The Diocese of Charleston is committed to creating a safe environment for children in our care, and to ending child sexual abuse in our community. It is their policy that every adult who wishes to volunteer to work with children under the age of 18 must first take the online “Safe Haven” training session, which is a prevention/risk reduction program.
This training is online only, and takes about 1 ½ hours to complete. It is offered in both English and Spanish.
If you do not have access to a computer, please contact the Staff Member coordinating your ministry in the Parish Office for assistance in taking the training at the church.
The Diocese has also developed the Policy Concerning Allegations of Sexual Misconduct or Abuse of A Minor By Church Personnel (2012) and Code of Conduct For Church Personnel. This document outlines your role and the expectation the Diocese has for you as a volunteer to maintain the safest environment possible for the children in our care.
For abuse to stop, every adult must take responsibility.
Volunteers must also agree to undergo and pass a background screening required by the Diocese of Charleston, as well as sign the Code of Conduct For Church Personnel form and the Acknowledgement of Receipt of the Policy Concerning Allegations of Sexual Misconduct or Abuse of a Minor By Church Personnel (2012).
Links to the required Diocesan forms as well as the Sexual Abuse Policy are listed below. You will find both English and Spanish versions.
Each year, with their parents’ permission, students participate in an age-appropriate Empowering God’s Children – Teaching Safety session that helps them recognize potentially unsafe situations, learn strategies to avoid or respond to unsafe situations, and understand how to seek help from their parents or other trusted adults when they feel unsafe or threatened.
Links to the Lesson Plans are on the right side of this window. You will find both English and Spanish versions.
*Contact Office of Faith Formation for a copy of Student Opt-Out Form.