Safe Environment Program 

Mission Statement

Dedicated to ensuring a culture of safe and respectful conduct in all ministries of the Diocese of Fort Worth, enhancing and protecting the dignity and trust of all God’s people.

A Statement from Bishop Kevin W. Vann:
"On Victim Assistance Ministry & Safe Environment Training"

Introducción a la declaración del Obispo Kevin W. Vann:
"Acerca del Ministerio de Asistencia de Víctimas y el Entrenamiento de Ambiente Seguro"


June 9, 2011 - The offices of Victim Assistance Ministry and Safe Environment work closely together to respond to those who have been sexually abused and to ensure the safety of our parishes and diocesan programs through Safe Environment Training. The following is a statement from Bishop Kevin Vann on the relationship between Victim Assistance Ministry and Safe Environment Training in the Diocese of Fort Worth.

Statement from Bishop Kevin W. Vann

9 de junio de 2011 - Las oficinas del Ministerio de Asistencia de Víctimas y de Ambiente Seguro colaboran estrechamente para responder a los que han sido abusados sexualmente y para garantizar la seguridad de nuestros programas diocesanos y parroquiales mediante el Entrenamiento de Ambiente Seguro. A continuación se encuentra la declaración del Obispo Kevin W. Vann acerca de la relación entre el Ministerio de Asistencia de Víctimas y el Entrenamiento de Ambiente Seguro de la Diócesis de Fort Worth.

La declaración del Obispo Kevin W. Vann

Resources


USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (June 2011)
USCCB Keeping Our Promise to Protect Resource (April 2010)
Keeping Our Promise to Protect Articles
Praesidium Safety Bulletin: Focus on Youth Sports
Abuse Prevention Kit (English & Spanish)
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (Resource Links)

Safe Environment Program


Recognize, Respond, Refer Brochure
Reconocer, Responder, Referir Folleto
Nhan Biet Phan Ung Chuyen Den

Creating a safe environment for children and young people is a diocesan priority. Article 12 of the US Bishops’ document, The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, requires U.S. dioceses to establish "safe environment programs" and gives the necessary elements of these programs.

The diocesan safe environment program includes:
  • Training for all volunteers regarding the dynamics of abuse and abuse-prevention strategies
    (required every 3 years)
  • Evaluation of the backgrounds of all employees and volunteers
  • Review and signing of the Code of Conduct and Standards of Behavior
Safe Environment Training

All programs require the presence of two adults or one adult and two older teen.
This policy extends to:

  • All Church-sponsored trainings and events regardless of where the programs or activities are held.
  • Catholic school events and activities outside of a regular classroom setting
  • Religious education classes and programs
  • Youth ministry programs and events
  • Liturgy of the Word for children
  • Rite of Christian Initiation adapted for children
  • Babysitting, nursery and child care programs
  • Choirs for children and youth
  • Altar server training
  • Vacation Bible School
  • Scouting

All employees are screened during the interview and hiring process. All new volunteers are to be interviewed and screened. The interview and screening packet for volunteers is available here.

Links

Contacts

Judy Locke
Director of Child and Youth Protection
(817) 560-2452, Ext. 201
jlocke@fwdioc.org

Kimberly Flores
Administrative Assistant
(817) 560-2452, ext. 171
kflores@fwdioc.org