergy and new employees are required to participate in one of the monthly Diocesan Safe participate in one of the monthly Diocesan Safe Environment Trainings for Clergy and Employees Environment Trainings for Clergy and Employees (Sexual Harassment, Exploitation, and Abuse Prevention (Sexual Harassment, Exploitation, and Abuse Prevention Training) at the Catholic Pastoral Center, have a Training) at the Catholic Pastoral Center, have a background check, read and sign a copy of the Spokane background check, read and sign a copy of the Spokane Diocesan Code of Conduct, and complete a Diocesan Code of Conduct, and complete a Disclosure StatementDisclosure Statement

Adult VolunteersAdult Volunteers

All volunteers who work with children or All volunteers who work with children or youth are required to participate in an youth are required to participate in an initial Safe Environment Training for Adult initial Safe Environment Training for Adult Volunteers (Code of Conduct Training), Volunteers (Code of Conduct Training), have a WSP or Nexus-Lexus (Choice have a WSP or Nexus-Lexus (Choice Point) background check, read and sign a Point) background check, read and sign a copy of the Spokane Diocesan Code of copy of the Spokane Diocesan Code of Conduct, and complete a Disclosure Conduct, and complete a Disclosure StatementStatement

The Safe Environment Training for Adult The Safe Environment Training for Adult Volunteers (Code of Conduct Training)Volunteers (Code of Conduct Training)

The Diocesan Safe Environment Training The Diocesan Safe Environment Training for Adult Volunteers (Code of Conduct for Adult Volunteers (Code of Conduct Training) consists of three major Training) consists of three major components:components:

1.1. The Child Sexual Abuse Presentation The Child Sexual Abuse Presentation (power point on website)(power point on website)

2.2. Reading and Discussing the Diocesan Reading and Discussing the Diocesan Code of Conduct (Form 203)Code of Conduct (Form 203)

3.3. Viewing the Viewing the Entrusted to Our CareEntrusted to Our Care video video (website)(website)

Parish/School Code of Conduct Parish/School Code of Conduct TrainingTraining

All volunteer training materials can be All volunteer training materials can be accessed on our diocesan website:accessed on our diocesan website:

1.1. Power Point Presentation; Power Point Presentation; 2.2. Code of Conduct; Code of Conduct; 3.3. Video: Entrusted to Our Care.Video: Entrusted to Our Care.

http://www.dioceseofspokane.org/children.phphttp://www.dioceseofspokane.org/children.php

Code of ConductCode of Conduct

The Diocesan Code of Conduct (Form The Diocesan Code of Conduct (Form 203/203A) is available in English and Spanish 203/203A) is available in English and Spanish on the Diocesan website at on the Diocesan website at www.dioceseofspokane.org. www.dioceseofspokane.org.

Just click on: Protecting Our ChildrenJust click on: Protecting Our Children

Entrusted to Our CareEntrusted to Our Care

The Entrusted to Our CareThe Entrusted to Our Care video was provided to all video was provided to all parishes and schools. It is a video response to the parishes and schools. It is a video response to the Diocesan Code of Conduct. Diocesan Code of Conduct.

This video is available to you in DVD format only. This This video is available to you in DVD format only. This format contains both English and Spanish versions. The format contains both English and Spanish versions. The video also is available on our diocesan website.video also is available on our diocesan website.

WSP Background CheckWSP Background Check

All clergy, employees and volunteers must All clergy, employees and volunteers must have a Washington State Patrol have a Washington State Patrol Background check Background check before they begin before they begin work with children or youthwork with children or youth. Parishes . Parishes and schools are now required to set up an and schools are now required to set up an online account with the Washington State online account with the Washington State Patrol to process ALL WSP background Patrol to process ALL WSP background checks for volunteers.checks for volunteers.

Moving In From Out Of State?Moving In From Out Of State?

All employees (other than school) or volunteers who All employees (other than school) or volunteers who have have NOTNOT lived continuously in the State of Washington lived continuously in the State of Washington for the past three years, must have an out-of-state for the past three years, must have an out-of-state background check which is conducted through the background check which is conducted through the Diocesan Office of Education. The cost for this check will Diocesan Office of Education. The cost for this check will be between $6.00 and $10.00. be between $6.00 and $10.00.

Moving In From Out Of State?Moving In From Out Of State?

All new employees (not school) and volunteers who have All new employees (not school) and volunteers who have not lived in the State of Washington anytime during the not lived in the State of Washington anytime during the last three years must complete Section 2 of the Safe last three years must complete Section 2 of the Safe Environment Consent and Training Summary form (Form Environment Consent and Training Summary form (Form 303). Email, mail, or fax the signed form to the Diocesan 303). Email, mail, or fax the signed form to the Diocesan Office of Education. We will send a copy of the clearance Office of Education. We will send a copy of the clearance and an invoice back to the parish/school after the and an invoice back to the parish/school after the background check has been completed.background check has been completed.

Diocesan Office of EducationDiocesan Office of EducationP.O. Box 1453P.O. Box 1453

Spokane WA, 99210-1453Spokane WA, 99210-1453FAX: (509) 358-7302FAX: (509) 358-7302

FBI Fingerprint CheckFBI Fingerprint Check

All school employees are required to have an FBI All school employees are required to have an FBI Fingerprint Background check. Employees will be given Fingerprint Background check. Employees will be given directions and materials for this background check when directions and materials for this background check when they attend the New Employee Orientation. Fingerprint they attend the New Employee Orientation. Fingerprint cards are also available in the school offices.cards are also available in the school offices.

Establishing a Washington State Patrol Establishing a Washington State Patrol Background Check AccountBackground Check Account

https://fortress.wa.gov/wsp/watch/Help?Index=forms

Washington State PatrolWashington State Patrol

Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH)Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH)

New Account/User ApplicationNew Account/User Application

Check: New AccountCheck: New Account

Check: NonprofitCheck: NonprofitComplete Application and mail or fax with proof of nonprofit status Complete Application and mail or fax with proof of nonprofit status

WATCHWATCH

Identification & Criminal History SectionIdentification & Criminal History Section

P.O. Box 42633P.O. Box 42633

Olympia, WA 98504-2633Olympia, WA 98504-2633

Establishing a Washington State Patrol Establishing a Washington State Patrol Background Check AccountBackground Check Account

There is not a fee for There is not a fee for nonprofits!!!nonprofits!!!

Background CheckBackground Check

Background checks for all Background checks for all clergy, employees, and clergy, employees, and

volunteers must volunteers must

be conducted be conducted

EVERY FIVE YEARSEVERY FIVE YEARS

https://fortress.wa.gov/wsp/watchhttps://fortress.wa.gov/wsp/watch•Scroll to bottom of the pageScroll to bottom of the page•Click on “Login using a Pre-Established Click on “Login using a Pre-Established Account”Account”

Account

User Name

Password

WATCHWATCH

ConfidentialityConfidentiality

It is extremely important that those It is extremely important that those conducting background checks maintain a conducting background checks maintain a high level of confidentiality. Information high level of confidentiality. Information regarding the volunteer or the WATCH regarding the volunteer or the WATCH findings may never be shared with anyone findings may never be shared with anyone other that the appropriate administrator other that the appropriate administrator (pastor, principal, DRE, youth minister, etc.)(pastor, principal, DRE, youth minister, etc.)

WATCH Findings WATCH Findings

A copy of A copy of ALLALL potential criminal findings potential criminal findings must be given to the pastor and a copy be must be given to the pastor and a copy be sent to the Diocesan Office of Education sent to the Diocesan Office of Education with the with the Safe Environment Background Consent & Training Summary Form 303.

WATCH FindingsWATCH Findings

When presented with information regarding When presented with information regarding a volunteer with a possible criminal a volunteer with a possible criminal background, it is the pastor’s responsibility background, it is the pastor’s responsibility to determine whether or not this individual to determine whether or not this individual may be permitted to volunteer with children may be permitted to volunteer with children and/or youth. The Diocesan Code of and/or youth. The Diocesan Code of Conduct should be the primary guide.Conduct should be the primary guide.

Disclosure StatementDisclosure Statement

All new clergy, employees, and volunteers are required All new clergy, employees, and volunteers are required to complete a Disclosure Statement (form 206/206A), to complete a Disclosure Statement (form 206/206A), indicating whether they have or have not been convicted indicating whether they have or have not been convicted of a crime against person. A copy of the Disclosure of a crime against person. A copy of the Disclosure Statement can be found on the Diocesan website: Statement can be found on the Diocesan website:

http://www.dioceseofspokane.org/children.php http://www.dioceseofspokane.org/children.php

After Conducting a Safe Environment Training for Adult After Conducting a Safe Environment Training for Adult

Volunteers (Code of Conduct Training), PleaseVolunteers (Code of Conduct Training), Please::

Maintain all hard copies or digital copies (PDF) of the training roster (Form 201), the signed training certificate (Form 202), the signed Code of Conduct (Form 203), the signed Safe Environment Background Consent and Training Summary (Form 303), and a signed Disclosure Statement (Form 206) for all volunteers.

Mail a hard copy or email a digitally scanned copy (PDF) of all training rosters (Form 201) to the Office of Education.

Complete Section 3 of the Safe Environment Background Consent & Training Summary (Form 303) for each individual containing the signed consent to conduct a background check, the date of training, the date of the signed Code of Conduct, the date of a signed Disclosure Statement, and the date of the WSP background clearance and email/mail that document to the Office of Education.

Attach a copy of all possible criminal matches found on the Washington State History Depository to the individual training summary form before sending it to the diocesan office.

All of These Forms Can Be Found on the All of These Forms Can Be Found on the Diocesan websiteDiocesan website

http://www.dioceseofspokane.org/children.php

Annual Online UpdateAnnual Online UpdateAfter completing an initial Safe Environment Training all After completing an initial Safe Environment Training all clergy, employees, and volunteers are required to clergy, employees, and volunteers are required to complete an Annual Online Update between July 1 and complete an Annual Online Update between July 1 and November 1. This update consists of reading an article November 1. This update consists of reading an article regarding a Safe Environment topic, passing a ten regarding a Safe Environment topic, passing a ten question online quiz pertaining to the article, and question online quiz pertaining to the article, and

reviewing the Diocesan Code of Conduct reviewing the Diocesan Code of Conduct

(Question 11). (Question 11).

ETSETSETS is the Diocesan Safe Environment Tracking/Training ETS is the Diocesan Safe Environment Tracking/Training System. After a member of the clergy, an employee or System. After a member of the clergy, an employee or a volunteer completes an initial Safe Environment a volunteer completes an initial Safe Environment Training, she/he is assigned an identification number, Training, she/he is assigned an identification number, which is then recorded by the Diocesan Office of which is then recorded by the Diocesan Office of Education into the ETS according to parish, school, or Education into the ETS according to parish, school, or location.location.

How Do I Access the ETS SystemHow Do I Access the ETS System

All parishes, schools, and other entities have been All parishes, schools, and other entities have been assigned an administrator ETS Username and assigned an administrator ETS Username and Password. These are available through the Diocesan Password. These are available through the Diocesan Office of Education. Office of Education.

ETS LOGINETS LOGIN

Login to ETS Admin:Login to ETS Admin:

http://ets.dioceseofspokane.org/login/loginadmin

Enter your USERNAME and PASSWORD.Enter your USERNAME and PASSWORD.

St. George ParishUSERNAME: SGP

PASSWORD: 111Ministry

How Do Volunteers and Employees Access the How Do Volunteers and Employees Access the Annual Online Update?Annual Online Update?

Go to the Diocesan Website, select Protecting our Children, select Annual Online Update from the menu

Or go here:

http://ets.dioceseofspokane.org/login/loginassessmenthttp://ets.dioceseofspokane.org/login/loginassessment

Enter your ID# Enter your ID# Enter the password: Ministry (capital M) Enter the password: Ministry (capital M)

Click on Protecting Our ChildrenClick on Protecting Our Children

……and then click on Annual Online Updateand then click on Annual Online Update

Online Article and QuizOnline Article and Quiz

After reading the article and taking the ten question After reading the article and taking the ten question online quiz, volunteers and employees must also online quiz, volunteers and employees must also indicate that they have read the Diocesan Code of indicate that they have read the Diocesan Code of Conduct (Question 11). All ten questions must be Conduct (Question 11). All ten questions must be answered correctly on the quiz before the system will answered correctly on the quiz before the system will update, but an individual can take the quiz as many update, but an individual can take the quiz as many times as necessary in order to pass it.times as necessary in order to pass it.

Online Training Online Training

EVERYONE who has had the initial adult safe EVERYONE who has had the initial adult safe environment training is now required to complete the environment training is now required to complete the online training and test annually between July 1 and online training and test annually between July 1 and November 1. November 1.

Anyone who is NOT current by Anyone who is NOT current by November 1November 1 will become noncompliant, will become noncompliant, and he/she may not be permitted to and he/she may not be permitted to continue employment or volunteer with continue employment or volunteer with children.children.

Online Training Online Training

It is the responsibility of the It is the responsibility of the parish/school safe environment parish/school safe environment coordinator to notify all parish/school coordinator to notify all parish/school employees and volunteers about the employees and volunteers about the annual online training and to monitor annual online training and to monitor the ETS website to insure that all the ETS website to insure that all employees and volunteers are employees and volunteers are compliant with training requirements.compliant with training requirements.

Safe Environment FilesSafe Environment FilesThe Diocesan Office of Education now only maintains a The Diocesan Office of Education now only maintains a digital file for all volunteers who work with children and digital file for all volunteers who work with children and youth, all clergy, and all employees. These files contain:youth, all clergy, and all employees. These files contain:

Safe Environment Background Consent & Training Summary (Form 303) form for anyone who has been trained.

Background check results for those who have lived out of state.

Training rosters for all trainings conducted by the parishes, schools, entities, and the Office of Education.

What about the education program What about the education program for children and youth?for children and youth?

All children and youth involved in parish/school programs must participate annually in a Personal Safety/Safe Environment Program at the parish/school.

It is no longer acceptable to presume that the children are receiving this training at their public schools.

Materials for the Student Safe Materials for the Student Safe Environment ProgramEnvironment Program

Every parish and school in the diocese is expected to Every parish and school in the diocese is expected to use the VIRTUS Online Touching Safety Program for all use the VIRTUS Online Touching Safety Program for all children and youth (Grades K to 12) who are registered children and youth (Grades K to 12) who are registered in formal programs. VIRTUS Online Touching Safety in formal programs. VIRTUS Online Touching Safety Program was created for four specific age groups: Program was created for four specific age groups:

Grades K through 2Grades K through 2 Grades 3 through 5Grades 3 through 5 Grades 6 through 8Grades 6 through 8 Grades 9 through 12Grades 9 through 12

Touching Safety Program ThemesTouching Safety Program Themes

Year 1: Year 1: Lesson 1Lesson 1 Touching Safety RulesTouching Safety RulesLesson 2Lesson 2 Safe Friends, Safe Safe Friends, Safe

Adults, and Safe Adults, and Safe TouchesTouches

Year 2:Year 2: Lesson 3Lesson 3 BoundariesBoundariesLesson 4Lesson 4 Telling Someone You Telling Someone You

TrustTrustYear 3:Year 3: Lesson 5Lesson 5 GroomingGrooming

Lesson 6Lesson 6 No SecretsNo Secrets

Virtus For Children and YouthVirtus For Children and Youth

The Virtus Program for children and youth also has an The Virtus Program for children and youth also has an introductory video which should be shown before the introductory video which should be shown before the initial lesson each year. A copy of this DVD video was initial lesson each year. A copy of this DVD video was provided to all parishes and schools. If you do not have a provided to all parishes and schools. If you do not have a copy of the video and/or you need copies of the lessons, copy of the video and/or you need copies of the lessons, please contact Jackie: please contact Jackie: jmartin@dioceseofspokane.org

Supplementary Materials for the Supplementary Materials for the Student Safe Environment ProgramStudent Safe Environment Program

There are numerous supplementary materials available There are numerous supplementary materials available for teaching the Personal Safety/Safe Environment for teaching the Personal Safety/Safe Environment Curriculum to our children and youth; but please Curriculum to our children and youth; but please remember that these are supplementary. The Virtus remember that these are supplementary. The Virtus materials are the required Safe Environment Training materials are the required Safe Environment Training materials for children and youth.materials for children and youth.

Reporting AbuseReporting Abuse

Every child/youth MUST know how to report suspected abuse to a safe adult.

This is an absolute component for all trainings!This is an absolute component for all trainings!

Agreement for Youth Working Agreement for Youth Working with Minors: Form 105with Minors: Form 105

This form has two primary purposes:This form has two primary purposes:1.1. It is an educational tool to help youth better understand It is an educational tool to help youth better understand

their responsibilities as supervisors of younger children.their responsibilities as supervisors of younger children.

2.2. It formalizes the youth’s responsibility to uphold and It formalizes the youth’s responsibility to uphold and implement the Diocesan Code of Conduct when working implement the Diocesan Code of Conduct when working with younger children.with younger children.

Safe Environment Education Safe Environment Education Annual Reporting Forms Annual Reporting Forms

Parishes/schools are required annually to report to the Diocesan Office of Education, the names of all students in their programs and the date that they were trained, the names of the students who were absent during the trainings, the names of the students whose parents denied permission for them to participate in the training, the materials used, and the names of the presenters.

Safe Environment Education Safe Environment Education Annual Reporting Forms Annual Reporting Forms

We need to know the identity of each child/youth, the annual training dates, whether the parents chose to have their child opt-out of the training, or whether the child was absent on the day(s) of the training, or whether the child/youth has withdrawn from the program (form 101)

http://www.dioceseofspokane.org/children.php

Safe Environment Training For StudentsSafe Environment Training For StudentsLast

NameFirst Name

Grade 2014-2015 Date(s) Trained

2014-2015

Opt-out2014-2015

Absent2014-2015

No Longer in Program

Total

An Excel version of Form 101can be An Excel version of Form 101can be obtained from Jackie Martin atobtained from Jackie Martin at

jmartin@dioceseofspokane.orgjmartin@dioceseofspokane.org

Parental Parental Denial of Permission and Absence Denial of Permission and Absence Form 106Form 106

When parents choose to “Opt-Out” their children from When parents choose to “Opt-Out” their children from the Safe Environment Program, you MUST receive a the Safe Environment Program, you MUST receive a signed Opt-Out form (Parental Denial of Permission signed Opt-Out form (Parental Denial of Permission Form 106) from them for each child. If they refuse to sign Form 106) from them for each child. If they refuse to sign a form, you MUST complete a form for the child/youth a form, you MUST complete a form for the child/youth and indicate that the parent refused to sign the form.and indicate that the parent refused to sign the form.

Opt-OutOpt-OutParental Denial of Permission Form 106Parental Denial of Permission Form 106

In addition to the “Opt-Out” form, you MUST offer the In addition to the “Opt-Out” form, you MUST offer the Safe Environment Training materials to the parents for Safe Environment Training materials to the parents for them to use with their children at home, and you need to them to use with their children at home, and you need to maintain a copy of both the “Opt-Out” Form 106 and the maintain a copy of both the “Opt-Out” Form 106 and the letter that you sent to the parents indicating the materials letter that you sent to the parents indicating the materials offer.offer.

Student AbsenceStudent AbsenceForm 106Form 106

If a child is absent on the day(s) that the If a child is absent on the day(s) that the Safe Environment lesson(s) are taught. Safe Environment lesson(s) are taught. You are required to either offer the You are required to either offer the lesson(s) on an alternative date for that lesson(s) on an alternative date for that child or send the materials home so that child or send the materials home so that the parents can provide the training. You the parents can provide the training. You MUST keep a copy of Form 106 that MUST keep a copy of Form 106 that accompanied the materials to the child’s accompanied the materials to the child’s home.home.

Safe Environment Education for Safe Environment Education for ParentsParents

Parishes/schools also are encouraged to offer a separate annual safe environment training for parents. The video, “What Do I Say Now”, is an excellent resource for this training.

Pastor’s Letter to BishopPastor’s Letter to Bishop

Pastors are required to Pastors are required to annually submit a letter to the submit a letter to the bishop of the diocese, stating that they have received or bishop of the diocese, stating that they have received or have access to the safe environment materials, and they have access to the safe environment materials, and they have implemented the Diocesan Safe Environment have implemented the Diocesan Safe Environment Program for Children and Youth in their parishes and Program for Children and Youth in their parishes and schools (form 302).schools (form 302).

Annual Safe Environment Audit Annual Safe Environment Audit The USCCB annually contracts with an auditing firm The USCCB annually contracts with an auditing firm to conduct a national audit of to conduct a national audit of ALLALL dioceses and dioceses and eparchies in the United States. In 2014 we will be eparchies in the United States. In 2014 we will be visited during the week of November 17th by an visited during the week of November 17th by an auditor(s) from Stonebridge Business Partners. auditor(s) from Stonebridge Business Partners. They will audit the 2013-2014 safe environment They will audit the 2013-2014 safe environment records. Some parishes and schools also may be records. Some parishes and schools also may be visited by the auditor(s) during that week. The visited by the auditor(s) during that week. The pastor and the safe environment coordinator will be pastor and the safe environment coordinator will be asked to show proof that the parish/school is asked to show proof that the parish/school is compliant with the USCCB Charter.compliant with the USCCB Charter.

Annual Safe Environment Audit Annual Safe Environment Audit

What should you expect?What should you expect? What do you need to do to insure What do you need to do to insure

compliance?compliance?

Instructions, Checklist, Guidelines for Pastors, School Administrators, and Safe Environment Coordinators

Pastors have overall responsibility to ensure that all new Clergy and employees attend the Diocesan Safe Environment/Sexual Harassment monthly training within 30 days of hire. Pastors are also accountable for ensuring that employees and volunteers (who work with children) in their assigned parish or area, complete the requirements

for employees/volunteers outlined.  

However, all employees and volunteers MUST have a background check before they begin their work with children.

Additionally the Pastor must:1. Complete the Pastors Letter (form 302) annually in each

parish or assigned areas and return it to the Diocesan Office of Education no later than October 1 of each year.

2. Complete the top portion of the form stating that he has access to the Safe Environment and Virtus Program materials and will implement the programs during the audit year (July 1-June 30).

3. Identify a Safe Environment Program Coordinator for each parish or school and complete the contact information by October 1st annually.

4. If a parish will not have any programs for children/youth or any new volunteers the Pastor completes the lower portion of the Pastor’s Letter.

Additionally the Pastor must:5. Work with the coordinator to ensure that all components

and data requirements are completed and sent to the Diocesan Office of Education as required.

6. Assure that all clergy, employees and volunteers have completed all requirements and are listed in the ETS.

7. Ensure that required rosters, letters, etc. are maintained in the parish files and accessible for audit if necessary.

Responsibilities of the Safe (SEC) Environment Coordinator

It is the responsibility of the Safe Environment Coordinator to work with the Pastor to ensure:

1.That 2 Virtus Lessons are presented for all children/youth who are enrolled or attend any parish program during the audit year.

2.That any parents who choose not to have their child(ren) attend the Virtus training, sign “opt out” letters (form 106/106a) and these letters are maintained in the parish files.

Responsibilities of the Safe (SE) Environment Coordinator

3. That parents of children who are absent during the Virtus training are sent a letter offering them the Virtus lessons to train their own children (for 106/106a). A copy of the letter and lists of the parents who received the letter are to be maintained in the parish files.

4. That records of training and attendance (form 101/101a) are completed and copies sent to the Diocesan Office of Education as soon as all trainings are completed, but NO LATER than May 1 each year.

5. That parents are invited to any Safe Environment trainings provided for adults.

Responsibilities of the SE coordinator for adult employees and volunteers

It also is the responsibility of the Safe Environment Coordinator to work with the Pastor to insure that the ETS is up to date and that all employees and volunteers complete their initial requirements and complete the Annual Online Update between July 1 and November 1 each year.

Those who have not completed the Annual Online Update by November 1 will become noncompliant in ETS. Noncompliant employees and volunteers may not be permitted to continue to minister, work or volunteer in the diocese.

Requirements for Clergy and Employees

All Clergy and Employees must complete and have on file with the Office of Education:Washington State or Out of State Background check (forms 303/303a) *School employees must complete FBI fingerprint check. Signed Disclosure statement (form 206/206a)Initial Safe Environment certificate of training that is provided by the Diocese (form 202)Signed Code of Conduct (form 203/203a)And must complete the Annual Online Update.

Requirements for Volunteers

All volunteers who work with children must complete and have on file at the parish/school: Washington State or Out of State background check (forms 303/303a)Signed Disclosure statement (form 206/206a)Initial Safe Environment certificate of training that is provided by the parish, school or Diocese (form 202)Signed Code of Conduct (form 203/203a)And must complete the Annual Online Update.

SEND or EMAILSEND or EMAILTo the Diocesan OfficeTo the Diocesan Office

Form 302 for each parish/schoolForm 302 for each parish/school Form 303 for each volunteerForm 303 for each volunteer All POSITVE WSP Criminal History All POSITVE WSP Criminal History

ReportsReports

The Safe Environment Training for Adult The Safe Environment Training for Adult Volunteers Power Point can be found on the Volunteers Power Point can be found on the diocesan website at:diocesan website at:

http://www.dioceseofspokane.org/children.phphttp://www.dioceseofspokane.org/children.php

Questions?Questions?

Please contact:Please contact:

Dr. Duane SchaferDr. Duane Schafer dschafer@dioceseofspokane.org dschafer@dioceseofspokane.org

Jackie Martin Jackie Martin jmartin@dioceseofspokane.org jmartin@dioceseofspokane.org

Diocesan Office of EducationDiocesan Office of Education

(509) 358-7330(509) 358-7330

(800) 831-1768(800) 831-1768

Thank you!Thank you!

Thank you for your cooperation and your willingness to Thank you for your cooperation and your willingness to fully implement the Spokane Diocesan Safe Environment fully implement the Spokane Diocesan Safe Environment Program for Children and Youth in your parish and Program for Children and Youth in your parish and school.school.