Safe Environment
The Catholic Church Is Committed to the Safety of Children. Click on the Promise to Protect logo to see why the Chu
rch is one of the safest places for your child to be
Child Protection - Safe Environment
Churches, schools, and youth organizations must ensure that children and youth who worship, study, or participate in activities sponsored by a parish can do so in the safest and most secure setting possible. Parents and caretakers have the right to ask these institutions if they meet the requirements of the Charter before they allow their children to become involved with them.
An effective safe environment program will have the following components:
- •A code of conduct and criminal background check for clergy and for any other paid personnel and volunteers in positions of trust who have regular contact with children and young people.
•Training for all adults who work with children that consists of:
- •Signs an adult may see in a child who is abused
•Signs an adult may see in a person who abuses children
•What actions an adult should take when they believe child abuse of any kind may be occurring
•The laws and policies regarding the reporting of child abuse - •A training program for children that includes age appropriate materials pertaining to personal safety that conforms to Catholic teachings.
Safe Environment Continuing Education
The focus for this year is,“Creating Connections in Our Faith Environment: Safe, Stable, Nurturing Relationships”.
Our parish communities can be the sort of community where “everyone looks out for” our children and where children can encounter positive adults.
We can offer surveillance, supervision, and, above all, influence the values and interests of our youth.
In modeling Christ we show unconditional love, forgiveness, focus on others versus self, show empathy and show dignity and respect for the person.
We are called to model caring:
- There are two kinds of adult role modeling that help teach children to be caring: kindness to others and kindness to the child.
- If you are consistently caring and compassionate, it’s more likely that your children will be, too. Children watch their parents, and other adults, for clues on how to behave.
- Keep in mind that if you say one thing and do another, your children will pay a lot more attention to what you do. The old warning “Do as I say, not as I do” simply does not work, particularly when it comes to teaching about care.
- Try to surround your children with other people who are kind and caring, so that they have several role models.
If you treat your children with respect for their dignity, concern, and regard for their achievements, you help them understand that all living creatures should be treated with dignity and concern.
Safe Environment Coordinator
Pat Mertz
1039 14th Avenue
Sidney, NE 69162
(308) 254-2828
click logo for link to diocesan page
Our Mission
The Diocese of Grand Island Child Protection Office was established in 2005 with its mission to carry out the church's "Promise to Protect" children and youth and "Pledge to Heal" those victimized by sexual abuse.
The office is served by two part time staff with several volunteer Victim Assistance Coordinators who are located across the Diocese.
The office directs Victim Assistance Ministry and Safe Environment Programs for the Diocese of Grand Island.
Staff
Elizabeth A. Heidt Kozisek, Ph.D., Director
cpo@gidiocese.org
Cheryl Albright,
M.S., Outreach Coordinator
calbright@gidiocese.org
Phone:
(308) 382-6565
Fax: (308) 382-6569
E-mail:
cpo@gidiocese.org
St. Patrick's Parish participates in the Safe Environment Program of the Grand Island Diocese.
Staff and volunteers receive on-going education and agree to a background screening.
Children and youth receive on-going education each year.
For more information contact St. Patrick's Safe Environment Coordinators: Pat Mertz or Joan Falcon at 254-2828.
If you, or someone you know, has suffered abuse and are looking for information or support, or to report contact:
* Beth Heidt or Cheryl Albright at the diocesan Child Protection Office
308-382-6565 or
* The DOVES Program 866-953-6837
Espanol 877-215-0167 or
* Local law enforcement
Sidney Police Dept. 254-5515
Sheriff Dept. 254-2922
* Pat at parish office 254-2828
