The Office of Safe Environment is responsible for educating all clergy, members of a religious order, parish and diocesan employees, including those who have no contact with children, young people, or vulnerable adults; and adult volunteers whose ministry or role places them in regular contact with children, young people, or vulnerable adults about the prevention of sexual abuse. The required Safe Environment training also teaches attendees how to recognize predatory behaviors, and review proper boundaries, and maintain a culture of awareness, knowledge, and vigilance for those entrusted in our care.
***Employees and volunteers under the age of 18, see below.
INITIAL SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING
The diocesan Child and Youth Protection policy requires completing the initial Safe Environment training session (2 hours) upon the assumption of duties, employment, or volunteering for those 18 years of age and older for those who are required to attend the initial Safe Environment Training and undergo a criminal background check. Those individuals are:
- All clergy;
- All members of religious orders;
- All parish and diocesan employees, including those who have no contact with children, young people, or vulnerable adults;
- All adult volunteers whose ministry or role places them in regular contact with children, young people, or vulnerable adults;
- Any adult interested in learning more about child abuse prevention.
***Coaches and substitute teachers are required to complete the credentialing process before the assumption of duties.
To complete the credentialing process, participants must pass a criminal background check.
For more information regarding initial sessions click here.
Contact the Office of Safe Environment for assistance: 315.470.1421 or safeenvironment@syrdio.org.
EMPLOYEES & VOLUNTEERS UNDER THE AGE OF 18
“Protecting God’s Children” is intended for an adult audience only because of the sensitive topic discussed. It is not required for teens under 18 to attend the training session, despite their role within the diocese.
However, if a parent/guardian requests to have their 16 or 17-year-old child attend this training session, the teen may only do so with written parental permission. The teen must bring a completed “Authorization for Teens to Attend Safe Environment Training” to participate in a training session. The permission form can be found here.
No one under the age of 16 is permitted to attend the Safe Environment training.